How to overcome a low GMAT when applying to top MBA programs
The General Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a long and tiring exam that takes three hours to complete. The GMAT scoring range is from 200 to 800, with 800 being the best score. If you have taken the GMAT, you can check your admission chances here: aringo.com/mba-admission-chances-calculator/
Technically, there is no minimum required GMAT score to get accepted into most business schools. But if you score below 650 on the GMAT, the admissions team may think twice before approving your application to a top MBA program. Most schools publish their class profiles with average GMAT scores and score range.
However, a low GMAT score does not mean you have no chance of gaining entry into a top MBA program. There are ways you can overcome a low GMAT to impress the admissions team at the school. If you can satisfy all the other application process requirements exceptionally well, then your low GMAT may get overlooked.
Here are the top four ways to overcome a low GMAT when applying to top MBA programs.
1) A Powerful Resume
Create a powerful resume that is clear and concise. It should outline your educational experience, work history, skills, abilities, awards, and accomplishments. The resume needs to grab their attention as soon as they see it.
An ideal resume for a full-time MBA program should be one page. The admissions team looks through thousands of resumes, so they don’t want to read a book.
2) Write a Motivational Essay
Don’t just write an essay that begs for admittance. You must write a motivational essay that will make the admissions team want to accept your application. Write about your professional experience, your journey, and what you’ve learned so far. Explain why you have what it takes to excel as an MBA student at their top business school.
3) Letters of Recommendation
At least two letters of recommendation are a substantial motivating factor for admissions staff. These cannot be letters of recommendation from friends, family members, or unverifiable sources. They must be from current or former colleagues, supervisors, or clients. If you can prove that other distinguished professionals vouch for your excellence, then your low GMAT score can be compensated to some extent.
4) Give a Great Interview
If the admissions team has called you for an interview, you have a chance of getting accepted. The MBA interview is the most important interview you will ever give in your life.
If you already have a low GMAT score, you must knock the interview out of the park. Answer the interviewer’s questions entirely and also ask questions yourself. It will show the interviewer that you have the enthusiasm and interest to excel in the MBA program.
The GMAT is not the only exam accepted at top MBA programs. All programs accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) interchangeably with the GMAT. If you are having a hard time with the GMAT, the GRE may prove to better suit your testing style. A few US programs have started to accept the Executive Assessment (EA) for full-time programs as well.
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