Dear All,

Hope you are doing well,

I have just taken the GMAT and scored 680 on my second attempt. I am still not satisfied with my score and thinking of re-taking the exam a 3rd time.

My profile is as follows:

- Graduated with Distinction from University
- Have 3 years of work experience in Consulting at one of the top 5 firms.
- Have lived in more than 5 different countries
- Have done some substantial charity work (cancer patients, education programs, etc ...)

I have 3 questions and would appreciate if you answer me.

1) Do you think I should retake the GMAT? HBS is one of the schools that asks you for how many times you have taken the GMAT. If I repeat it and I mention on my application that I have taken it 3 times, will that affect me?

2) Do I have chances of getting an interview with a 680, keeping in mind that many people who are applying with me with the same profile have a 700+ score

3) Do you think having my brother graduated from HBS a few years back will help me in my application and will be a factor that would help to get me an interview? I have heard that HBS really liked legacies and all.

Many thanks,
John

Hi John,

Thanks for writing in. A 680 is below the HBS median and really on the bottom cusp of the 80% range. If you think a 3rd attempt is likely to bring you 30 more points I think you should consider studying for it one more time. But if your practice indicates that you will max out around your current score, then it may not be worth your time.

It's difficult to say what your chances of an interview. Your GMAT is a weakness,but it looks like your work experience and extracurricular activity could be a strength. You want to write the application that plays to your strengths -- so be sure to draw out stories of leadership and growth wherever possible.

Having a legacy brother is something that can't hurt and might help get an interview, but I wouldn't count on that being enough to push you over the top.

Best of luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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I think there’s a lot to do even if the GMAT is not 750…. Did you see this?
http://www.aringo.com/low_gmat.htm

Good luck!

Dear Daniel,

Thanks a lot for your reply. Really appreciate the feedback.

I have 2 final questions to ask and would appreciate it if you can let me know what you think.

1) I might not have mentioned, but I am a male arab from the Middle East. Does this increase my chances of being accepted with a 680 or does the score of 680 put me at a disadvantage in the eyes of the AdCom? Would they think twice before giving me an interview because of the GMAT?

2) Does HBS look negatively at someone who has taken the GMAT 3 times?

Many thanks,
John

Hi again John,

1) GMAT is part of your overall candidate profile, and it could certainly impact your ability to get an interview. It all depends on if adcom thinks your strengths offer enough counterbalance to offset that weakness.

2) According to HBS web site "We review only the score from a single test sitting that you present in your application." While they are not looking at any other score than the one you submit, the fact that they ask you to include how many times you took the test means you should assume that it COULD be something they look at.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (14 individual school titles)

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Sorry I forgot to add -- your ethnicity could be a factor that works in your favor, although it depends on what the rest of the applicant pool looks like that year.