Extremely low quant score... but exemplary undergrad quant record

Alright, so I'm applying to MSF programs now and I am starting to get really pessimistic about my chances. I have never been good at standardized tests, and I scored embarrassingly low on the GMAT Quant section (34... 610 total score) and I feel that this is going to really hurt me in the admissions process. The thing is, I'm an Applied Math major* at a top (though extremely non-target) liberal arts school with what would be a near 3.9 GPA in my math courses (hard to really get an exact figure, since my school doesn't have GPAs... I'm just going off of test scores). These courses include Calc I-III, Linear Algebra, ODEs, PDEs, Mathematical Statistics, Numerical Methods, Nonlinear Dynamics, Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance, Networks and Graph Theory, and Complex Systems (among others). I also have extensive research experience.

I have applied to five schools: Bentley University, Boston College, Vanderbilt, Villanova, and WUSTL. I just found out that I have been waitlisted at Vanderbilt, so that has really put a damper on my spirits. My undergraduate record is nigh perfect and my extracurriculars are very strong. What are my chances at the other schools? Is it only my gmat score that's bringing me down?

Thanks.

*I'm actually an Applied Math and Econ double-major

2 Comments
 

The apps are assessed holistically. Low GMAT is just another reason to ding you if the adcom does not like your application. I was accepted to CMC/BC with a lackluster GMAT quant score, but I had an extraordinary UG track record of performance in quantitative courses. Ask yourself this--what's more realistic--a past record, or some standardized test?

"The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets."
 

Sequi et recusandae et beatae. Ipsum amet iste aut et animi optio consequuntur sapiente. Aliquam est quos in et perferendis commodi non nulla. Recusandae possimus nostrum sint aspernatur eum aut repellat. Adipisci ut repellat magnam aperiam corrupti eveniet cumque. Non autem rerum et accusantium praesentium. Dolor dolor dolor repellendus doloribus rerum.

Ut corrupti quam dolores possimus et aperiam. Quia repellendus quaerat et et qui. A reiciendis sint dolorem aut. Ipsa iste ducimus dolor minus totam quo possimus.

Double Doubler

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”