Please evaluate my profile

[Brinz_2015]

Hello,

Thank you for your time. I was hoping to have two questions answered: (1) should I retake the GMAT and (2) what is my handicap for my target schools.

I am a white male and attended BYU, BS accounting. GPA: Overall, 3.85; credits attributing to my major, 4.00. I spent 2 years at a top management consulting firm (not MBB) and am currently at a mm PE firm. H/S/W placement at current firm has been moderate to strong. Post B-school plans are to return to PE and eventually transition to a strategically-focused CFO position at a portfolio or growth company.

GMAT:
First attempt: 700 (47Q,39V), essay 5, IR 6
Second attempt: 720 (46Q,42V), essay 6, IR 8

I am targeting H/S/W for round 1 in 2016.

(1) Should I retake the GMAT?
I feel like I am in a comfortable spot with a 720 overall, but my quant is underwhelming. I would hope that with an 8 IR score, 4.0 in all accounting courses at a top program, and my work experience would displace any doubt I am capable. Should I retake to boost that score, or will I be fine--even competitive-- in the upcoming applicant pool? I have plenty of time to retake but would rather focus on other parts of my application; however, I want to do what's necessary to sure up my profile where I have control.

(2) I understand there is a lot more that goes into the holistic view of my profile, but if you had to handicap probabilities for H/S/W, what would you suggest?

Again, thanks for your help! Happy to provide additional context if necessary.

[mbaMissionKate]

Hi there! Thanks for sharing your profile stats. A 720 is competitive for the top programs. You don't need to retake. Plus your GPA is excellent so that will really help. You could (and should) also plan to write an optional essay about your quant score...it's not a major concern but I think it's worth acknowledging, pointing out the 47 on your first attempt and your IR score + any difficult quant courses you took. As far as retaking...now if you were applying this year that would be one thing, but if you're planning to apply next year, then I might give the GMAT one more shot. A score above 720 could help slightly especially if you are aiming for H/S/W. For instance the acceptance rate at Stanford across the whole applicant pool is about 7%...I've seen some data that says if you want that number to be in the double digits you need a 750+. I'm not saying you need to get a 750, but in an extremely competitive pool such as that, why not do everything you can to make your application as strong as possible? The GMAT is one of the few things that is very much in your control, as you say. Now I think you'd certainly be fine applying with a 720, and your chances depends on a lot of other factors.

Let us know if we can help with anything else!

[Brinz_2015]

Kate, I wanted to post a follow-up to this thread. I did not end up improving my GMAT score and applied with my 720 round 1 2016 to H/S/W/Kellogg. I got into all but Harvard. It was quite shocking that things went so well. I plan to accept at Stanford here soon!! Thanks again for the help!

[mbamissionjenK]

Wow congrats!! Great news! Kate is currently on maternity leave but thanks for the update and wishing you all the best in the future!