Profile Evaluation - 710 GMAT, Harvard grad, Investment Bank

[Anonymous1]

I took the GMAT today and scored 710. I was happy with the overall score but unhappy with my breakdown (97 percentile verbal, 68 percentile quantitative).

I graduated from Harvard undergrad in 2007 and am in my 4th year of investment banking. I was promoted to Associate this summer. I had a 3.5 GPA at Harvard. I took two semesters of calculus at Harvard and made an "A" both semesters.

For business school I am applying to Harvard, Stanford and Wharton in the first round. So, I do not have time to take the GMAT again (I already took it once before, and I improved).

I am considering adding an additional essay to my applications where I say that I believe that making an "A" in two semesters of calculus at Harvard and being promoted to an investment banking Associate is more representatitve of my quantitative ability than my GMAT score.

What do you think of my chances and what do you think of my additional statement? THANKS!

[Anonymous1]

Just to clarify, my scaled score for both quant and verbal was 44.

[mbamission]

Hi John,

I think you're on the right track with that line of thought. When writing an optional essay, keep it short and don't dwell on your shortcomings, simply state your case in a few sentences.

Also focus on what you do in your job that proves you have quantitative skills, not just the fact that you were promoted.

With your strong undergraduate grades and work experience you should be competitive at those schools, although keep in mind that these are the top schools in the country and there will be many candidates with similar profiles. The key is to differentiate yourself with your essays and post-MBA goals.

Best of luck!
Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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