Hi,

I gave my GMAT today and score a 690 (Q49, V35). Although, I am not very satisfied with my current score but do need advice on how top tier B schools (preferable best 30 schools in the world) view this kind of a score.

I was averaging 720 in my practice test (MCATS and GMAT Prep) so was very disappointed that my score didnt touch the 700 mark :(

I felt that my time was running short specially in the Verbal section (something that never happened in any of the practice tests).

Also, please advice me on the minimum gap i should keep for improving the score if my target will be to hit atleast 720+.

Could you please also suggest other study material that might boost my score from 690 to 720+.

Thank you

Re: your admissions questions, ask an admissions consultant. We've got a folder here called Ask An Admissions Consultant (or something similar). :)

Next, there is no statistical difference between a 690 and a 700, just a psychological difference (because one starts with a 6 and one with a 7). Seriously - a 690 is a really good score.

If I were you, I would talk to an admissions consultant before deciding whether to take the test again. 690 is on the lower end for the top 5 or 10 schools, but it is on the higher end for many of the top 30 schools, so you may be fine already. You'll also need to give the admissions consultant information about the rest of your profile - school, GPA, work experience, etc. - as the decision does not rest solely on your GMAT score, of course.

Now, if you do decide to re-take, then I'm guessing that most of your improvement will need to come from your verbal score, since your quant score is already quite good. Were you taking your practice tests under 100% official conditions, including essays? What were your subscores (Q and V) on the most recent practice tests?

If you do re-take, then use the below article to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and post your analysis - we'll help you figure out what to do based on the data!

_________________
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director of Online Community
ManhattanGMAT