Which GMAT score to use + 3rd GMAT?

[kpcrim]

Based on the information below, my two questions are:

1. Which GMAT score should I use in my applications? In a similar vein, should I submit the same score to every school, or might I benefit from submitting different scores to different schools (i.e., the 700 to one school and the 720 to a different school)?

2. Given that my prep tests went well (GMATPrep was a 760 10 days before the 2nd test) and that I previously achieved a 99th percentile verbal score, should I consider taking the GMAT for a third time? Or would a third GMAT risk making me appear stubborn or perhaps unable to maintain a healthy perspective throughout the application process?



I took the GMAT twice and received two similar overall scores--720, and 700.

The breakdown of the 720 (94th overall) was 43Q (64th) 46V (99th).

The breakdown of the 700 (90th overall) was 47Q (73rd) 40V (90th).

The 700 was the second test (sadly!). Truth be told (and as an aside), the difficulty of the verbal section on this test was simply out of this universe.

Certainly, a raw 720 looks stronger than a 700, but I am under the impression that business schools prefer a more balanced score to a lopsided one. And yet, while the 47Q/40V split is more balanced, I'm not sure which of these scores I should use.

The schools I am applying to are:

Cal Berkeley
Carnegie Mellon
Chicago
Columbia
Emory
Michigan
MIT
NYU
Northwestern
Ohio State
Stanford
UVA


For what it's worth, I only have essays left for about half of these apps (I've completed the other steps, including recommendation letters), but am nonetheless trying to whittle the list down to 6-9 schools (2-3 reach, 2-3 target, 2-3 safe). So basically I do have time to focus on preparing for a third GMAT.

Lastly, I am ultimately interested in pursuing a consulting career at a top firm (Bain, McKinsey, Booz, etc.). From what I have heard, a mid 750s GMAT is a must for incoming associates at these firms. Certainly, a 750+ GMAT may not be an absolute requirement, but I am treating it like one from a personal perspective.

Thanks immensely to all who might be able to help me with these questions!

[mili]

Hello!

Sorry that the second GMAT test wasn't what you'd hoped. Ultimately, you'll have to decide what you do regarding your GMAT, as it's a very personal decision and depends on your own risk tolerance, etc., but here's my two cents:

I'd suggest submitting your 720 score to all the programs you are applying to. I would address the lopsided score in an optional statement, pointing to your second test score breakdown and showing that you did better on the quant section the second time around, but you chose to submit your highest overall score for the official submission. You could also enroll is a supplementary quant course (finance, stats, accounting) to help round out your quant/analytic profile.

As to whether you retake the exam: it's a very tough call! Sounds like you have the ability to improve your score significantly, but it could seem like you 'just don't know when to quit.' I don't think there is any such requirement for candidates going into consulting careers (perhaps an unwritten rule, but I am unaware of it if it exists). If I were you, I'd probably apply with the 720, but really you'll have to weight the risks and potential benefits on your own terms and make a decision - there is no right answer on this one, unfortunately. Best of luck!

Mili


Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com

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[kpcrim]

Mili, thank you for your response! I just have one more question for you. I bolded it below since I put it in the middle of this post like a caveman.

First thing's first: to be honest, I kind of expected to hear that I should submit my highest overall score. But you make an exceptional point about using an essay to point to the improved quant on the second test--that was certainly something I hadn't originally considered. I feel much better about this particular approach than having to toil away deciding which score might be the better one to use.

Second, as for a third GMAT, I truly do believe with proper preparation that I can come out with a 99th percentile overall score. So I'll definitely have to weigh the risks of a third test over the next few weeks. Thankfully the time spent studying won't really eat into the time I put toward my applications.

Third, I am in fact taking a microeconomics course at Ohio State this semester. I originally planned on applying to each business school I listed above well before the end of the semester in December (Stern's round 1 deadline is the latest deadline at November 15).

My follow-up question is thus: given the schools I am applying to, do you feel that the benefit of getting an 'A' in microecon outweighs the benefit of applying to these schools in the first round (and, as a result, that I should wait to apply until after I receive a grade in the course)?

I realize this is a particularly difficult question to answer without additional application context, so I will be more than happy with whatever answer you can give me on the basis of a 720 GMAT score (just average quant + exceptional verbal). That being said, I'd be more than happy to post any specifics that might be helpful in answering the question.

Thanks again!

[mili]

Hi again!

I'd say you needn't wait until you've received a grade from the econ course; go ahead and apply R1 and use the same optional essay to point out that you are currently enrolled in the course and will submit the grade upon receipt. That way they see that you're committed to the process and aware of your weaknesses. They are usually okay with receiving the official grades later -- double check by calling the admissions committee and asking them if that is okay. If you have received some grades from the class (As on tests, etc.) by the time you submit your application, point that out in the optional essay so they know you're heading in the right direction.

Hope that helps!
Mili


Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com

Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (16 individual school titles)

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