Ask MBA App

[mba_app]

Round 2 applicants, feel free to post your queries here. As current students, our objective is to provide perspectives on life at a business school, recruitment outlook and admissions assistance.

[N:Dure]

Hi! I want to ask whether the GMAT/GRE is the dealmaker when it comes to admission? Because as I see from posts here, it's all about your GMAT score even if you have a stellar profile. On the other hand, I heard that ppl with 800 GMAT and high GPAs can still get dinged... so what's the story? Does a low GMAT/GRE score lower your chances even if you have a strong profile? or is it the overall package that counts?

[paulsbodine]

N:Dure,

Yes, a low GMAT lowers your chances even if you have a strong profile because at the top schools, admissions committees can choose between multiple applicants who have both high GMAT scores *and* strong profiles. GMAT scores are *a* "dealmaker" -- they will put you in the game -- but they are only one dealmaker among many: career pace/resume, GPA, and the whole differentiation aspect (diversity, compelling personal story, etc.).

Good luck,

[mba_app]

Academic ability is one of the dimensions you are evaluated on. The GMAT/GRE score and your grades from your previous degree(s) are used in conjunction to determine your academic aptitude. Plus, it is the only data point that is probably common across all applicants regardless of professional background and country of origin, so you may think of it as the only common denominator.

As long as you are above your target school's average GMAT score, you should be fine. Remember that a lot will depend on grades from your previous degree(s) as well.

A side note: a few post-MBA employers ask for your GMAT score as a part of both the summer and full-time job application.

https://www.mba-app.com/

Hi! I want to ask whether the GMAT/GRE is the dealmaker when it comes to admission? Because as I see from posts here, it's all about your GMAT score even if you have a stellar profile. On the other hand, I heard that ppl with 800 GMAT and high GPAs can still get dinged... so what's the story? Does a low GMAT/GRE score lower your chances even if you have a strong profile?