Begin Application or Re-Take GMAT (for Round 2)?

[oktler]

I will be applying for Round 2 at the following MBA programs in the U.S.: Stanford, HBS, Wharton and Chicago. My profile is shown is below, and my one weakness is the GMAT score. My question is the following:

- Should I stick with my current GMAT score and focus on strengthening my application package (essays, recommendations), or should I make a last dash at the GMAT? Most MBA graduates and current MBA students told me to focus on the former, that an extra 20-30 points won't move the needle at this point, given my background/work experience. Your thoughts?

Education
- Bachelor of commerce graduate (Finance) from the leading Canadian university
- 3.71 cumulative GPA / Great Distiction

Work Experience
- Analyst, Investment Banking for a bulge-bracket investment bank in NYC (3 years; received promotion to continue as an Associate)
- Associate, Private Equity firm in NYC (1.5 years as of end of 2007)

Extracurricular/Leadership
- Class president for 4 straight years in high school
- President of the student council in high school
- President/VP Finance of a number of organizations in college
- Volunteer in program to help underpriviledged teens in NYC
- Volunteer to Katrina relief

GMAT
- 670 (49Q/33V); 3 attempts

Recommendation
- Have lined up strong recommendations from alumnis at Stanford, HBS and Wharton, as well as from other schools (Tuck, Anderson, UT)

Other
- Canadian citizen
- Worked in 3 different countries, fluent (spoken/written) in 3 languages

Your honest feedback would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[GMATbong]

what is your percentile for V33? The final score is not that important if V33 ~80%. I think overall, your profile is fine and I will just focus on the application if I were you. Good luck!

[oktler]

It's below 80% (69% I think). One caveat is that English is my third language.

[oktler]

GMATBong,

I thank you for your feedback; I appreciate it. Cheers!