Which GMAT to post?

[aleksander_karlsen]

Hi

Can you please give me advice on which of the following GMAT results to report to Columbia?
Score Quant Verbal AWA
Newest GMAT: 690 (88%) 46 (76%) 39 (87%) 6.0 (90%)
Next newest GMAT: 710 (92%) 43 (67%) 45 (98%) 5.0(56%)

I have a quite strong quantitative background: Masters of Science in Finance (50% of subjects with top grade, which only about 10% of students achieved), vast amount of experience with quantitative analysis in occupation, will do first CFA exam in December. My employer also finds I am particularly strong with quantitative analysis. I will use these points to counter the weak GMAT quant score in my optional essay.

Personally I find the 690 test my best one - the scale scores is more even and the AWA is good. Though, the schools do seem to focus a lot on the overall score, and this points in the direction of reporting the 710 score and refer to my improvement in the latest GMAT in the optional essay. Especially so since 690 is very near the minimum 80% median students who got in at Columbia for 2009 MBA (680-760 was score range of 80% median students whom got in).

It is very annoying I could not get out my potential on the latest GMAT: only the AWA score was as I had expected. Though, at least I am lucky enough to be able to counter the weak quant score with my experiences in life and redommendation letters.

What do u think?

I look forward to hearing from you:-)

kind regards Aleksander

[mbamission]

Hi Aleksander -

I'm not sure what more I can add to my answer of Sept. 14, below. But I definitely od understand your dilemma - the 690 is a more balanced score, but schools generally look first and prioritize the topline score, in which case 710. I truly think your best bet is to call the school and ask what they recommend. If you do submit the 710, then I would recommend citing the score breakdown in the 690 test in your additional essay.

Best of luck,

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission

www.mbamission.com/blog