Terrible GMAT experience, 700(Q45,V41) - retake? (For MBF HSG, MFE Oxford)

Hi guys,

This morning has been quite the nightmare, as I woke up at 4 am (having slept for 4 hours) with tonsillitis and fever.

Still, after pumping myself full of paracetamol and coffee, I was determined to do well on the exam. In the commotion of pumping myself full of paracetamol, I have also forgotten my ID, so had to run back home and get it (Very lucky that the invigilator let me in late). Any-who, it’s the middle of Verbal (went Q->V->IR+E) and I literally started shaking from fever, until the end of the exam. Needless to say it was a terrible experience overall.

So, after 160+ hrs of prep and a terrible morning, I was able to score 700 (Q45,V41) today.

Given the circumstances, I’m fairly proud. But as I was aiming for 730+ for MBF and MFE Oxford, I’m not sure whether I should retake in 16-20 days. In particular, I am a bit worried about the weak Q score (Q49&Q50 on mocks)

My options are: 1. Apply as is now but understand that my gmat is far from mean for these schools. 2. Retake just in time for MBF R1, but unfortunately Oxford R2 (where the odds of getting in are lower) 3. Focus on my other options (LSE & HEC)

Rest of the profile: 1. 2 years of exp in the big 4 (U.K.) 2. 1st from a strong semi target (U.K.), studying A&F 3. Really good leadership/EC activities from uni 4. A fair amount of unique volunteering 5. Fairly multicultural, unique background

Would appreciate any feedback, as I’m not sure what to do!

3 Comments
 

You won't get into Oxford with a 700 period, if you know you can do better just retake it. If you can get a 740+ you should have a very good shot

For the MBF, I don't think the 700 is a deal breaker but getting 740+ would all but ensure you get a place

So my advice is to retake if you feel like you can do significantly better, which sounds likely given the story you have laid out for us

 

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