GMAT Retake Advice

[GMAT13Taker]

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

First of all, I am not the typical MGMAT forum poster. I am not trying to get into a top ten, or even full time MBA program. I am also, at this time, not capable of scoring at 700+ without taking a prep course, which I currently don't have the time for.

My intention is to apply for the part time program at Ohio State, which lists a 620 as the current average GMAT score for the program. Unfortunately for me, this number was listed as 600 only one semester ago.

I took the GMAT this morning and was disappointed in my 590 result. I did poorly on the quant, scoring only in the 36th percentile. I scored in the 79th percentile in the verbal.

I took six practice tests over 3 months, scoring a 620, 620, 610, and 600 on the MGMAT tests, in that order, and two 640's on the GMAT prep tests. The final 640 on my GMAT prep was one week ago. My quant percentiles varied from 36-39 until the last GMATPrep, which was 64 (unsure why the discrepancy). I was hoping that, considering MGMAT quant is normally considered more difficult than the actual GMAT and GMATPrep, I would be near my GMATPrep scores. My pacing was decent, though I did need to submit guesses to the last two questions in the quant.

I spent a lot of time studying for this exam, but unfortunately did not see my quant score rise much over the course of the three months (despite only studying for the quant and a little integrated reasoning!). I am sure that the amount and quality of my studying was what it should have been.

I am very worried about this low quant score for my application. The only thing that may help is 3.0+ grades on all college math courses that I took.

I'm wondering if you think a retake is necessary. I will need to retake the exam as quickly as possible, so very close to after the 31 day rule expires.

I have a 3.6 undergrad GPA with a BS from a respectable Big Ten school, great professional experience (4+ years of project management experience with a top five automaker). I will also have top notch recommendations. The only issues that will hamper my efforts to get accepted into this particular program are my low quant GMAT, my lack of community involvement, and additionally that I am just over the minimum 4 year work experience mark that the program requires.

Anyway, please let me know if you have any advice. I will need to move quickly if I intend to retake, and I am very worried about scoring lower on take two.

Thanks.

[mili]

Hello!

Sorry to hear about the GMAT :( It's pretty common that people score lower than expected on their first take - often due to nerves, test center environment, etc. So, don't feel too badly or think that this is the best you can do. It sounds like you were consistently scoring in the 600+ range prior to test day, so I would think that with a little more preparation, you could hit your target if you took the test. I do fear that a 590 combined with lack of community/ECs could be an issue, so do advise that you retake the exam if possible.

Good luck!
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
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[GMAT13Taker]

Thanks so much for the advice.

[mili]

Sure thing!

Mili

[GMAT13Taker]

So I retook and scored a 640. My Quant score was 37 and my verbal was 40.

I am much happier with this score, although my quant is still low (44th percentile). I have a decent amount of math coursework on my college transcript with good grades, so that should help (Not sure why the GMAT quant has given me so many problems!).

Anyway, based on the information that I provided earlier, would there be any particular concerns about my application? I am out of time for retakes.

Also, maybe you can answer a question for me. I assume that a well balanced GMAT score has the percentile scores in close proximity and the scaled scores being in close proximity is not necessarily considered well balanced?

Thanks.

[mili]

Congrats on the great improvement! As for what makes a balanced score, you're correct that it's about the percentiles. For top programs, we recommend targeting 80th percentile or better on each section.

As for the quant, you could take some finance/accounting courses to supplement your GMAT and transcript. The rest of your profile is fairly strong - the only thing missing is extracurricular and community leadership (e.g., coach soccer team, board member of non profit, etc..)

Good luck!
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com
 
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (16 individual school titles)
 
Download [url=http:// http://info.mbamission.com/MBA-Personal-Statement-Guide/]mbaMission’s Free Personal Statement Guide[/url]
 
Visit the mbaMission Blog
 
Follow mbaMission on Twitter