So this may seem like a pointless question at first, but I am wondering how heavily GPA/GMAT really matter to admissions committees. Obviously, higher GMAT/GPA are good to have, but I keep hearing amazing success stores of people with low GPA/GMAT getting into top tier programs.

So I suppose my questions are: How much do GPA/GMAT really matter? What really wows admissions committees other than GPA/GMAT? Anyone can get work experience and put it on their applications...So if there is no minimum for gpa, gmat, or years of work experience, what is that one special thing that admissions committees really desire in applicants?

Thanks in advance.