Research MBA Programs

I scored in the 94th percentile for the GMAT, 720, and I was wondering how likely it is to be accepted into Harvard or Columbia with that score. I know Harvard doesn't look too heavily at the GMAT.

My main question is: How competitive are these schools? Do I stand a chance?

Any answers will be appreciated.

jesseunc1 wrote:I scored in the 94th percentile for the GMAT, 720, and I was wondering how likely it is to be accepted into Harvard or Columbia with that score. I know Harvard doesn't look too heavily at the GMAT.

My main question is: How competitive are these schools? Do I stand a chance?

Any answers will be appreciated.

Hi jesseunc1,

Your GMAT score is sufficient for both of these schools. However, the GMAT is only one aspect of the application. These schools also look at:

Undergrad grades and transcripts
Graduate grades and transcripts (if applicable)
Essays
Work Experience
Recommendations

Columbia and Harvard are difficult schools to gain admission to. You need to have a strong overall application, not just the GMAT.

I hope that helps!

dmateer25 is absolutely right. I say your essays, work experience, and recommendations carry heavier weight in the admission process than your GMAT. Trust me, your GMAT is good enough (I would say, as long as you are around the median score, you're fine). I received GMAT score of 730 (96%) but was rejected by top 10 schools. Fortunately I got into UCLA Anderson, which still is considered one of Tier 1 schools.

the 720 GMAT score would not make or break and admissions decision UNLESS the split was heavily favoring Verbal like a 30Q/50V type score.

Hi bjcoolj,

Thanks for your response. You said you scored a 730 but was not accepted into top 10 MBA programs. Why do you think that was?

Did you have a glaring issue on other aspects?

Thanks again.

I had minimum GPA 3.0. Also, I think my application was quite weak in "Extracurricular / Volunteer" section. While working I didn't really belong to any organizations or committees outside work. So when top tier schools asked my involvement in any enterprises outside work, my response was very limited. I also think my recommendations could have been better. My superiors have wrote me great letters and gave me excellent reviews, but I feel they could have also explored the areas that I need to improve, which could have made the recommendations appear more genuine and thoughtful. I think just getting "excellent" in all fields or evaluation makes your recommender less convincing and less believable.

I met an Wharton Alumni at its information session and he had lower GMAT than I, didn't went to Ivy school for his undergraduate degree. However, he had done a lot of charity works and had very interesting work experience (he worked at U.N.). Now obviously, the time he applied to Wharton (2004) is much different from today, when application volume has surged almost 30% and schools are receiving applications from VERY well-qualified candidates, most of who have stellar experience in Wall Street.

So, if I could do anything different - I can't change my work experience or charitable work history - I would focus more on my essays and recommendations. I would focus on strengthening my profile by discussing who I really am and why I am such a good fit. I made a mistake of discussing too much about what I wanted to do (finance) when I didn't have any experience in that field or an in-depth knowledge about the career prospects - I think that could have made my goals and desire for MBA little incredible. Also, make sure your recommenders give you a "fair" evaluation of who you are - they should not just blindly give you an outstanding mark for every category. I hope that helped.

bjcoolj wrote:I had minimum GPA 3.0. Also, I think my application was quite weak in "Extracurricular / Volunteer" section. While working I didn't really belong to any organizations or committees outside work. So when top tier schools asked my involvement in any enterprises outside work, my response was very limited. I also think my recommendations could have been better. My superiors have wrote me great letters and gave me excellent reviews, but I feel they could have also explored the areas that I need to improve, which could have made the recommendations appear more genuine and thoughtful. I think just getting "excellent" in all fields or evaluation makes your recommender less convincing and less believable......

that's a candid post mate. thanks mate for your time taken. BTW as all said, To get into TOP, your profile need to be unique and curious one. In the journey of this MBA aspiring path, as far as I know TOP colleges consider both Professional and Personality of the candidate.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I just have 1 more question; how much more difficult is it to get into top 10 mba programs as opposed to several years ago?

Also, do you think it will continue to become harder?

I know it is harder right now, but do you think that is just because of the current economic crisis, or is it going to be a continuing trend?

Thank you again everyone.

jesseunc1 wrote: I know it is harder right now, but do you think that is just because of the current economic crisis, or is it going to be a continuing trend?

Thank you again everyone.

I think both are responsible. Because

Current Economic Crisis = many fired/bench work employees trying their luck to see if they can get through TOP colleges.
About TREND = yep, continuing trend also affecting the hardship.