3 Ways to Boost Your Quantitative Profile

Quantitative skills are key to succeeding in B-school. But what if you don’t have a finance or engineering background?

Kate Richardson, an admissions consultant at mbaMission, recently offered a few tips on how prospective MBAs can boost their quant profile before even applying to B-school.

FOCUS ON STANDARDIZED TESTING

Your GMAT or GRE quant score is one of the best ways to easily boost your quant profile.

“This key part of your application is still largely within your control (unlike your GPA), so give yourself plenty of time to study thoroughly and take several practice exams,” Richardson says. “Getting an early start also gives you time to retake the exam if you do not achieve your target score on the first try (schools will always consider your highest score). You should strive to reach a high overall score—as close to your target program’s average as possible, if not higher—while showing a minimum level of competence in the Quantitative section.”

Richardson recommends aiming for a quantitative subsection score of at least 46 on the Classic GMAT, at least 79 on the new GMAT Focus, 163 on the GRE, or 11 on the Executive Assessment (EA) for top U.S. MBA programs.

TAKE QUANT COURSES

Taking courses in relevant subjects, such as statistics, calculus, accounting, and finance, is another great way to showcase your quantitative skills.

“You should aim to earn A grades in these classes and complete them before you submit your application so you can include the transcripts,” Richardson says. “Check with universities in your area to find out what in-person courses are available (often through a continuing education program, such as New York University’s School of Professional Studies), or choose one of the many online courses available (we recommend ones through universities, such as those from the University of California Berkeley Extension or the University of California Los Angeles Extension).”

HAVE A RECOMMENDER ENDORSE YOUR QUANT SKILLS

When choosing your recommender, be sure to select one who can comment on your strengths and illustrate your quantitative abilities and experience.

“Your recommender should cite specific examples of how you have demonstrated strong quantitative skills through various projects and assignments,” Melisa Prevost, an admissions consultant at Stratus Admissions Counseling, says. “The theory here is that while you might not have a high standardized test score or great grades from five years ago, you are still capable of being a functional leader who is not afraid of backing their decisions with tangible analysis.”

Sources: mbaMission, Stratus Admissions Counseling

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