Hi Garima,

GMAT is not the only evaluation criteria for top b-schools, they look at your overall profile to decide about your candidature. You can retake GMAT unless you are confident enough that you score 750+ and such scores will clearly make an impact but if you are scoring between 650-700 it doesn't matter much so focus on qualitative aspects of application like essays, recommendations, resume and also do some research about the b-schools where you want to apply. Elaborate more about your profile and let me know if you have any questions...

Wish you all the best!

Thank you Bhavik and Jon for sharing your views. But, i will be writing GMAT again. A little bit about my background - i am an Indian IT Female, with BE from one of the top colleges in India ( top 10), work for one of the top S/w companies. Have taken up responsibilities where i could show leadership skills. GPA is good and work exp around 4.5 yrs. But could you advise what all colleges in top 20 bschools in US are safe for me with 680 score ? Thanks

Retake the test. Even a marginal improvement into the 700 range will be significant as your present GMAT score is significantly below the average Indian GMAT score for those schools. MBA schools generally look only at your highest score even if you are taking the test a 4th time. That said, the GMAT is only one part of the MBA evaluation criteria used by MBA admissions committees.

Reading your reply below I think you are asking an unanswerable and ultimately immaterial question. Nobody can say with absolute 100% assuredness a school is safe with a 680. Therefore retake the test and attain the best score possible. However, if you do not exceed a 680 still apply to Duke, Darden, Ross and UCLA as there are other factors which could lead to accepted decisions by one or more of these schools.

Have a great weekend,

garima5 wrote:Hi Jon,

I wrote GMAT thrice. I wish to write it for the fourth time and bit scared of scoring < 680. I have been advised by few to write again and few recommend to go ahead with 680. But if i wish to go with 680 can i apply to Duke,Darden,Ross and UCLA. I am an Indian IT Female, with pretty good percentage. I am working for one of the top S/w companies. Extra curricular is fine. Please advise.
Thanks.

Hi garima5,
As others already told you, GMAT is not the only evaluation criteria, and your profile seems solid. It is definitely possible to get admitted to top MBA programs with average GMAT score, and I suggest you watch this video to learn how: https://www.aringo.com/top_MBA_with_low_gmat.htm
All the best!