Retake 695 GMAT FE for LBS MFA / HEC MiF?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your GMAT score of 695 is solid, but the Quant percentile (Q81, ~70th percentile) could be a slight concern for programs like HEC MiF and LBS MFA, which are known for their quantitative rigor. Here's how you might approach this:

1. Assess the Importance of Quant for HEC MiF and LBS MFA

• Both programs place significant emphasis on quantitative skills, especially for candidates with finance-focused aspirations. Admissions committees often look for strong Quant scores to ensure you can handle the analytical rigor of the curriculum.
• While your overall score of 695 is competitive, the Quant percentile might raise questions about your quantitative preparedness, particularly since it's below the 80th percentile benchmark often seen as ideal for top programs.

2. Consider Your Profile Holistically

• Strengths: Your strong GPA in quantitative courses, internships at boutique investment banks, and leadership in extracurriculars (e.g., student investment fund and expedition) are significant assets. These can help offset concerns about your Quant score.
• Weaknesses: The lack of international name recognition for your internships and the Quant percentile are areas to address. Highlighting your quantitative coursework and achievements in your application essays and recommendations can help mitigate these concerns.

3. Should You Retake the GMAT?

• Pros of Retaking:
  • If you believe you can improve your Quant score with targeted preparation, even a modest increase (e.g., Q85+) could strengthen your application significantly.
  • A higher Quant percentile would align better with the expectations of HEC MiF and LBS MFA, making your profile more competitive.
• Cons of Retaking:
  • Your mock scores suggest that your Quant performance has plateaued around Q80–81, despite focused preparation. Another month of studying might not yield significant improvement.
  • Time spent on GMAT prep could be better allocated to enhancing other parts of your application, such as essays, recommendations, or networking.

4. Alternative Strategies

• Strengthen Other Application Components: Use your time to craft compelling essays that emphasize your quantitative coursework, analytical skills, and unique experiences (e.g., the expedition). Highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the program.
• Consider Additional Quantitative Proof: If you decide not to retake the GMAT, you could take an online quantitative course (e.g., HBX CORe, Coursera, or GMAC's Business Fundamentals) to demonstrate your quantitative aptitude.

5. Final Recommendation

• If you are confident that you can improve your Quant score with additional preparation, a retake could be worthwhile, especially for HEC MiF and LBS MFA, where Quant is critical.
• However, if your Quant score is unlikely to improve significantly, focus on strengthening other parts of your application and consider supplementing your profile with additional quantitative coursework.

Ultimately, admissions committees evaluate candidates holistically, so a slightly lower Quant percentile can be offset by strong academics, work experience, and a well-rounded application.

Sources: HBX CORe vs Smoking GMAT Quant, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, GMAT 660, retake? Killed verbal, got killed by quant