Optional essay to explain low gmat?

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Optional essay to explain low gmat?

by naturago91 » Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:04 pm
I read a couple of questions on this forum about addressing your low gmat score on your optional essay. So my gmat score is 620. My gmat score at the schools I'm applying too are all within the 80% tile, but lower than the average ranging from 640-670. Is my gmat score so low that I need to "explain" myself? Or is it ok not to mention it? Also, I am a female not from the science/math/engineering type background, and I don't know if on average, women tend to score lower on their gmat?
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:14 pm
Dear naturago91,

If you are within 40-50 points of the average GMAT, I do not think it is necessary to write the essay on your GMAT score. However, if your score is greater than 50 points below the average for the school, then you probably should write the optional essay.

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