In the Ballpark GMAT Score

[ethan42781]

I've read that a 680 GMAT score is considered "in the ballpark" for top schools. Im assuming that the average GMAT score for these schools is 700-710. What about schools like USC and Cornell with average GMAT scores of 680? Would "in the ballpark" for these schools be more like 650?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Ethan:

The "ballpark" for each school is different, and likewise it might be bigger or smaller depending on the parts of the candidate's application (i.e., GPA, recommendations, essays). Keep in mind, an average GMAT score for a school is the average meaning half the class is above that number and half the class is below. I think you are probably in both of those schools' "ballparks" as you are only 30 points below their average.

A quick way to get a general idea of the "ballpark" for a school is to look at its mid-50% range for GMAT scores. You can find the mid-50% (and/or the mid-80%) range for schools on their websites, in some rankings, and on many b-school informational websites.

Keep in mind, though, if you fall under a school's average GMAT, it becomes more important to have a strong undergraduate GPA, solid work experience, strong essays and interview, and glowing recommendations.

Good luck!
Lisa

[ethan42781]

Thanks Lisa.

[mjjking]

Lisa hi,
if I apply with a 680 to a school whose mean/median GMAT is 690, would I be considered to be around average or I would be at great disadvantage
thanks!

[dmagnia]

dude, your score is fine. worry about working on the stuff that matters (essays, extracurriculars, etc.) This year I have been accepted to 2 top 10 schools and 2 top 20 schools with a 650. And if it really bothers you that much or are trying to land a consulting job with top 3 then take it again and shoot to break 700. So long as you land within the 80% range of a school relax, breathe, and apply.

[mjjking]

can you name those schools? moreover, did you have incredible stats?

thanks!

[dmagnia]

no doubt that someone with a 650 has to be able to make up for that somewhere in the app and I definitely think being in the military helped make my story unique. And that is what I am telling you...find something unique about you and sell your story...between now and your application time do something that you love, accomplish something that you have been meaning to accomplish, volunteer...bottom line is don't ask someone who doesn't know you what to do (extracurricular wise) or else you will just be checking the block and the adcom will notice.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear mjjking:

If you are only about 10 points below the average, you are definitely more "at the average" than at a "disadvantage" per se. While it can never hurt you to retake and improve your score (especially if you break 700), I think you are in good shape with regards to your GMAT score for those schools.

Having said that, it is always important to keep in mind that the GMAT score will not be the only reason you are admitted (or rejected) to any MBA program. As Daniel noted in his posts, there are other aspects to the application you will want to take seriously to ensure you are presenting the strongest application possible.

Regards,
Lisa

[sampleresume]

thank you lisa