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GMAT Score (fell below 80/80) and GPA

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GMAT Score (fell below 80/80) and GPA

by sublime4510 » Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:55 am
Hello.

I'm wondering about my chances to get into a top tier business school (specifically Berkeley). I'm currently in my final year at UC Irvine and expect to graduate with about a 3.9 with a B.A. in public health policy and minor in management. I received a 730 on the GMAT, but ranked only in the 77 percentile for quantitative (95 for verbal and 5.5 on AWA). Do you think my low quantitative skill will detour some of the top ranked schools from accepting me? I don't plan on applying until going out into the workforce for about two years. I'll consider applying after one, but I'm more likely to apply after 2-3 years.

Should I consider taking additional courses in math to demonstrate quantitative ability following my graduation?


I appreciate your help and feedback.
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by Tani » Sat Jan 29, 2011 1:50 pm
Most schools do not become concerned about quantitative scores until they drop toward 50%ile. A 730 GMAT should not be a barrier to admissions. Neither is it, however, a guarantee. Schools such as Berkeley regularly reject applicants with 800 scores. It is also only one factor in admissions. You would be far better served to concentrate on building your resume, showing your dedication to a business career and your ability to succeed in a working environment.

You show great sense in planning to wait a couple of years before applying. You will have a better chance, and you will benefit far more from the experience with solid professional work behind you. You have time to build a community service profile as well. Look for an activity to which you can contribute in a leadership position or from your technical skills. Work at building positive professional relationships so you have outstanding recommenders available when it is time to apply.

Your profile shows solid potential. You might want to look at the applications for several top schools to get a feel for what they are going to be asking when it is your turn. That may help you choose activities over the next couple of years.


Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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by sublime4510 » Sat Jan 29, 2011 6:07 pm
Thank you for your insight.
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by paulsbodine » Sat Jan 29, 2011 7:00 pm
sublime4510,

The 80th percentile is a threshold that most top schools like to see surpassed in the quantitative score. Your score is sufficiently close to that threshold to be a competitive score at Haas and other schools, especially given your very high GPA. If you haven't taken core quant courses like calculus and statistics you may want to take them and earn A's in them to minimize whatever doubt your quant score raises. If you've only taken the GMAT once or twice, try taking it again when you're closer to applying, and in all probability you will raise your score. But it is a good (not a low) score.

Good luck,
Paul Bodine
Author, "Great Applications for Business School," "Perfect Phrases for Business School Acceptance," "Perfect Phrases for Letters of Recommendation"
https://www.paulsbodine.com/
[email protected]
(858) 869-1959
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by sublime4510 » Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:20 pm
Thank you Paulsobodine.
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by bizschoolprep » Sat Feb 05, 2011 8:23 pm
Considering that you have few years in front of you, it would not be a bad option to take some classes in quant and get good grades to convince the adcom that you can handle the quant part of the mBA coursework. Afterall, with everything else at place, why to leave this for chance!?
-BizSchoolPrep, MBA Admissions Consultant
www.bizschoolprep.com , Know what makes us different!
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