Good GMAT Overall, Low Quant

[josephdlp]

Hi there. Just finished writing the GMAT and although I am satisfied with my overall score of 710 (92nd), I obtained a really (unusually) low score on the quant part (Q40, 50th), and a really high score on the verbal (Q47, 99th). Not sure what happened. Most of my practice test I was getting about 90% quant and 95% verbal.

My background is mostly quantitative, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill (CGPA 3.7/4), 2 years of investment banking and 3 years of corporate development and investor relations work at a large mining company.

My GMAT test was scheduled close to the round 2 deadline, so its not possible for me to rewrite before round 2. My options are either rewrite and apply to round 3, or apply next year.

I am targeting top b schools (Harvard, Stanford, Insead). Need advice on what to do? I think I can turn on the magic in the essays as I do have a good story to tell, but not sure if my low Quant will make me an easy candidate for the axe.

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

That is a tough situation for sure. The overall is very solid, you are right, but 50th percentile in quant could be a deal breaker for some of those top programs. Certainly it sounds like you have a good profile otherwise, strong GPA and quant experience.

I'm assuming you are 100% sure you can't re-take by R2 deadlines? Because usually you just need to have TAKEN the test by that actual day... if it were at all possible I'd suggest that path especially since you'd been doing well on quant on the practice tests.

You could also apply and include some statements in the optional essay to highlight that you DO have the quant ability to handle b-school as evidenced by xyz, and would be willing to re-take the exam or take additional courses or pre-reqs if required at all. You could even schedule a re-take for early Jan just in case any school would consider it post deadline, though their policy is certainly not to look at those. Round 3 is generally very competitive, but you could go that route as well.

Keep in mind that Stanford specifically is the most competitive program out there-- it has a smaller class size than HBS/INSEAD/others plus the highest average GMAT score, so it it extremely tough to get into even for top-tier applicants. The other schools you mention are also highly competitive. Depending on what schools you'd consider going to, you may want to add another school outside the top 8-10 for better chances of getting in somewhere, or you may decide to wait and apply later to solely those top schools.

Good luck to you! Keep us posted.