How much should I be obssesed with the GMAT?

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metallicafan: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 142; Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2011 7:55 amFollowed by: 3 members; Thanked: 5 times

by metallicafan » Sat Jul 06, 2013 10:14 am

Hi buddies!

I am in the last part of my preparation to take the GMAT. My goal has always been 750 (Q50 V42), and based on my CATs, I think I can do it. Just I need a little more practice, specially in timing.

However, I would like to know whether there is a great difference between let's say a 750 and a 710 in the decision of the admission boards in school such as HBS or Stanford. I have a very good GPA; I was the best student of my class and the best student in other academic programs in which other students of diverse universities participated.

Don't get me wrong. I am not being mediocre. The thing is that I don't want to waste my time. I have not taken the TOEFL or IELTS yet, and I need time to write my essays too. In this sense, I really want to know whether a 750 will make a difference or will be just marginal. Maybe a 710 or a 720 is enough, considering my other academic achievements and my work experience.

Thanks!

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Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Sat Jul 06, 2013 10:14 am

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by [email protected] » Sat Jul 06, 2013 6:04 pm

Hi metallicafan,

With schools such as HBS and Stanford, the rejection rate tends to hover around 90%, so the little details can make a big difference. To that end, while there isn't too much of a difference between a 710 and a 750, the Scaled Scores come under some scrutiny. A higher Quant Scale tends to mean more to B-Schools than a high Verbal Scale (the logic is that Quant skills are more aligned with B-School thinking than Verbal skills). The top schools want you to have a 47+ in Quant (although it's not a requirement for admittance).

After the GMAT, you have to consider all of the other pieces of the application. You have the most control over your essays/personal statements, so make sure that you put in the proper effort and tailor your essays to each school/program.

With the top schools, you might also consider investing in Admissions Consulting. While it can be pricey, these experts can give you insight into the process and help you to craft the most effective applications possible.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at [email protected]

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