The GMAT is Not Important…in Life
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The GMAT is an unhealthy obsession for many people. As the founder of one of the largest GMAT discussion communities on earth, I have encountered thousands of test takers who have allowed the GMAT to take over their lives (myself included). Somehow this test strikes at the core of our own insecurities, and we become worried about the minutiae of GMAT test performance.
The truth has to be stated—the GMAT is not that important. Here’s why:
What really matters in life?
In my opinion, family and friendships matter most in life. Think about this—if you completely bombed your GMAT, would your family and friends love you any less? Would they choose to disassociate from you because of a bad test day?
In all likelihood, your family and friends love you because you are…you!
I may be isolated in my opinion here, but I think that relationships should matter even more than your career. Take comfort that regardless of outcome there will be people to support and love you.
You control your own destiny—not a test
In the last few months, I’ve seen some interesting studies correlating GMAT score with post-MBA salary (higher GMAT correlates to higher salary). While there may be a valid correlation between the GMAT and salary, let’s remind ourselves about a critical fact: at the end of the day, your career/salary depends on you!
If you are motivated to succeed in your career and are willing to work hard to reach your goals, then that matters more than the GMAT or even an MBA degree. Success depends on the individual; if you perform like a rockstar, your career trajectory and salary will come naturally as a result.
MBA Admissions is more than just the GMAT
Let’s say that you didn’t score well on your GMAT and there’s no time for a retake. Just let it go. Don’t waste any more time worrying about your score and move onto the other elements of your MBA application.
The GMAT is just one criterion that MBA adcoms consider in your candidacy. You will have opportunities to compensate for a poor score with your work experience, academic performance, recommendations, interviews, and essays.
I’ll say it again: business school admissions is not just about the GMAT!
Final advice: Don’t freak out!
I wrote this article today because I feel for so many of you who are struggling in your GMAT prep. I empathize with your fears and frustration, which often lead to tremendous nerves and stress on your test day (potentially affecting your score).
Of course you should do your best to prepare for the GMAT and get the highest score possible. And of course a great GMAT score will help you get admitted to your dream MBA program. But I challenge you to seriously examine what’s really important to you. With some introspection, you may find that the GMAT is trivial.
And when you realize that the GMAT is not that important to your life, hopefully that will calm your nerves and allow you to do even better on test day!
51 comments
Jas Lamba on March 6th, 2010 at 12:19 am
One of the best articles ever written.
karina on March 6th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Eric, this is an awesome article. A few weeks ago, I freaked out during a practice test and actually started crying! My husband came home to tell me that if it's going to effect my mental state, I should not pursue this GMAT. I looked at him like he was out of his mind! He said, "so what if you fail? you take it again." Is he CRAZY? I thought. Failure is not an option. But he proceeded to tell me all the things you said above, and it seriously calmed me down. It DOES need to be said. The GMAT does not define us.
Hrishi on March 6th, 2010 at 11:16 am
You ROCK Karina.....you have defined a great principal of Life.
Not everyone is equally intelligent and the most important thing is where you reach in the end, no matter how many times you failed to do so.
The same thing happened to me. I cried in the test center for an hour after the test. Also, a thought came to my mind that its the end of the world and I should commit suicide. Ofcourse, anyone would think like that for a moment in case he gets a much unexpected result after putting hard efforts into it. But, then I said to myself that my MOM and DAD are most important for me than anything else in the world and GMAT is nothing compared to that and I should live for my parents.
I went home, everyone was shocked seeing my result. I told them I would not attempt GMAT any more. My father took me out for a walk
and told me that life is never full of Happiness. Even the big stars like Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Arnold never enjoyed 100% happiness in life. They failed a number of times, but the most important thing is that they raised again, gave their best efforts and worked hard consistently until success followed them.
Also, money is not everything, it's just a means for exchange of goods. It depends on the person how much he spends and how much he saves. I still remember the words from one of the richest man on earth- Warren Buffet "I was the most happiest person until I wasn't rich"
Once an interviewer asked Will Smith - what are you planning to give your son(Trey) on his birthday? A brand new Mac book? Will Smith smiled and replied back - I would instead HUG him for an hour and spend time with him for the whole day.
Look that's where it goes -- What we see is not always the true thing. Even the richest person may feel satisfied spending some time with poor people instead going to pubs and spending money there. Eric, you rightly said "relations and friendship is most important than anything else in the world.
Kudos to you Eric for an excellent article! You have exposed the true value of life.
Karina- All the best for your next attempt, I hope you would make your husband proud and firmly say that "I showed GMAT its place"
Eric Bahn on March 7th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Hrishi truly said it best. Karina, glad to hear that you're keeping your head up. Your husband sounds like a very wise man.
"The GMT does not define us." -- I love this!
equinox on March 6th, 2010 at 7:38 am
This is a very good article! Sometime's people just pushes too hard in their life and forgot things that are really important in their life!
hicham on March 6th, 2010 at 9:48 am
this is an excellent article. I totally agree with you Eric. I have one question though: I am planning to pursue my MBA and I am not interested in the top 50 business schools because quiet frankly I can't afford. I will apply to decent business program in California. I have 3 1/2 years of experience in finance. Do you think it worths pursuing an MBA?
Hrishi on March 8th, 2010 at 1:06 am
I think Eric will give you the best opinion, but here's mine-
According to me "no education is a waste education"
I agree that top Bschools have good facilities, top-class education, best faculties and overall good employment rate.
So, if you really dream to go to the best Bschool(top 50), then take your time -study for GMAT the best you can and try to reach atleast a best score such that the top 50 B schools will provide you scholarships and your fees problem is almost solved.
Also, cost is not the only factor, top Bschools look for the GMAT score, work experience and many other things and then they might give you even 50-60 percent scholarship depending on these above factors.
But, if you think that its tough getting a big GMAT score, even after putting lots of effort - then apply to the best possible(depending on your score) and less expensive Bschool and get an MBA from there. Take my words, its a never a waste. It would atleast take you to some more better position than you currently are.
Finally, its your decision, which you have to take, you have to study and make a career in life.
You can take my above advise, but ultimately - GO with what your HEART says.
Regards,
Hrishi
Richard on March 6th, 2010 at 9:55 am
the timing of this article could not be any better... i just completed my second CAT exam literally 2 minutes ago and am completely embarrassed by my score
Sonia on March 6th, 2010 at 10:05 am
UNIQUE on March 6th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I can just say AWESOME.
Eric Bahn on March 7th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Thanks everyone for those kind words! We have a truly awesome community here at Beat The GMAT!
Hrishi on March 8th, 2010 at 12:41 am
Thanks Eric, its all because of YOU. One man can make a difference! and you are that MAN!!!
I am feeling very much proud that I am a part of such a wonderful community.
Most importantly what I like here is - the few things that we don't ask in this community.
Which country you are from?
What is your religion?
What is your cast?
Are you a black person or white?
Are you Male/Female?
Ohh, are you from poor country?
I see, Are you from below 700 level category?
Actually, I am already an American product, so am I better than you?
All that we find here is just the people helping each other, no matter who you are or what category you fall in.
After all, we are not racist or terrorists to ask the above stupid questions. Let's make this world a better place to live.
When you require VISAs to travel, you are always INSECURE. Why don't we have inter-state or inter-province VISAs? because we know that our country is a safe place to travel anywhere within it(without anyone's permission or without permission of the government)
I truly hope that one day our world would be free of terrorism and we won't require VISAs to travel at any part on this earth. Because its not just the country but the world is OUR's and one should have the freedom to visit any place on this earth.
Let's make a better living on our mother EARTH.
Thanks Eric!
pranab on March 7th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Eric thanks man
once again for this excellent article . Very well said as we test takers more often than not forget that GMAT IS JUST ANOTHER TEST .
We all have appeared for test in schools and collages never made too much fuss about them ever , why do it for GMAT ?
Hrishi on March 8th, 2010 at 12:44 am
I am with you
anish on March 7th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
hi to all friends is the gmat is important task......
Gaurav on March 8th, 2010 at 1:56 am
I work in a MNC.I have seen being a manager you always have to do politics.Which is seriously not my cup of tea.I wanted to do my MBA through GMAT , but now I am afraid.If we have to do the politics to servive in a company than what is worth of so much effort we put in to clear GMAT.I want to know how is the life after GMAT.
Can anybody help
Hrishi on March 8th, 2010 at 2:18 am
My take -
Just try to find out that why do you think your manager is doing politics with you or you are doing it with someone.
Is he doing a partiality with someone, just for the sake of being a racist or to prove his dominance?
I have seen plenty of Managers who have never moved ahead in their career once they start these bad practices.
The manager, who encourages his staff and builds a good relation and team spirit, moves up the ladder quickly. So is the case with each person in the company.
Being a manager, doesn't mean that you should play unfair games/politics with some one.
Also, if you hate such bad practices, then that's excellent, you are already on your way to become a good manager and a favorite manager of your supervisor. GO ahead with your MBA dream, I am sure you won't be like your manager.
One, last thing - It's always better to please someone with your work rather than involving in bad practices.
As our great leaders said, "it may take some time for others to know your true strength, but once they know it, they would never pull you down"
The true manager is the one who may take all the credit for the work you do, but at the same time he should also take the responsibility of pitfalls or error that you have made.
If you start telling one false thing to your manager/supervisor/staff you will be ending up with hundreds of false things that will definitely take you into trouble one day. That's where the bad practices/politics starts.
Be true to yourself and others too, I am sure you will succeed.
Good Luck!
Hrishi
Gaurav on March 8th, 2010 at 2:45 am
ya thats true , but we can't please everyone all the time. As far as politics is concerns. Managers in my company always tries to exploit their juniors.They want their work to be done at any cost.What do we mean when we say good relationship.Is it being obedient to your manager. If we have to kill smbody for work than what is the difference between militant and manager.
I also want to know how much financialy strong we will be after GMAT?
Can we buy all our dreams?
Hrishi on March 8th, 2010 at 5:43 am
Q - "we can't please everyone all the time"
A - No, we don't have to. If you work hard and intelligently, managers will automatically get impressed by your work. They would actually encourage you with what we call - awards, promotions, bonus etc.
Q - "Managers in my company always tries to exploit their juniors"
A- They definitely will - until you show some good work and until manager has some confidence about you. In my career, I have seen clients putting pressure on the staff to complete the project before deadlines but manager is always there to support you and assist you.
--which is my case too.
The case that you have experienced generally occurs when you are less than 2 years in a particular company or under particular manager.
People who are working for more than 2 years under same manager always work at par with managers
Q- "What do we mean when we say good relationship.Is it being obedient to your manager."
Ofcourse YES. You can't have a family/brother/uncle relation with manager and NO manager would like that too. The only relation for first two years would be of BOSS- ASSISTANT. Once you grow up in organization, and become a one of the major contributor and company as a whole, the relations may become "colleague-colleague". So at that level your manager gives you the necessary freedom and opportunity to make certain important decisions in you company.
Q- "If we have to kill smbody for work than what is the difference between militant and manager."
Haha -they will force you atleast for a year or two. You have to be smart at that. You should obey your manager at the same time you should try to find out the ways to make the work simple(may be with automation) that wouldn't exhaust you an that would add to your CV as well. Once manager gets confidence in you, you are free -you can manage holidays, time, work etc- the way you want .... That's what I do now
Q - I also want to know how much financialy strong we will be after GMAT?
Can we buy all our dreams?
A - It depends upon the overall performance, your experience, academics, the Bschool you get, and not just the GMAT.
If you are best in all of these, no one can stop you from being Financially Strong.
For your second question -
Efforts = dream achieved.
Lastly, my friend-
Grow a plant today(start studying), care for it(put efforts) and don't expect anything(stay calm), it will give you fruits(success) one day.
Regards,
Hrishi
Harman on March 8th, 2010 at 6:08 am
What a classic article! I always have similar print out in front of me on my desk all the time...google for "mayonnaise jar of life".
Thanks.
Hrishi on March 8th, 2010 at 7:12 am
WOW ....I heard this story again after almost 15-20 years. Its all because of you Harman. YOU ROCK!! (I will print this one and keep at my desk too)
I really loved reading the last part :
"One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.""
Raja Kadri on March 8th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Eric
First of all, many thanks from the bottom of my heart for such a note. Since September, GMAT has been like monster for me. I can not thank enough my wife Laurie for her support and the love of our two boys who continue to support me while I practice and study GMAT at the same time, learning French. I guess because I am mentally prepared to do my MBA and that is why, GMAT is my only issue. With a combined work span of ten years including one year with an international bank, I am still nervous about the GMAT. Moreover, because the Math is so simple and at the same time so difficult, I am very nervous and working hard. I am lucky that I don't need a lots of sleep.
You have, by writing this article, given me a new perspective.
Regards
Raja
Eric Bahn on March 8th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Best of luck Raja. You're truly blessed to have such a supportive family behind you!
Hansoo Lee on March 9th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Great article, Eric!
The GMAT is merely a test of how well you can take the GMAT - nothing more.
Rahul on March 9th, 2010 at 4:24 am
Thanks Eric!
I have been experiencing a nervous breakdown of late thinking over my exam on 25th. Even after struggling it out for 7 hrs per day, the mind conjures up insecurity and fear of failure in the mind every night.
You are right. There is much more to life than gmat.
God bless
Mr. Nobody on March 9th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Hold on folks. I think before everyone starts supporting the author (and by the way, the article was awesome), don't we at least need to think about the impact the GMAT has on the application?
1. Author mentions that a higher GMAT scores positively correlates with higher slaries. Why are we going to B-School? Yes, to learn business models, but more importantly aren't we going so we eventually make more money? Wouldn't you want to seriously take the statistic into account?
2. Many of you just said 'gmat is only an exam', 'the exam doesn't define us', 'the gmat makes us feel insecure', etc... I would agree to a degree, however, if you reflect over the GMAT, don't you think that if you've truly beat the gmat, you've become better at time management (in work and in play) yourself? that you've become much better at writing, reading, and correcting sentences and can read HBR or FT more effectively (because you've spent hours of exhaustion on similar RC/CR passages?), etc...? I haven't done so well on my GMAT till date, but I've also learned a lot through this process. I'm struggling, but I do believe the gmat is not just merely an exam. It's a little more than that...to a degree, don't you think that it's a reflection of our behavior, strategy, and willingness to beat something?
Now back to the application process - What about 'us' people who have below 3.0 GPA's? Don't we need to take the GMAT seriously enough to hit the median (if not higher) score so to offset our transcript?
Many of us work for prestigious firms, actively take part in volunteer service, have tried some sort of entrepreneurial venture (possibley failed), and are competitive in the athletic community, but why risk it? Why not keep trying for another 2 months and rip it apart...then out of your frustration, kill the essays or even talk about it?
Just my .02.
Eric Bahn on March 9th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Thanks Mr. Nobody for those comments--I think I agree with pretty much everything that you said. People who apply to business school should do everything in their power to maximize their chances in getting admitted; that includes getting the best possible score on the GMAT.
I guess the overall point I was trying to make was that I don't think people should view the GMAT as the single test that will define the rest of your career/life. That is up to the person, at the end of the day.
Thanks again for raising those excellent points!
Hrishi on March 10th, 2010 at 5:22 am
I agree to every word of yours, Mr. Nobody. You said it right and on the target. But some times it happens that we go into a nervous breakdown,lose our hopes. Not everyone is equally intelligent. Also, a less intelligent person( for example : Me) dreams to get a big GMAT score , after putting my best efforts is not always possible.
We have seen few people in this forum who have a keen interest in reading English books since childhood or doing high level Math since childhood, always have the best chances to succeed in GMAT.
But for people like me, who never loved reading books in English and had spent all their 30 years reading books in their native language(non-English), GMAT is really a big monster for them.
So if I dream about going to Whorton, LBS, Harvard and all top business schools, which require at least 770 and in worst case 700 if you are most excellent in other application requirements, then I know I am not going to get there in any ways because I know I started from a worst score of 300.
People take months and years of study to get their points up by 100-150. In my case, I have to increase by 400 points to reach 700.
The only way out for that is - I have to go back to high school, spent 16 years of education in English, study English language completely, acquire interest in reading books(in English
)
and all other impossible stuff which I need to do at my age of 30 ;(
Isn't that hurting for me? Should I commit suicide ? I took my last test got a mere 440 after putting my best efforts for day and night for almost 6 months. I compromised everything I needed to. I stayed away from my family. I did not see my children and my wife for months. What I got is 440. What should I do? commit suicide? I thought about it for a moment on the test day. Then I realized all that things that Eric has posted in his article. My family is most important than anything else in the world. I know, I started from 300 ...reached 440... but I expected 700 to get into one of the top business schools.
Its not always possible for each and every one. If the verbal section was in my country's Native Language. I would have KILLED GMAT. But mind it, its an international EXAM and English is the only international language ;(
reading this Eric's article really gave some warmth and peace to my heart.
This is just my opinion. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone's feelings.
Regards,
Hrishi
Apu on April 1st, 2010 at 1:06 am
wow reading all this makes me think does GMAT indicate a level of intelligence in a person?
Eric Bahn on April 1st, 2010 at 1:12 am
The GMAT is not an intelligence test--at all.
Sumeet on May 7th, 2010 at 4:34 am
Gmat in MBA admissions is what Money is in our lives.
Its not everything but honestly it is THE most IMPORTANT thing.
(if you are talking abt the top league Schools.)
Obviously if you are from a unique background such as Military then its a different story but if you belong to a common demography, then despite all your extra-curriculars, no top B-School would like to lower their average GMAT statistics by taking you.
Sumeet on May 7th, 2010 at 4:38 am
and ironically , those who talk about 'GMAT not being that important' (Sorry Eric) are the ones in 700 (or more) category.
or may be few more 'unique/extraordinary' people who got into top schools with low gmat.
Hrishi on May 7th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Hi Sumeet,
First of all thank you for your opinion on this topic and YES you rightly said that GMAT is an important factor if you want to get into a top league B-school.
Let me clarify few thinks what Eric wants to tell through this topic
1- GMAT is the only single factor in deciding your admission to a B-School. So in case you scored less in GMAT than you had expected, so no need to worry as there are many other factors that would help you to secure your place in a B-School.
2-This topic mostly concentrates on the group of people who get low marks in GMAT instead of much hard work ,dedication and sacrifices( like I did)
These people(like me) collapse and lose the self determination to do an MBA degree. So what Eric is saying that - not everyone can go to ivey league( like not eveyone can be highly adaptive to do good in GMAT). So what these people should do? Leave their dream to persue MBA? or try to get into a better B-School by showing their other abilities? Of course yes you should get into the B-schools with current GMAT marks. It's better not to wait for GMAT by giving it again years after years until you reach 770 from a mere 550 or 500 and try in the ivey league.
3- If you are already good in Quants and Verbal, and have been doing good in your primary and secandary education, it might be easier for you to do good in GMAT. Also, if you are a native speaker, there you have already 50% above than non-native in Verbal section.
If you read my comments in the above thread you will come to know the sacrifices I did for a year to give my best in GMAT and reached 560 from a mere 440. 560 must be a low score for you. But for a person like me who was never good in studies in school and college education and had spent my who life learning in my country's language(Non-English) 560 is a great achievement for me.
Finally, GMAT is not an intelligent test at all.
Aditya on August 3rd, 2010 at 8:59 am
Oh...this is an awesome article...
The most important thing is the timing of this article... we all are so much into our prep that we have forgotten our family friends and many more important things in life... But when you think that it is a test dat you have to perform well AND YES I CAN PERFORM WELL... everything will follow on the test day and you will get a good score...
Just believe in yourself....
Easier said that done:)
It seriously calmed me down...Too good eric..
You rock!
what_the_hell_is_gmat..?? on August 3rd, 2010 at 9:47 am
This post couldnt have come at a much better time. I am 31 yrs old with solid leadership experience across two industries. I am really proud of my experience and what I have achieved in my career inspite of being avrg in academics throughout.
I have taken time off from work about 5 weeks to prepare for gmat. After a month's hard work I am scoring only around 540 on mock tests. Last night I had tears in my eyes. I was so frustrated that I wanted to throw all the material i had. This test had really taken over my life and shaken up my confidence. This is the situation even before I have given the actual test which I have in 10 days from now.
So I decided to leave the prep for one day and not think about this test. Its amazing what this test was doing to me.
I have decided that from now I am not going to let this stupid test rule my emotions or my life. If I score 540 i will give it again. I will not let it screw up my life and dilute all the good work which I have done in the last 10 yrs of my career.
So thanks for this post. It made me feel better.
franck on August 3rd, 2010 at 10:28 am
Hi
I agree with some points, but disagree with the fact that you said GMAT is not important for MBA application. You are wrong, because if you get low gmat score, any business school wont let you go in their school.
Believe me! I got about 4 years of experiences, and have 2 masters degree. I also have good letters of recommendation etc.. But I failed to have good score. I couldnt go at any business school in the end.
franck on August 3rd, 2010 at 10:34 am
In my point of view, it is stupid to ask people who have 35 or 45 years old to do gmat test. It is nightmare because people didn't remember all the maths basic or whatever!! You are less quick than before etc...
Gmat it is hard because it is short to answer to questions about 1 minutes per question. People use calculator from 1990 to 2010, so it is hard whether you forget to calculate without calculator etc..........
Dana on August 3rd, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Good point Eric. Also, a great article, really! Just...GMAT is also a nice money income for the whole system participated in it...so...I don't think they would be willing to change anything soon
franck on August 3rd, 2010 at 10:42 am
GMAT=The test favors good people in mathematics that's it!
2 dissertations of 30 minutes dont count on your gmat score at all!
franck on August 4th, 2010 at 5:21 am
gmat is just big big business! cost 300 dollars for foreign people! it is mad! there are a lot of crap gmat books and gmat center as well
in conclusion, GMAT=BIG BUSINESS SCAM 300$ with vat
i2ayquon on August 20th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Thanks for a great article and putting a sense check on life priorities and perspectives.
Neha on September 28th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Eric, hats off to you for this forum and this article. I badly needed this boost up. I bombed the GMAT recently and I did so much of sacrifice for it. Atleast, if it was only me - I would not care. Unfortunately, my husband too had to go through my schedules of GMAT prep which made us sacrifice a lot of things on the personal front. I felt like a failure for not being able to perform on the test day. I am much better now and in control of my self. Plan to crack the test soon
E-Man on October 18th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
By your way of thinking, most things we do are not important... in life. Your score on the GMAT, your time in a 10K race, and writing an article for a website are essentially meaningless to everyone. Nobody loved me more when I hit the GMAT out of the park or ran a 42:15 10k. And nobody loves me less even though I have never published so much as a blog.
But, I argue that in life there are MOMENTS that define who we are. So, right now most of you on this website are busting your back sides to do your best on the GMAT because it IS IMPORTANT...IN LIFE. It will not be the end of the world if you do not hit the score you have in mind, but it is important to you to do your best. Nobody will love you more, but the admissions officers at the best B-school will like you more.
Don't fall into the "Its really not that important" trap. Stay focused, put in the work, and improve your score. Don't be afraid to sweat it our. Trust me, when you finish B-school and need to sweat out some piece of work for the boss, this will seem like a slow jog on the beach. Which is what I am off to do while you close your computer and get back to work.
Good luck all.
Giselle on February 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 pm
I have been so nervous about taking the GMAT. I've been frustrated to tears over this test. I feel like everyone who scores 700+ must be geniuses or at least much smarter than me...knowing this scares me so much. Am I good enough? That question plagues me and drives me to tears because I am not sure.
Richard Battle-Baxter on February 2nd, 2011 at 6:59 pm
In LIFE the GMAT is not everything! Yes I agree... in a top business school admission cycle... the GMAT IS VERY IMPORTANT because AVG SCORES ARE INCREASING! It's not an intelligence test...but in terms of competition... as scores rise - well... the importance of a higher score increases as well. It sucks.. I know... but it's reality. But what sucks even more is knowing that your GMAT score could potentially keep you out of an important event in one's life (going to business school) which will affect ONE'S LIFE. I'm just venting now because I'm OVER IT haha
adesh boonlia on September 11th, 2011 at 11:50 am
thanks buddy u r right .i have scheduled my gmat appointment for this coming 20th october and after reading this i feel that i just want to give it 2mmrow and nd leave this .i am frustrated .
Shabana on January 21st, 2012 at 7:25 am
oh wow great article. Thank you so much Eric. I am going to take my test tomorrow. From last two months i am trying hard to give time to my studies, while i work full time 7am-7pm at office. I have been in so much stress in past two months. After reading your article and the comments from the ppl, i feel so light. I feel as i am ready to face it tomorrow whatever it is. You know i am not even targeting the top business schools coz i cannot afford them. I just want a degree from a decent school where i can learn something. I know that at the end of the day its your own intelligence, hardwork and grabing the right oppertunity that will take you ahead in your career. anyways thank you again
Eric Bahn on January 21st, 2012 at 11:21 am
You are most welcome, Shabana! Keep a positive attitude!
daku on March 11th, 2012 at 12:41 am
Ultimately, whether you get a high or low GMAT score and go to a top B-school is irrelevant. Your lives are going to be defined by what you do with them, not by your GMAT scores. For all you know, you might crush the GMAT, go to HBS, and be miserable for 2 years. God knows why some of us get 750, while others get 440. Either way, we all have a "right fit". Just build friendships, put in your best, and most importantly, smile
. Take care everyone...
Gustavo on July 15th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
I just took my second practice CAT today, and while I improved from my first time I still got a terrible score. Feel that my dreams of going to business school are slipping out of reach. This article made me feel a whole lot better. Thanks Eric!
The GMAT bloodied me today, but I'm going to get back up, dust myself off and keep plugging away.
Eric Bahn on July 15th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Keep up the good fight Gustavo! The war is not lost.