Need advice : Should I retake the GMAT?

[ronaldramlan]

Hello

I took the GMAT twice and ended up with the same score, but with different composition.
GMAT #1 - 660 (83% total, 93% Q and 52% V)
GMAT #2 - 660 (82% total, 86% Q and 55% V)

I graduated from a leading engineering school in my country, and scored 3.83 for my GPA. I have 7 years of work experience in a global electrical manufacturing company, for which I have taken different roles from technical support engineer to marketing manager. Not until a year I joined my company, I was given the opportunity to participate in an international development program, in which I spent 2 years in China. Nevertheless, I have almost no experience in extracurricular activities.

With two holes in my profile and an intention to start my submission this Fall, I need to either focus my effort on improving my GMAT score or aim my energy at extracurricular/volunteer work. This is why I need your feedback.

As far as the schools I’m targeting, INSEAD and LBS are definitely my first preferences. It is likely that you think that I don’t stand a chance for those schools. In this case, you would probably agree that Oxford, Cambridge and IE should be more viable options? Or, would you recommend that I spend my effort on GMAT to increase my chance on the first two schools?

[mbamission]

Hi Ronald,

Thanks for writing in. Although I don't know much about your reasons for the MBA or what you plan to do post-MBA, I think you need to attack both of these weaknesses. If you start an extracurricular activity now you will have about 8-10 months experience in that activity before you apply, which is better than just starting over the summer.

Your current GMAT is below the medians for all the schools you list, though within the 20-80 range. My concern, though, is the distribution in score. I suggest preparing another attempt at the GMAT with a strong focus on improving your Verbal score, even if it comes at the expense of your Quant.

Good luck!

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[ronaldramlan]

Perhaps I should have shared what I have done before taking each of the GMAT tests. I took my first attempt back in 2008. Prior to taking the test, I have enrolled myself with Kaplan for a private class tutoring. It was a 33-hour class session. Because of a technical issue, I wasted 3 mins on the verbal section and, as a result, got 660.

I was not happy with the result and decided to take a different preparation course, an online one. The program was relatively okay, and I felt confident on my test day. Unlike my first attempt, my second test went out without any technical issue. Surprisingly, I got exactly the same score as I hit the button. I was shocked. For some time I thought that I already reached my limit. I imagine that even if I have to improve my verbal to take another attempt, it will be risky to split my concentration addressing both weaknesses altogether.

With all these in mind, which one do you think I should pursue, if I really have to choose?
If you think that I will be better off focusing my effort to retake the GMAT, how else should I prepare?
Note : I know that you are probably not the best person to consult this matter, but I have addressed this issue in the "General Questions" forum and was advised to get some thoughts from admission consultants.

Some say that taking extracurricular activities right before the admission process poses a negative impression as it would appear as if I participate in such activities only for the sake of meeting the requirements of MBA programs. What do you say?

[mbamission]

Hi again,

If you think a 660 is your ceiling then I would not recommend investing another 20-30 hours in preparing for the GMAT again, as the return will likely be minimal. I don't have any special test prep tricks unfortunately, as my focus is on application profiles, rather than the GMAT itself.

I agree that it can seem "obvious" if you start your volunteer work so close to application season. But if you started today with an organization that you could connect with and create a strong contribution over the next six months, I think the schools will at least take notice. To make your case stronger, look for opportunities where you can contribute ideas and show leadership rather than just follow instructions.

Good luck!