Should I Retake the GMAT (710)?

[the.fifth.dimension]

I took the GMAT a week ago and scored a 710 (Q44, V44). Normally I would be fine with that score (although I have been scoring 720/730 in practice tests). I am, however, rather disappointed with the quantitative score. A score of 44 places me in the 68th percentile.

How detrimental is this low quant score to my overall application? My upper-end in practice tests was 47/48, but I think test-day nerves got to me on a handful of the quant questions. I was hoping for a 45/46 at that point.

I am aiming at the top-tier B-schools (Harvard/Stanford/Wharton/Booth/Kellogg) but probably will not be applying for another few years. I graduated from a top-20 university with a 3.75 GPA in economics. Currently working in finance at a leading global tech company.

I realize my quant score is on the low end, but perhaps I can devote additional effort to other areas of my application (work experience, recommendations, leadership) if they can somehow overshadow this low score. Also, I am hoping the admissions officers can see a solid undergrad GPA and work experience in finance show as a sign that I am reasonably competent in real-world mathematics (most likely had a bit of an off day on the GMAT).

What do you think? Should I stay put with the 710 and not risk a lower score, or re-take in an attempt to boost the quant score? Thanks!

[mbamission]

Hi there,

Thanks for writing in. Since you are a few years away from applying you may want to prepare for the test once more. A 710 will put you in the competitive mix at the top schools, but at that level there will be scrutiny on your Quant score -- ideally you want to crack the 80% mark in both Quant and Verbal. You can absolutely address this deficiency with your work experience and undergraduate academic performance, but since a) you have the time, and b) your practice tests indicate you can perform higher, you may want to retake the GMAT. If you do improve your score, then you've crossed a weakness off your profile, and your strengths will serve you better.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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