Second time at the GMAT and got 710 (Q-44, V-44). I would like to apply for second round at Wharton, Harvard and Stanford. Should I retake the GMAT or am I competitive enough for these schools?

Below are details for my application:

25-old Female Canadian (Ethnicity:Asian)

Undergrad: 3.6 GPA at Wharton/UPenn -Dual degree (BA and BS) for International Relations and Finance

Work History: 3 years as a risk manager for top tier institution bank
-hired as an analyst, promoted to AVP in less than 2 yrs and currently nominated for VP consideration
-2 times recognized with gold-level award for performance

Activities: Teaching salsa, painting, member of Wharton Women, Penn Alumni

Recommendations: Planning on getting recommendations from 3 managing directors that I've worked for- prior head of the group, current head of the group and direct manager

Post MBA: Working in social entrepreneurship/economic development (IFC/World Bank, private fund in emerging markets, social funds/NGOs such as Roots Capital and Oxfam). Harvard and Stanford both programs of social social entrepreneurship and economic development while Wharton has a public policy major.

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for writing in. Given what seems to be a strong academic and work background, I would not recommend retaking the GMAT and applying to these schools for R2. I just don't think there's enough to prep for the test again (at the level needed to get a 730+), and put together 3 solid applications. A 710 should be enough to get these schools to continue looking at the substance of your application, beyond the test score.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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