is a 700+ really that important?

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is a 700+ really that important?

by ramms7ein » Fri Feb 22, 2013 9:15 am
So my msitake was overconfidence. Ive crushed the SAT's the AP's LSATs and whatever other standardized test I've taken in the past. The GMAT was a whole different ballgame.

I started studying 3 days before the test- I was shooting for 750 (now realize after reading all the posts what a fool I was expecting such a miracle on less than a week's preparation!) I majored in math and had no worries about the quant, verbal I figured I'd brush up on my rules of grammar and idioms and i'd be all set.

THen I come here and see people making error-logs/avg time per question/reading guide books/taking courses etc etc That's where I said uh-oh. But I couldn't reschedule because I'd be out of the $250

I scored a meager 650 and realized the GMAT doesnt measure how smart you are or how proficient you are with taking standardized tests- the GMAT measure how good you are at taking the GMAT!!!

My question is, how important is this 700 threshhold in getting accepted into school? I am NOT aiming for a top-bschool and not even majoring in business. I am going for a masters of science in accounting/taxation (not MBA) from an average school. Do I really need to retake and get a 700? I am personally not satisfied with my score and in my heart know that if I devoted more time to studying I could certainly get a 700. However, do I really need it to achieve my professional goals?
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by neerajeai » Sat Feb 23, 2013 10:16 am
Well first of all congratulations on your score!
650 isn't that bad with less than a week of prep.

This clearly shows your potential to score way higher, if you prepare well.
Having said that, the score should be good enough for the kind of course and/or college you are aiming for.
I would recommend applying to your college list(s), and see if a selection happens. Else, retake the test and i am pretty sure you would score way higher.

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by Tommy Wallach » Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:02 pm
Hey Ramms,

The answer you've already got here is great, but I know it's always nice to get that expert opinion in there. Indeed, a 650 is good for anything but a top 10 B-school (where the average is around 720). Of course, the easiest way to put all fears to bed is to call up your admissions department and ask what their average is (you could even ask straight up if they think you should retake it). Why fly blind? There's no shame in asking!

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by Jim@StratusPrep » Mon Feb 25, 2013 4:05 pm
If very little prep got you a 650, then you could likely score higher. That GMAT score may help get you scholarship money, which may have a huge impact on your career. Just another angle...
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Feb 26, 2013 7:32 am
ramms7ein wrote: I scored a meager 650 and realized the GMAT doesnt measure how smart you are or how proficient you are with taking standardized tests- the GMAT measure how good you are at taking the GMAT!!!
Bingo.

I've seen some very intelligent people struggle with the GMAT at first because many of their skills do not translate directly into doing well on the GMAT. With a strong foundation and some GMAT-specific strategies, this test is conquerable.

All the best in your studies.

Cheers,
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by Jim@StratusPrep » Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:41 pm
Responding to you PM.

I would say that it is unlikely that the scholarship committee would extend you an offer after you were admitted based on a new GMAT score. This offer typically happens when you are admitted.
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