GMAT VS. GPA

[Stockmoose16]

Hi,

I'm looking to get into a TOP 5 B-School. I graduated at the top of my class from Syracuse University with a dual degree in Finance and Television, Radio, Film (Cum gpa: 3.97). I am a terrible standardized test taker, and my practice GMATs have landed me scores around 560. Can I still get into a TOP 5 school?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Stockmoose16,

MBA admissions is different from undergraduate admissions, so decisions are not made on GMAT and GPA alone. However, top 5 programs have the luxury of large applicant pools with fabulous candidates so they do use some minimal criteria as a way to filter the applicant pool. While your GPA is great, your GMAT does need to be within a schools mid-80% range to be competitive. For these schools, that bottom of that range is probably in the mid-600s (i.e., 630-660).

I would suggest continuing your GMAT preparation and researching some programs that are between 15 and 40 in most rankings. You will find many of these schools will provide you the curriculum and resources you want, but are a little more forgiving of a low GMAT if the rest of your application is strong.

Good luck,
Lisa

[Stockmoose16]

Dear Stockmoose16,

MBA admissions is different from undergraduate admissions, so decisions are not made on GMAT and GPA alone. However, top 5 programs have the luxury of large applicant pools with fabulous candidates so they do use some minimal criteria as a way to filter the applicant pool. While your GPA is great, your GMAT does need to be within a schools mid-80% range to be competitive. For these schools, that bottom of that range is probably in the mid-600s (i.e., 630-660).

I would suggest continuing your GMAT preparation and researching some programs that are between 15 and 40 in most rankings. You will find many of these schools will provide you the curriculum and resources you want, but are a little more forgiving of a low GMAT if the rest of your application is strong.

Good luck,
Lisa

Thanks for the information, Lisa. Wouldn't Top 5 schools take into account that I was valedictorian of a major university? While the GMAT might level the playing field, beating out 5000 other students is no easy feat. I would think schools could overlook at mid-500s GMAT if I've already proven I can be successful.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Stockmoose16,

While being valedictorian is an accomplishment and demonstrates your success in the classroom, it does not make up for a GMAT score significantly below the average. I'm not saying it is impossible to get into a top MBA program with a 560, but the chances are quite slim. Top 5 programs get many applicants who were at the top of their university classes and have GMAT scores in the 700s. I would strongly encourage you to aim for a GMAT around 680 to be competitive on the GMAT/GPA measures.

Regards,
Lisa