Should I retake?

[MBA1]

Dear Admissions Consultant,

I took the test for the first time last Friday and got a 700 (49Q / 35V). While 700 was the end goal all along, I was honestly disappointed as I'd been in the 730 range on the practice tests, and around the 40-42 range on verbal. I'm targeting the top tier schools (HBS, Wharton, GSB, Kellogg, Sloan), do you think it would be worthwhile to put in the extra month of prep to take it again towards the end of August?

I have 3+ years work experience after graduating from a top 25 undergrad. I think my experience will be viewed on the strong side, and should have very good recommendations. Overall, I think I should be a competitive applicant for some or most of those schools. However, I don't want a subpar GMAT score to be the only thing holding me back.

Is it worth it to take it again?

Any advice you could provide would be helpful.

Thanks.

[MBAApply]

Given that 80% of the incoming classes at virtually all top schools is around 660 - 760 (with averages around 700 or so), what makes you think an extra 20-30 points will make a material difference in your candidacy, especially when just about every adcom will publicly say that the GMAT is just one of many things they look at?

Not sure if you've heard this before -- a low GMAT can keep you out, but a high one won't get you in. And your GMAT isn't low. Focus on your written application.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com