680 GMAT Score (43Q, 40V) - What does this mean for Schools?

[jkelsey]

I just took the GMAT for the first time a couple of days ago. I received a 680 (43Q, 40V). I was fairly disappointed with the score. I have two questions: (1) What does this mean for the top 15 US schools (e.g., Duke), and (2) What are some ways to improve my quantitative score, while maintaining my verbal score?

As far as the GMAT is concerned, I took one of the MGMAT courses, and I followed the syllabus very closely. So, I felt fairly prepared about taking the actual test. The bizarre thing about the actual test was that I scored a 43 on the quant. section whereas in all my practice tests I scored either 47 or 48. So, I am not sure what happened on the actual test. Talking with the instructors of the course, they said that most people take the GMAT a second time (usually a month later). So, how and what materials should I use as I prepare to take the GMAT a second time?

Really the only school I am tarteting is Duke. According the Duke's website, the 80% Range of GMAT scores for last year ranged from 630 to 750. So, I am trying to figure out is a 680 competitive?

I apologize for the long post. Thanks for your time.

[Guest]

jkesley,

What were you scoring on your practice tests in general?

[jkelsey]

On my practice tests, I scored generally from 730 to 680. My quant. scores were always either 47 or 48, while my verbal ranged from 35 to 41.

MGMAT 1: 730 (48Q, 41V),
MGMAT 2: 700 (47Q, 39V),
MGMAT 3: 680 (48Q, 35V),
GMAT Prep: 700 (can't remember exact breakdown)


From the looks of it, I got dumber over time.

[Guest]

That's quite odd. From what I've seen most folks actually score higher on the real thing. Maybe it was just a bad day.

I'd just retake it if I were you--I'm sure you will do better.

As much as people say a 680 is statistically equivalent to 700, I'd retake it because 700 is the psychological bar for many schools.

[Guest]

Thanks for info. I appreciate it. I so wanted not to take this damn test again.

[StaceyKoprince]

Go ask the admissions consultants over in the admissions thread.

Also, if you took our course and plan to take the official test a second time, you can sign up for a free Post-Exam Assessment. This is a 45-minute phone call to debrief on your 1st test and figure out what to do to prepare to take it again. Call the office (800.576.GMAT) or email (student services@manhattangmat.com) to sign up for this. You'll have to fill out a form about your 1st test experience and send it in (electronically) and then you'll be set up for your call.

[Jkelsey]

Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. I sent and email to 'services@manhattangmat.com' a couple of days ago. When I hear back, I will set up a post exam assessment and get the ball rolling from there. Thanks again.

[StaceyKoprince]

Argh! My last post didn't code properly. the full email address is studentservices@manhattangmat.com, not just services. Sorry about that - just forward that email you sent to the above email address.

[penriquezf]

Also happened to me...

I had a very short preparation. I decided not to continue working where I was doing my internship, despite an offer and because I decided this too late missed all other analyst program deadlines... decided to do a M. Sc. As admissions are rolling.... I wanted to do it as soon as possible

Still, I normally was stable between 48-50 on the math part and was struggling with the verbal (non native speaker with a really huge range...from 29 to 44 :S so imagine... of course had a lot to do with my concentration after work IBD=long hours...)

So at the real one... I got two odd questions at the very beginning of the test, I am sure got one of them right but I might have missed the very first question, which kind of confused me...

Then the exam started becoming harder but still easier than my practice tests, which made me realize I wasnt going to score that high (dont think I gave up... I just realized I wasnt accurrate enough)....

However, at the verbal part I got exactly the same as during my last two practice tests... my final result was 45 in math and 38 in the verbal part

I will retake it... in February/March as I got an interview with an interesting PE Fund and might continue working to pursue an MBA afterwards (22 years old)... I am sure I can improve my verbal and definetely get better in the math...

It is definetely true that an over 700 score looks just better... and have to admit its also something for my pride :P

[StaceyKoprince]

Keep up the motivation and hard work! Thanks for sharing your story. If you have any specific questions for us, let us know!