GMAT vs. GPA

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GMAT vs. GPA

by Stockmoose16 » Wed Sep 24, 2008 7:05 am
Hi Stacy,

I've posted my profile here before, but I'm hoping you can further advise me. I graduated with a 3.97 GPA from Syracuse University with a double major in Finance and Television, Radio, Film. I was elected the Class Marshal and the valedictorian.

I've spent the last 5 years working in the TV industry on major television shows.

The problem is, despite endless hours of studying (350+), I cannot get my GMAT score up. I've hired two tutors, gone through all the MGMAT books, and practiced thousands of questions. Despite all this, I can't solve most quant questions in under 4 minutes. I'm averaging a 530 on the practice tests, and I'm planning to take the official one in mid-November. Based on my progress, I don't see myself getting a 700. The test is too stressful and I get terrible anxiety when I'm under the gun of a ticking clock.

My question is: Why can't the top schools overlook a poor GMAT score (530) and just take my GPA into account instead. I realize that it's hard to create a level playing field by simply comparing GPAs from differents schools, but I went to a major university, and it should be clear that I have the aptitude to perform well in B-school. I feel like my four years of hard work has been reduced to one impossible test.

Do I have any shot of getting into Harvard, UCLA, or UT-Austin with a 530? A 700 is just beyond my ability.
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by Lisa Anderson » Wed Sep 24, 2008 3:58 pm
Dear Stockmoose16,

I believe we have already exchanged posts on this question on Sept. 5. For the schools you are targeting, a 530 is quite low. You can always call or visit the schools and speak with an admissions representative to get the best idea. However, I would encourage you to expand your school list to schools in the top 30-50 range. There are some great schools and they are more open to folks with lower GMAT scores but interesting, solid work experience.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by Stockmoose16 » Wed Sep 24, 2008 4:25 pm
Lisa Anderson wrote:Dear Stockmoose16,

I believe we have already exchanged posts on this question on Sept. 5. For the schools you are targeting, a 530 is quite low. You can always call or visit the schools and speak with an admissions representative to get the best idea. However, I would encourage you to expand your school list to schools in the top 30-50 range. There are some great schools and they are more open to folks with lower GMAT scores but interesting, solid work experience.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa,

Thanks for the response. I know 530 isn't a great score. But doesn't the fact that I was valedictorian with a 3.97 GPA offset my low score. I regularly see you telling people with a 3.0 GPA that a 700+ score (low GPA, high GMAT) will make them competitive at a Top 10 school, why wouldn't the reverse (High GPA, Low GMAT) also be true?

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by jonathanylee » Wed Sep 24, 2008 7:09 pm
Hi stockmoose,

I'm not Lisa, but I think the reason she tells folks with a 3.0 gpa and 700+ GMAT that they are competitive is because both the gpa and GMAT are within the mid 80% range, albeit the gpa at the lower end. However, a 530 score would be substantially lower than the mid 80% range for these schools (usually around a 660).

I know how frustrating the gmat can be - the only advice I can give you is don't give up! You seem to be a smart person...take as many practice tests as possible to calm your nerves. Practice makes perfect.

Jon

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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:52 am
Dear Stockmoose,

What Jon posted is accurate and I appreciate that he offered some insight for you. It is true that your GPA will help to mitigate a low GMAT, but you must also understand what the GMAT measures. The GMAT exam is the only piece of the application that is a consistent measure for every applicant and the only piece that has been statistically validated as an indicator of a person's academic performance in business school. That is why schools do place a lot of importance on the GMAT.

However, the GMAT is not a perfect measure nor is it the best measure. It does not predict your future success and does not account for the power of motivation by an individual. Therefore, I do not think you should let your 530 hold you back and convince you not to get an MBA. I think you should get your MBA if you know it is the best way for you to get to your future. I just think you should also consider some other schools that will be more open to a lower GMAT score.

At the end of the day, you need to take the action that removes any future regrets. Apply to the schools you want to apply to and be confident in your applications of your abilities. I am only suggesting you also ensure you have alternative options.

Best of luck,
Lisa
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