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I have a question about GMAT Scores

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I have a question about GMAT Scores

by GMATters1001 » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:37 am
I got a 750 on the GMAT and I'm curious how much that really boosts my chances. I'm a white male, by the way.

My top choices are Wharton or Stanford.
At Wharton, if the accept rate is 12%, does anyone have a sense for what the accept rate is among people with a 750? Could it be as high as 50%?

And is the boost any different at Stanford?

I saw some interesting stats on Northwestern for 2008:
https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/Pro ... ofile.aspx

Entering class of 2008 was 5546 with 16% having 750+ but only 22% of incoming class was 750+. This would suggest that if the acceptance rate is 15%, then the acceptance rate for 750+ is only 20-25%.

What you don't know is the yield for the score range. If the yield for the 750+'ers is only 20% (since perhaps 750+ applicants have a lot of choices?), then the 750+ acceptance rate is VERY high, but if the yield is closer to the overall yield rate i.e. 70% +/- then the acceptance rate is only about 10% higher for a 750+ score.

Any thoughts?
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by Zipper » Fri Jan 16, 2009 3:12 pm
It's kind of an off-topic but I think you are giving too much thought into your GMAT score and what it can do for you.

Sure, you can get an overall idea what % of candidates with 700-750 get in and what % of candidates with 750+ get in, but this is for the statistics for one year only. Next year they might be 20% more or less, just like that.

What I am trying to say is if an applicant with similar background puts a better story than you do, he will get the spot any day of the week. It won't matter if he has 680-750 and you have 750 (basically).

As I read somewhere "GMAT won't get you in a b-school, but it can certainly keep you out.". You have a pretty nice score, congrats! But, basically, it won't get you in. So now after you've beaten the GMAT, forget about it and focus on your essays/application package.

Good luck!
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by GMATters1001 » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:15 am
Thank you for your opinion. However, I think my question is still valid and I would be curious to hear what an admissions consultant thinks.
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by Jen Kedro » Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:04 pm
Hi there,

Well it certainly seems that those analytical-wheels are turning, which is always good prep for those b-school days! :) First of all, congrats on your fabulous score. That will be a huge plus on your applications; you've basically shown that you can handle the academic rigor of any of the top programs, which is essential.

Your final admissions decision will also be influenced by your other application factors, though: GPA, work experience, references, essays, and interview. You are ahead of many in terms of having that GMAT score going for you from the start, but keep in mind that the other factors must also be strong in the eyes of the committee for acceptance at a top program. Most important will likely be your essays, as that is the place where you create something from scratch to represent who you are, and the place where you lay out your case for why an MBA makes sense for your career goals, and why that school is right for you. So as long as those essays are strong, your chances should be great. If not, it could lower your chances dramatically, even with a top score.

It's tough to do TOO much analysis on acceptance rates at different score levels because, at least at the highest-ranked schools, they truly DO make each decision on a case-by-case basis, and holistically, not just based on GMAT, so the #'s may vary a lot from year to year based on the individuals that apply.

At the end of the day, know that you've increased your chances with that top-notch GMAT score, and at this point it probably makes sense to focus your energy on ensuring your essays are up to par as well. Best of luck to you, let us know how it goes!
Jen Kedrowski
Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions
GMAT Teacher
MBA Admissions Consultant
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