As I am sure you will hear over and over, the GMAT is only a portion of your application. Having said that, I happen to know firsthand that they will only be so lenient on scores because the average GMAT has a big impact on the schools' rankings. Your score is likely in the 80% range of top schools, so don't be discouraged, but in order for them to offer a seat to people with scores in the lower part of that range, they will need to be bringing something "else" to the table that is unique. Ask yourself what you offer that is out of the ordinary and stand to potentially add some level of diversity to the class makeup? This could come in almost any form, not just the obvious racial, cultural or professional diversity. Have you ever done anything unusual that impresses your friends and family? Well, it might just impress an admissions committee as well. And don't think it must have something to do with your professional goals, either. An unusual hobby or pastime about which you can relate an interesting story, especially one which has shaped you as a person, can sometimes capture the interest of the admissions committee. Ultimately, your post MBA vision and career goals will need to be clear and sensible, and your overall application must be tight and impressive. Consider the help of someone you know who has an MBA to look them over before submitting, or get help from a professional consultancy like Veritas. Lower scoring applicants must do all they can and go the "extra mile" on their applications in order to stand out in the crowd, but it can be done. Good luck!