730 GMAT Q50 V38 AWA 5.5 - Retake??

[thedeadlyone]

Hi All,
I'm in a real dilemma. I gave me GMAT in Aug end and scored a 730 after scoring consistently in the 770-780 range in the preps. I know what went wrong, i couldn't sleep the night before, had a 9 a.m appointment and was super sleepy during the exam. I was devastated then and decided to retake my GMAT 31 days later.
But, now with all the pressure of applications, i am not sure if i can take out time to study for the exam. I know i don't need too much preparation but i am confused, if it is really worth it?
I am an engineer from Delhi University and obviously my percentage looks bad on a 0-100 scale.(the highest is 75)

Really need some advise :
1) How much will the GMAT improve my chances in HBS, Stanford etc.
2) Should i postpone my application to the 2nd round to submit a better score?

Would appreciate any help.

Thanks

[icai1]

Over 700 is just pure gravy. Concentrate on your apps using the extra time you have on thy hands.

Cheers!

[finsisher]

wots thy name good to see a DCEite over here

[thedeadlyone]

Hi Finisher, I'm Gagan....and well not a DCEite..but an NSITian

[Facit]

The first time I've heard somebody with 730 gmat wanting to retake. 730 is excellent, no need to do any extra job!

[xperience]

Originally Posted by thedeadlyone

Hi All,
1) How much will the GMAT improve my chances in HBS, Stanford etc.
2) Should i postpone my application to the 2nd round to submit a better score?

Lemme just come down to answering your two questions and give you some advice in the process

1) HBS, Stanford: Have you checked out their average GMAT scores? The Median? The Range? Well, lemme tell you what happened at Stanford in 2008. There were a few people who scored a 800 on the GMAT and all were rejected. Stanford publicly announced this fact. Another example, people scoring 680 and 790 have been rejected by London Business school (avg. GMAT 690) because there was something or the other weak in their applications.
What I mean to say is that this exam is not the whole and sole of your application. A good GMAT score may improve chances of scholarship but not of admission. Harvard and Stanford both have their average scores in the rangle of 705-720. So you are already acing that up on the score front. Concentrate on apps and forget abt the GMAT for now.

2) A 730 is no different from a 780. I guess the above point has already delved into the intricacies of scores.

And in case you want some inside dough to calm those nerves, dig this:
I scored a 640 on the GMAT and got an admit to Richard Ivey (considered among top 50 list).

So concentrate on the finer things in life. Rest everything will fall in place.
In case you still need more gyan, do lemme know. Will be willing to help you any way I can.

Cheers,
Anubhav

[mitzi]

I totally agree with Anubhav. GMAT is a component of your overall portfolio. It would be better to emphasize your strength in your application. Schools can not technically reject or accept you based upon only GMAT score.

As far as I understand, schools are looking for someone who matches to what they advocate. It would be great if you put hours in to find good fit schools rather than prestivous schools.

by the way, if you feel like taking it again, give it a shot. It's better to give you a peace of mind.

Congratulations!
Mitzi