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josephcraig66
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Post subject: Retake question  Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:15 pm |
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Hi mbaMission,
Like a few other posters shooting for Top 10 MBA programs, I scored a 710 but came up just short of the "80/80" mark (Q47 - 76th percentile, V40 - 89th percentile). While I'm not "concerned" about this score or quant abilities in general (I studied engineering at a Top 10 university for undergrad and have worked in management consulting ever since), I would consider re-taking the test ONLY if some schools do in fact abide by a strick 80/80 rule filter, since I'm sure that with a bit more prep I could get a couple more quant questions right, and it would be silly to be weeded out solely by this somewhat arbitrary measure. Worth a re-take in this scenario?
Along the same lines, are engineer applicants compared to other engineer applicants, in which case I might be "expected" to have a high quant score?
Thanks in advance.
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mbamission
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Post subject: Re: Retake question Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:45 pm |
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Hi Joseph, Thanks for writing in. I've never heard of a school strictly adhering to the 80/80 rule, I view it as more of a guideline/benchmark to what makes a competitive score for top schools. You can point to your engineering and consulting work as evidence of your Quant skills. I think you have a valid point that an engineer would be expected to have a strong Quant score, but your overall score is still high (though I'm not sure what your target schools are?). My take is that you are probably better served investing the hours needed to prep for the GMAT again into your essays and goal statement. Best of luck! Daniel Richards http://www.mbamission.com Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (14 individual school titles) Visit the mbaMission BlogFollow mbaMission on Twitter
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codyfisch
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Post subject: Re: Retake question Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 1:04 pm |
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Hi mbaMission,
I just took my test about an hour ago. Scored a 730 96th percentile (Q42 - 59th percentile, V49 - 99th percentile). I come from a liberal arts background (but majored in economics) and have been working in the nonprofit sector (doesn't demonstrate my quant skills). Undergrad GPA was 3.9.
I'm shooting for a top ten school and am concerned that they will think my quant skills are not up to par. I pretty much just panicked on the math section exam and think that I could do better just by retaking. I've been scoring Q46/48 on all my official practice tests.
Traditionally my V scores have been lower than what I got this morning.
Should I retake the test? If my composite is lower (still above 700), but I get a higher Q score, would I be in better shape than I am now?
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mbamission
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Post subject: Re: Retake question Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 10:50 am |
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Hi Cody, Thanks for writing in. While a 730 is a great score I share your concern about the uneven breakdown if you're looking at top-10 schools. Given that your background and work history are not quant-heavy, the lower Quant score could serve to reinforce perceptions that you may struggle with MBA-level coursework. I suggest retaking, I think a more-balanced 710 will serve you better. Good luck! Daniel Richards http://www.mbamission.com Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (14 individual school titles) Visit the mbaMission BlogFollow mbaMission on Twitter
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codyfisch
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Post subject: Re: Retake question Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 11:05 pm |
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Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your help. Before I sign up to take the test again I want to throw one more variable into the equation for your feedback. I took the GRE four years ago and scored a 760 on the quantitative section (86th percentile) 650 on the verbal (93rd percentile). Would including my GRE scores be enough to dispell any doubts about my quant skills? I know the quant sections of the exams are different, but between the GRE and my 4.0 in all my math and statistics classes as an undergrad I think there might be enough evidence of my ability.
Does the new information change your recommendation?
Cody
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mbamission
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Post subject: Re: Retake question Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:59 pm |
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Hi again Cody, You definitely have the tools in your pocket to address the notion that you may be "weak" on Quant. My thought stays the same though -- if you can retake the GMAT and get the Quant/Total score that your practice tests indicate you are capable of, then you no longer have to address the weakness of Quant,and may even be able to turn it into a strength. I think bringing your GRE into play is a solid Plan B. Hope that helps, Best, Dan daniel@mbamission.com
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