Dear Dushyant,

The GMAT is neither the "deciding factor" nor the most important piece of your application. It is significant though and the only common measure the schools have across applicants. Applicants have varying education, professional experience, extracurriculars and personalities. However, all applicants take the GMAT and it reflects your academic aptitude at that point in time. For applicants with similar backgrounds, same degree and comparable professional experience, the small differences in academic performance on the transcript, scores on either (or all) parts of the GMAT, and personal experiences (i.e., extracurriculars, community work, etc.) are what will allow one applicant to stand out from the similar applicants. Thus the GMAT can seem to take priority if you have a highly represented background, such as yourself, as you will be compared to the numerous other accountants from India. Consequently, you will need to find a way to positively distinguish yourself while making your compelling case for admission. While your professional experience indicates you might have the quantitative ability, your transcripts and GMAT also need to show evidence that you can handle the rigor of business school. Quite honestly, I am not sure a 600 will be enough--but it is hard to say with certainty without seeing the rest of your application package. Relative to the other Indian accountants, a 600 will be low in the applicant pool for the schools you noted. Perhaps identify some programs where your GMAT score (once you know it) is in the mid-50% range? Your chances will be better at these programs as your GMAT score will be in the competitive range.

Good luck,
Lisa