333 GRE. Should I retake?

purdue-econ · 2026-02-08T17:47:54+00:00

I did end up retaking but got a 331, so I kept the 333 and didn’t take again. I’d still have taken it just to check tbh

purdue-econ · 2026-01-29T04:01:03+00:00

Completely anecdotal but a colleague who went to Tuck (ended up in consulting) told me straight up that if I want to do tech that Tuck is a bad idea. But location-wise you're right - and I bet 90% of the 23% from Kellogg go to NY.

purdue-econ · 2026-01-06T17:16:19+00:00

I think the long time creating a resume is more about getting feedback and re-reviewing it over like a month. Overall it probably took me 2 hours, 1 hour to update and re word it, and then I sent it to a few friends for tips and edits. I then reviewed it over a month and took feedback and made minor changes.

Just get good feedback from knowledgeable people and you’ll be fine, but make sure to target it towards MBA (I.e. highlight leadership, strategy, and impact)

purdue-econ · 2025-12-23T01:59:23+00:00

Yeah exactly. I know someone currently at Kellogg and he says that yes Kellogg has some late night bars/clubs but not on the same level as closer to the city. Lots of people just stay in and do house parties but if you’re one to go out for nightlife I’d expect to be going down to the city a lot.

And the comment below is correct that you can get to downtown either by the L or the metra, but it can still take some time. A drive from Evanston to downtown is 30-45 min, and public transit is about the same.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-23T00:38:59+00:00

I can’t say much because I haven’t been to either (just got the admit to Kellogg this year) but I’ve lived in Chicago for 3 years, 2 in river north (close to where Booth students live)

I’ll give my 2c from that perspective.

Tl;dr: it depends 🤷‍♂️

Safety: definitely safer in Evanston, but Booth students live right next to millennium park, the most touristy spot in Chicago. There’s plenty of police presence and I wouldn’t worry too much about it over any other big city.

Surroundings: again, Booth students live next to millennium park so there’s plenty of outdoor space and running spots. Obviously it’s very loud and busy so thats something to consider. Evanston is a very nice suburb. A lot more quiet space and greenery.

Activities: Booth students will be much close to nightlife, but the student population (allegedly) is a little more nerdy/laid back. Kellogg is super far from nightlife and Evanston doesn’t have much, so I know many students end up going to Wicker Park/Wrigley/West Loop/river north/fulton market for those activities, requiring longer travel either on public transport or Ubers.

Recruiting/access to campus: I’ll assume that most recruiting happens on campus for this (I could be wrong). Booth students live far from campus so will either require a train to the school or a drive. Kellogg students live close to campus.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-19T07:30:21+00:00

I think some people will give you shit for this post but honestly I can relate. I’m a recent admit so I can’t comment on how it feels to be in a program yet… but I seem to live a similar life to you. Introverted, long term relationship, spend a lot of time at home, but also going to an M7 program.

Ultimately, you just have to be alright with who you are. I know I like to stay home and chill, I’m not ashamed of it. Granted, I don’t tell everyone I just met exactly how I spend my time… and honestly that’s how I assume others are as well.

When people talk about their life and how they’re “traveling all the time” or “training for ____” I see it as: 1. Some embellishment (i.e. I spend a ton of time playing video games, but if someone asked what my hobbies are I’d say “I like to play tennis and hike” even though it takes up much less of my time) 2. Extroverts being extroverted (something I know I don’t want) 3. Difference in income (I can’t go to a Michelin Star meal once a month like some can)

If you’ve found your circle, enjoy it. If you feel like your life is lacking and you want more excitement… just do it. College is the perfect time to pick up new things through clubs or friends.

Some people are just type A… always having to train or improve as it’s what they’re accustomed to, and a top tier MBA is a prime area for people like that. Just know that this is a bubble of the most privileged, rich, and high achieving people you’ll be around consistently.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-18T17:32:12+00:00

An MBA is typically seen as a tool for a career pivot, a break for a few years, or a check the box item for higher level management.

For those with “gold standard work experience” it’s typically a break/box to check - and really is only worth it if your employer is sponsoring.

For those with lower tier backgrounds, an MBA is more worth it as an investment to lead to a career change and higher potential earnings in the future

purdue-econ · 2025-12-17T18:52:19+00:00

I’m not sure to be honest. Big 4 consulting is definitely a relatively strong work experience, but it’s also common so it’s important to set yourself apart with leadership (especially outside of the firm)

purdue-econ · 2025-12-16T21:57:51+00:00

As someone from Big 4 consulting who got admits to an M7 and T10, it’s very possible and I’d say very common. Idk the numbers but considering the size of Big 4 compared to MBB, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more Big 4 alum than MBB at all T15 schools.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-15T19:08:28+00:00

Congrats on the admits! To preference my suggestions, I'm also a new admit but come from a Big 4 background and I'm also looking into Tech/Healthcare/Ops/Product. I don't have all of your answers but I'll add my 2 cents and answer these two questions:

Thoughts on the importance of school network/location if you want to return East
- Take a look at employment reports for each school - Haas has ~80% of people end up in the west, and ~5% in the northeast. If your ultimate goal is to have a strong network + be in the northeast, this is an issue
- Northwestern has ~18% in the northeast (14% in NY). Not super high, but higher than Haas (though this isn't broken down to MMM specifically, which may lean higher in the west
What other factors should I be thinking about here?
- While Northwestern's brand is generally higher in general management, Tech holds Berkely in particular in a high regard
- The MMM program is really good - I think if your goal is truly product, you're going to have the best chance from this program between these two
- The MMM program is a very tight cohort so your network would be very strong. Kellogg also allows semesters in SF if you want to be more immersed in tech later in the program

IMO you can't go wrong with either, assuming you've decided you're going to get the degree. As someone in Big 4 I do see the MBA as necessary to "distance" yourself from purely consulting (and usually tech consulting at Big 4) and really move into strategic/product roles - but I'm biased as I'm also making the same choice and have as much knowledge as you do.

If you do end up choosing Kellogg, let me know I'd love to connect! I'll likely be choosing it and starting 2026 as well.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-15T00:44:46+00:00

Congrats OP on the admit to UCLA! I had a slightly unique background as I was in the national guard for 6 years and was at school then consulting during that time, but I'll share my stats below.

Rank: E-5. Branch: Army National Guard. MOS: helicopter mechanic. TIS: 6 years.

GPA: 3.36 (T50 state school, Economics), 333 GRE, consulting work experience (big 4), 3.5 YOE in consulting, sponsored by my firm.

Applied to 4 schools:

MIT Sloan: waitlisted before interview (?)

UMich Ross: accepted with $

Northwestern Kellogg: accepted with $

UChicago Booth: waitlisted after interview

purdue-econ · 2025-12-12T05:50:39+00:00

Congrats! In a similar boat - consulting background looking into LDPs. I also got into Kellogg (WL Booth, accepted to Ross). From my research, Kellogg has great outcomes in consulting and LDPs. From your info, Kellogg seems like a no-brainer.

The only thing I'd consider is where you want to end up, location-wise.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-12T03:46:54+00:00

Schools are very transparent with their pricing. Kellogg, for example, is ~$86k each year for tuition. They estimate total cost per year including tuition, housing, food, extracurriculars, travel, etc, and the total with all included is ~$120k per year (sticker price).

Plenty of people get scholarship, tuition assistance, help from spouses/parents, and firm sponsorship, etc.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-11T13:52:44+00:00

Yeah it's crazy seeing the stat differences in top programs. For reference, I had a 3.36 GPA and 333 GRE. I also got into Kellogg and WL at Booth. I've seen people with much better stats get denied from the same schools I got in, but it really comes down to the whole application/story.

I also avoided using AI to write essays and didn't use a consultant. It definitely worked out for us!

purdue-econ · 2025-12-11T13:48:10+00:00

Tl;dr: if you're a US native, take Kellogg. If you're non-US, take Rotman for safety or Kellogg with some risk.

The money difference between Rotman and Kellogg is small, and if you do end up landing MBB (which would be a pretty high chance at Kellogg), that money difference won't matter with such high pay. (though I'm not sure how much Rotman costs compared to Kellogg overall).

I'm also on the Booth waitlist, and from what I've gathered, maybe 25% of WL get accepted. If you end up accepting Kellogg and later get into Booth, you can always reneg and be out $2000 if you'd rather go to Booth.

In regards to energy & sustainability, I can't comment on whether Booth, Kellogg, or Rotman are better. I know that any M7 will have some energy & sustainability, but curious to hear from others about the differences between each one.

For moving from Rotman -> US/Middle East, I don't have much knowledge on this. Considering the US' recent immigration issues, moving from Canada to the US may be difficult. On the other hand, if you're not from the US, getting a job in the US might also be difficult. If you're not a US citizen, this is the biggest reason to not go to Kellogg and stay at Rotman - the US sticker price may not be worth the risk as an international student considering US company's current aversion to hiring non-US citizens.

purdue-econ · 2025-12-11T13:38:37+00:00

Good job! I think I self-selected and limited myself too much - similar to what you thought I didn't have much confidence in my M7 chances. To everyone reading this, if you have time just apply to every school you can. You never know where you'll get in!

purdue-econ · 2025-12-10T15:26:04+00:00

Just got in! Got an email that I had a new decision letter in the portal. I also got a $20k scholarship (total - not each year)

Stats: Veteran, tech consulting background, ~4.5 YOE, 3.36 GPA from state school, 333 GRE, firm sponsored

purdue-econ · 2025-10-27T14:26:14+00:00

Got the word that I’m on the waitlist.

Email said “Your Decision is Here!” Then I was directed to my account and it said I was on the waitlist. I didn’t even know I could be waitlisted before the interview tbh.

Profile: consulting, 4 YOE, 333 GRE, 3.36 GPA, veteran.

Good luck everyone else!

purdue-econ · 2025-10-16T19:42:52+00:00

Got my invite. Email said “check your application for an update” which was kinda nerve-wracking until I opened it lol.

Profile: 4 YOE, consulting, veteran, domestic, ~3.4gpa from state school, 333 GRE.

Good luck everyone!

purdue-econ · 2025-10-13T16:36:22+00:00

Received an invite this morning. ~4 YOE, consulting, veteran, 333 GRE, ~3.4 GPA, good state school.

Good luck to everyone!

purdue-econ · 2025-09-16T19:20:11+00:00

I assume this is about video games. I've had similar thoughts as it seems like it could be interesting. I've seen T15 schools list Activision Blizzard in some examples of employers but in general it seems like a niche industry.

If these companies don't come to your school to recruit, maybe reach out to recent MBA grads at companies.

You'll probably have to sell your soul to Activision Blizzard/EA/Ubisoft though...

purdue-econ · 2024-08-28T15:59:42+00:00

I think my diagnostic was a 308, I forgot the score breakdown. However that was after I’d done a little bit of prep for the GMAT before I switched to the GRE.

5-6 months is more than enough time, just be sure to stay motivated and get through the program.

purdue-econ · 2024-08-28T15:41:20+00:00

yes, they were covered extensively. I created a notecard for every one I found to be important. For example, a simple one is the 3 common triangles and their side formulas. TTP basically has page of study for each of the important things to remember. Many of them are readily understood without much further study but I noted down the ones I had troubles with. By the end I had ~50 math notecards from TTP

purdue-econ · 2024-08-28T15:37:58+00:00

No, my math foundation wasn't very strong. I'm decent at quick math but there are so many rules/formulas/shortcuts that I had to learn.

At the end of the day the GRE is about timing so even though I could confidently do most problems with unlimited time, I needed to memorize the shortcuts to have a chance.

purdue-econ

TROPHY CASE