Profile Evaluation

[NicolasS800]

Hello,

My name is Nicolas and I am currently applying to pre-experience masters in finance programs.

Universities: Bocconi, ESADE, IE, LSE, Vanderbilt, and SSE.
Background: International student from Colombia
Major: Economics major with a business concentration at the University of Florida (non-target, but top 10-20 in public schools)
G.P.A: 3.94/4.00
Relevant work experience: consumer banking internship (business analytics) in J.P. Morgan Chase.
Relevant Coursework (Quantitative-heavy Classes): College Algebra (A), Basic Statistics (A), Business Statistics (A-), Econometrics (A), Business Calculus (A), Trigonometry (B+), Business Finance (B+), Operations Management (A), Intermediate Microeconomics (A).

I have taken the GMAT two times and cancelled the first one 520 (Q36/V26). My second GMAT score (660 38Q/42V) is well within my range and the total score's range for the schools I am applying too. Although I feel very happy and proud about my score (since my first prep test was an 480), I am worried about my quant score. I am afraid it is too low (the percentile is awful) What do you think? Is Q38 such a horrible score based on my background? (see above)
I know that for a masters in finance quant skills have to be demonstrated throughout the application. I feel that the rest of my application is very strong. I know that my quant score will definitely not be a strength, but do you think it will be seen as a total weakness?

I know that you might not be an expert in Master's in Finance admissions (hopefully you are), but based on my previous (long history) with the GMAT and my math background, do you think it is worth the time to re take the gmat for a third time and aim for a higher quant score?
I would gladly retake the GMAT, but I have not yet written my application essays and asked for the letters of recommendation since I dedicated the whole summer to the study of the GMAT. I wonder if it is best to move on from the GMAT and focus on the rest of my application.

I appreciate any help or guidance that you can provide.

Thank you, and I hope hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,

Nicolas Suarez Rivera

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi Nicolas,

Thanks for posting. While MBA is definitely our top area of expertise, I and we as a company have worked with Masters of Finance clients too. Overall your grades look great and as you describe, you show evidence of quantitative ability in other parts of your application... it sounds like you are likely ready to be 'done' with the GMAT and that is understandable. Obviously I can't promise 'you'll be fine!' per se, but look at the school averages by program and see how you stack up and how you compare... if you feel it's still a disadvantage you could literally book one more test in 1-2 weeks, do minimal continued prep, and just try for the heck of it.... i.e. worse case you cancel and call it a day if no improvement, best case you increase some more. Food for thought! Good luck!