Is 690 enough for NYU/Columbia?

[jvstin_l]

Hi there

I just took my GMAT today and i got a 690 (50q, 34v), i was quite upset with my the verbal score. I pondering my options right now, I don't know if you should retake or not.

I finished my B.COM degree from Toronto with a 3.3/4.0
Ill be starting with a big 4 auditor in Asia this September for hopefully 2~3 years

Is 690 good enough for Columbia and NYU? or should I consider retaking it

[mbamission]

Hi jvstin_l,

Thanks for writing in. A 690 should be a competitive overall score for the two schools you mention. I think your apprehension about your Verbal score is appropriate though, and that could be seen as a point of weakness in your application. Of course, any point of weakness in the application process can be countered with points of strength.

Since you appear to have a few years before you apply, you may want to spend some time thinking about your application story and how you can use the next 2-3 years in the workforce to fill in the blanks. Then, if you think your GMAT score still sticks out as a weak point, and your practice tests indicate a higher score is within reach, you may want to look into retaking the exam.

Best of luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[jvstin_l]

Thank you the reply Daniel!


I usually score a 36~38 on my verbal on mocks, I ran out of time in the end and that probably affected my verbal.
I have a month before I officially start work, so Ill work on my verbal and take another shot at it while my studying habit is still fresh