700 overall--disappointing Quant

[AlisonC662]

I just took the GMAT and got a 700 overall, but I was disappointed with my Quant score. IR: 8, Q: 40, V: 45

My practice tests were all a few points higher on the quant.

I'm looking to apply to top 20 schools. Is the quant score going to hold me back? Or will the high IR score plus degrees in physics in nuclear engineering count more than the test score? (I always used to test better at math than english...not sure when that changed.)

Thanks

[StaceyKoprince]

Nice! (I know you want your quant score to be higher, but just want to point out that everything else is fantastic!)

I'd talk to an admission consultant to find out whether that 40 might hold you back - I can help you with how to study if you do take again, but admissions isn't my area of expertise.

Multiple admissions consulting companies offer free workshops, phone meetings, or other services, so take advantage of one or two. My favorite company is MBA Mission, but there are plenty of others - Clear Admit, Admit Advantage, and so on.

If you don't mind sharing, I would love to hear what they advise you. I would think that your degree would definitely make a difference...but again, admissions isn't my thing.

If they do advise you to re-take, come back and we'll talk about what to do.

I have one theory already: because quant was always so strong for you, I'm guessing you were taking a school-focused approach of trying to get as much right as possible. That kind of approach will get you in trouble on the GMAT. Read this:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... lly-tests/