Profile Snapshot, Target GMAT Recommendations

[VeritasRefugee]

To the wise consultants of Stacy Blackman,

I am interested in full-time programs such as those at Columbia, Kellogg, and Yale. I was wondering what my target GMAT score should be in order for me to be a competitive candidate (710? 740? Higher?)

I understand that the GMAT is only one facet of my application, but given my profile, what score do you feel I should be targetting, especially since my experience is on the shorter side? A snapshot of my profile is below.

Undergrad:
Computer Science major with a 3.2 GPA

Work:
Currently in the biotech/pharma industry for 2 years as a business analyst (think internal IT consulting)

Activities since college:
-Was one of the leaders for my company's college recruiting program for a year
-Is very involved at my church on a weekly basis (music ministry and multimedia coordination)

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear VeritasRefugee:

Obviously, the higher your GMAT score, the better. Ideally, you want a score that starts with a 7 for any top 20 programs. A good guideline on where to target your GMAT is at or above the average of the current class profile. The higher your score is above the average, the more competitive your application may be. Of course, there is no guarantee a 750 GMAT will get you an interview much less admission nor is a GMAT below 650 a definite rejection. It is important that you have a solid rationale for why you want a MBA, why now, and why you are applying to the program--plus a good GMAT score, good GPA, well-written essays, and great recommendations.

Good luck!
Lisa

[VeritasRefugee]

To the lovely Lisa:

Thank you for your helpful advice. Do you feel that given my profile and target schools that a 730 (Q50, V40) will allow me to be a competitive candidate? Do you believe shooting for a score such as a 760 would improve my competitiveness? Thanks again!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear VeritasRefugee:

You want a GMAT score that starts with a 7 to be competitive at the schools you mention. If you can get in the 700s, it is probably not worth your time and money to retake it unless you think you can get your score up at least 40 points.

Regards,
Lisa