Should I write the additional essay?

[mhasson33]

Hi everyone,

I took the GMAT in september and scored a 720 with an uneven split of 43/46 which came out to 64%Q 99%V. My average one practices was around 700 with closer to 75/90. I was planning to retake the exam and try to get my quant up to 80%, but I really didn't have enough time to focus on studying further to get that extra boost.

Given that I got a good overall score on my first attempt, I am thinking it might actually look better if I just went ahead with the application after one attempt with a 720 versus 2 attempts and a potentially worse score. I think there is a risk of not doing substantially better which would verify concerns versus the potential of alleviating them with a positive improvement.

I was a double major Finance/Information Systems from a large state school and graduating Magna Cum Laude with Honors. I have various A+ grades in econ, finance, and accounting classes that should show I can handle the quantitative work load of an MBA program. I am planning to ask one of my former finance professors for a recommendation which will speak to my ability in that regard as well.

My question is, should I address the weak quant directly with the optional essay, or will the recommendation and GPA speak for itself? I don't want to draw unnecessary negative attention if I don't have to.

My goal is to get in to a top 10 program. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[mbamission]

Hi mhasson33,

Given that your overall score is still competitive at top-10 schools, I don't think the optional essay is mandatory for you. Let your resume and your transcript speak for your quant abilities. While having a recommender cite that you are analytically strong is a good move, I advise you to get it from a professional reference, as adcoms usually prefer you not use an academic reference.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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