700 Twice

[dsguerra]

Hello,
I have been debating about the following:
I have taken my GMAT three times, the first time I did not study (I was not serious about BSchool) and got a 600 (45q - 29v). After a year I decided to give it another try, I knew that my weakness was sentence correction - I learned english when I was 15 (ESL kid), and my undergrad was in Engineering - so I worked hard on it, and end up getting a 700 (50q and 34v). I have to admit I was a bit disappointed since in the last gmatprep - under full exam conditions - I had scored a 720 (50q - 37v). I did get nervous before the exam, so I know my nerves had something to do with the drop in the score. Anyhow, I figure I should give it one more try, especially since I ended up really liking the exam (I feel that it really helped my grammar skills). I study for another month (After taking a 2 week break) - again I just studied the verbal part - and I improved my reading and critical reasoning skills so that I can spend the extra 15 seconds in sc questions. The week before the exam, I took a gmatprep and I ended up with a 740 (50q 41v). On the day of the exam, I was a bit too nervous again, and unfortunately I ended up with another 700, but this time the breakdown was 48q 38v. I guess my question is: Should I take it one more time? I feel I can get a 50q and a 38v and lock HBS median - 730.
I want to apply to HBS and Wharton.
My stats:
- Undergrad in Electrical Engineering from a top ten US School. GPA 3.0 - EE is pretty though..
- Work in a major Investment Bank in Quantitative Finance Tech (Work about 65hrs a week + extra curr - hence I never really had time to study)
- US under rep minority
- At college I was in the Varsity Soccer Team, and President of a Minority Engineering society.
- I run two leagues now, i manage a small building with 3 families (Not sure if its relevant), and I am the lead of a program that helps economically disadvantaged young adults get their lives on track towards a career (the program has over 30 members).

Any input is welcome!
Sorry for the lengthy post.

Thanks!

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

You have a solid profile from the info you included, though I wasn't clear on how many years of work experience you have, and your 3.0 is a bit of a sore spot even with the top 10 Engineering program. The question of your GMAT is a tough one, but based on all of the info you provided, I wouldn't rule out one more re-take if you have the time/energy/mental state to go for it again, based on your practice test scores. If you do, just aim to take the pressure OFF on test day.... tell yourself it doesn't matter how you do, there are bigger things in the world out there ;), and plus you already got a 700 which is a fairly coveted benchmark. Sometimes when we put too much pressure on ourselves, it can affects our performance and take away some of your mental focus and energy that could be used to focus on the exam. Keep us posted on what you decide and good luck on the application process!

[dsguerra]

Hi,
Thanks a lot for your response. I have the energy, so I will take it again in three weeks. I have been working for 4.5 years. I manage a team of 5 people right now.

Thanks again!

[mbamissionjenK]

Great, good luck and keep us posted!!

Not sure what your plan is but I would probably recommend at least 2 full length practice exams in the meantime, then REALLY take the time to review each in-depth and learn from your mistakes. Last practice test ideally no more than 5-7 days before the actual test to give your brain/body a rest from those long sessions (though can do some light review in last handful of days). (Based on 7 years experience teaching GMAT). Be sure to get plenty of sleep last few nights before, stay hydrated, eat well, etc, it all can make a difference!!