Profile Evaluation: To retake GMAT?

[frank_tech1]

Hi,

Target schools: Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, INSEAD, and IMD.

I recently took my first GMAT exam (680; Q 68% (44), v 89% (40)) and am deciding whether I should take another GMAT or go ahead with the application process. Most of my friends say that although my score is less than each of these schools' averages I should focus on writing killer essays rather than spending time on another exam. Having a demanding full-time job means spending 30 hours (out of 120 that I should have until November for R2) on studying GMAT rather than working on the essays. On the other hand, I believe a score of 700 is achievable.

My current thoughts are that my Q score is too low, and that I will not be able to use my grades from college courses to compensate (taking additional courses now is also not a viable option). My work, however, requires intensive use of math (financial modeling and valuation, for example). On the bright side my V score is very high compared to my compatriots and other Asian candidates. I am not sure whether that would be viewed favorably by adcoms as candidates from my country and Asia are generally less expressive due to limited linguistic abilities and, therefore, less contributive to class discussions.

What would be your suggestion? A retake of GMAT?


Additional Information:

Age: 27
GPA: 3.1 (about 85th percentile) from one of the Thailand's best two schools
Work experience: 6.5 years (at matriculation)
Industry: Extensive exposure to banking, corporate finance, M&A and agribusiness.
Employers: European companies
Leadership: Country representative for a regional leadership initiative, Solid leadership roles across international offices. Trusted and promoted to lead most of the staff who are more senior and possess higher qualifications.
I participated in a number of extracurricular activities including volunteer work during college (I have continued the latter, although on a sporadic basis).


Thank you for your help!

[mbamission]

Hi frank_tech1,

Thanks for writing in and sharing those details. You seem to have a very solid grasp of your strengths and weaknesses, which will only help as you write your essays.

As you point out, you are still within the GMAT range of those schools. Since you have limited time to work with, those 30 hours may be put to better use on creating a great story as to why these programs are good for you, and expressing this clearly in your essays. And you definitely want to point out the quantitative responsibilities you have at your job. Additionally, if you think a 700 is your ceiling, 30 hours is a lot of time to invest for a 10-point increase.

Best of luck in your applications,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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