Thank you very much for the quick response Lisa and for the encouragement! I'm very motivated to score high on the GMAT!
Thanks again!
Ronnie882
What GPA/GMAT is needed to get into a top 5 school?
Dear Lisa,
I am an Indian applicant. I did my undergrad from Washington University, St. Louis - 3.81 CGPA with three majors (finance, economics, management). I have a strong entrepreneurial experience (in India) of almost 10 years now. However, I stumbled on my GMAT with a 670. I appeared for GMAT in 2008 and then this month, Sep 2010. The latter and higher score is 670. I firmly believe that it is not representative of my abilities but then if I look at a GMAT re-take then I would not be able to make it for the R1 deadlines of top schools. Also, do you think my GPA and work ex can cover me up on the GMAT front? Now here comes my question - Do you think my profile is competitive for the top 5? Harvard, Kellogg, Tuck, Stanford and Ross? I understand that nobody can be 100% sure but still please do let me know your opinion. Or would I be better off applying to more safer schools than targeting the top 5? IS a high work ex considered a strength or a weakness? Should I go ahead with this GMAT and apply in R1 or should I retake the GMAT and apply in R2? Again I can only try to increase my GMAT score. I would be grateful for your valuable feedback.
Thankyou
I am an Indian applicant. I did my undergrad from Washington University, St. Louis - 3.81 CGPA with three majors (finance, economics, management). I have a strong entrepreneurial experience (in India) of almost 10 years now. However, I stumbled on my GMAT with a 670. I appeared for GMAT in 2008 and then this month, Sep 2010. The latter and higher score is 670. I firmly believe that it is not representative of my abilities but then if I look at a GMAT re-take then I would not be able to make it for the R1 deadlines of top schools. Also, do you think my GPA and work ex can cover me up on the GMAT front? Now here comes my question - Do you think my profile is competitive for the top 5? Harvard, Kellogg, Tuck, Stanford and Ross? I understand that nobody can be 100% sure but still please do let me know your opinion. Or would I be better off applying to more safer schools than targeting the top 5? IS a high work ex considered a strength or a weakness? Should I go ahead with this GMAT and apply in R1 or should I retake the GMAT and apply in R2? Again I can only try to increase my GMAT score. I would be grateful for your valuable feedback.
Thankyou
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear tejbir1,
A tough predicament indeed...Your 670 is not out of range for these schools, but it is below average and you are applying as an international applicant. Your work experience is as important and can mitigate the GMAT along with your high GPA. I do think the fact you attended Wash U will be an asset for you as it shows you can excel in a US academic environment. I think you have to decide which risk is bigger for you: a below average GMAT or submitting in R2. There is nothing to indicate applying in R2 is a disadvantage to R1, and you can always submit long before the actual deadline. A higher GMAT score might be valuable, especially if you can score in the 700s as it will put you in a more competitive position. In weighing these options though, you need to really assess how likely you feel an increase in your score will be. You do not want to sacrifice the quality of the rest of your applications to study for the GMAT. Also, you need to think about how strong of a writer you are, how strong your recommendations will be, and how you are presenting your background in your applications to know if these other components will truly set you apart from the competition enough to be one of the folks the schools will want in the class. As for your target schools, I don't think a top 5 is impossible for you, but I am concerned if you are only applying to top 5 programs. It is prudent for any applicant to have a mix of schools, and these are reach programs for everybody, no matter the GMAT/GPA/work experience profile. No matter what you do on your GMAT retake, I do encourage you to consider applying to couple of schools outside the top 10--more reasonable and safety options--where you feel the schools offer the curriculum and resources that match your goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
A tough predicament indeed...Your 670 is not out of range for these schools, but it is below average and you are applying as an international applicant. Your work experience is as important and can mitigate the GMAT along with your high GPA. I do think the fact you attended Wash U will be an asset for you as it shows you can excel in a US academic environment. I think you have to decide which risk is bigger for you: a below average GMAT or submitting in R2. There is nothing to indicate applying in R2 is a disadvantage to R1, and you can always submit long before the actual deadline. A higher GMAT score might be valuable, especially if you can score in the 700s as it will put you in a more competitive position. In weighing these options though, you need to really assess how likely you feel an increase in your score will be. You do not want to sacrifice the quality of the rest of your applications to study for the GMAT. Also, you need to think about how strong of a writer you are, how strong your recommendations will be, and how you are presenting your background in your applications to know if these other components will truly set you apart from the competition enough to be one of the folks the schools will want in the class. As for your target schools, I don't think a top 5 is impossible for you, but I am concerned if you are only applying to top 5 programs. It is prudent for any applicant to have a mix of schools, and these are reach programs for everybody, no matter the GMAT/GPA/work experience profile. No matter what you do on your GMAT retake, I do encourage you to consider applying to couple of schools outside the top 10--more reasonable and safety options--where you feel the schools offer the curriculum and resources that match your goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
I appreciate your assistance. Thank you very much.
When you ask that I consider schools outside the top 10, would I still not be below the average GMAT even for those schools? For example - Darden, Carlson, Olin, Duke, etc. - all have an average GMAT of around 700. How would it make any difference in applying to the top 10 or the next 10 when in both cases I am below the GMAT average? My feeling is that the top 10 would rather have a more holistic approach to the application as compared to the next 10 schools, for example Olin which seems to have become more "GMAT centric" lately. Please correct me if I am wrong. Please advise if I should move further down to schools ranked between 30-40 so that I meet their average GMAT scores. Please advise.
Tejbir
I appreciate your assistance. Thank you very much.
When you ask that I consider schools outside the top 10, would I still not be below the average GMAT even for those schools? For example - Darden, Carlson, Olin, Duke, etc. - all have an average GMAT of around 700. How would it make any difference in applying to the top 10 or the next 10 when in both cases I am below the GMAT average? My feeling is that the top 10 would rather have a more holistic approach to the application as compared to the next 10 schools, for example Olin which seems to have become more "GMAT centric" lately. Please correct me if I am wrong. Please advise if I should move further down to schools ranked between 30-40 so that I meet their average GMAT scores. Please advise.
Tejbir
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear Tejbir,
If you are going to move forward with your 670, then you need to look at schools with GMAT averages at or below 670 to be in the best competitive position. You might apply to 1-3 with GMAT averages in the 670-700 range where you feel you are a strong match as your reach programs. GMAT averages can vary a bit in the 10-40 range, so I do think you will find options in the top 40. However, it is also important these schools are a good match for your career goals.
Regards,
Lisa
If you are going to move forward with your 670, then you need to look at schools with GMAT averages at or below 670 to be in the best competitive position. You might apply to 1-3 with GMAT averages in the 670-700 range where you feel you are a strong match as your reach programs. GMAT averages can vary a bit in the 10-40 range, so I do think you will find options in the top 40. However, it is also important these schools are a good match for your career goals.
Regards,
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
I have recently graduated from the Otto Von Guericke University (OvGU) in Magdeburg, Germany, with a bachelor's degree in Management and Economics. I managed to achieve a German GPA of 2.9. Though I was unable to find an exact conversion scale from German to American grades, according to https://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/germany.htm (a scale used by Michigan State University), a German 2.9 is equal to a B average (American).
I have yet to take the GMAT and I have no professional work experience. On the other hand, what I do have, is experience in an academic position, as I was a scientific assistant to one of the professors at the university for more than 3 years. I was promised a job by an insurance company in Damascus, Syria, where I will first begin work as a trainee a few weeks from now. Soon after starting that job, I will have already taken the GMAT and applications for the fall semester of 2011 would have begun; that is what I intend to apply for (no particular schools in mind at this point, as I have no idea about my chances, given the fact that I have not yet taken the GMAT).
I read about the importance of qualities differentiating one's own application vs. the bulk of the other applicants in your previous posts. I was hoping I can get feedback on what I believe separates me from the rest of the pack.
I was born in Dubai (UAE), however, I am an American citizen. I lived in Dubai for a total of 9-10 years (on and off) and a total of 8 years in the U.S. For the last four years, I attended the OvG University in Germany where I picked up the language and, as a result, I am able to speak 3 languages (English, Arabic, and German).
I was in various forms of martial arts since the age of 3, winning numerous national championships in karate, prior to my most notable achievement of winning a world kickboxing championship in 2005. I was also a member of my high school's varsity swimming and basketball teams, winning a few awards for achievements in each sport respectively. Finally, I played football for a German city's team for a few months.
Barring my diverse cultural, educational, and athletic background, I fear I may not have a whole lot to offer. Hypothetically speaking, if I manage to knock on 700's door on the GMAT, how high do you think I should aim in terms of top schools (given the information I have provided)?
I am a very mature and down to earth person so please answer me frankly without fear of hurting my feelings. I'm looking for realistic advice so that I can minimize the opportunity cost of applying to, and getting rejected from, schools that I never had a chance of gaining admission to in the first place.
*Perhaps I should have mentioned this sooner, but my goal is to get into a full time MBA program.
Looking forward to hearing your response.
Thank you in advance,
Mo.
I have recently graduated from the Otto Von Guericke University (OvGU) in Magdeburg, Germany, with a bachelor's degree in Management and Economics. I managed to achieve a German GPA of 2.9. Though I was unable to find an exact conversion scale from German to American grades, according to https://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/germany.htm (a scale used by Michigan State University), a German 2.9 is equal to a B average (American).
I have yet to take the GMAT and I have no professional work experience. On the other hand, what I do have, is experience in an academic position, as I was a scientific assistant to one of the professors at the university for more than 3 years. I was promised a job by an insurance company in Damascus, Syria, where I will first begin work as a trainee a few weeks from now. Soon after starting that job, I will have already taken the GMAT and applications for the fall semester of 2011 would have begun; that is what I intend to apply for (no particular schools in mind at this point, as I have no idea about my chances, given the fact that I have not yet taken the GMAT).
I read about the importance of qualities differentiating one's own application vs. the bulk of the other applicants in your previous posts. I was hoping I can get feedback on what I believe separates me from the rest of the pack.
I was born in Dubai (UAE), however, I am an American citizen. I lived in Dubai for a total of 9-10 years (on and off) and a total of 8 years in the U.S. For the last four years, I attended the OvG University in Germany where I picked up the language and, as a result, I am able to speak 3 languages (English, Arabic, and German).
I was in various forms of martial arts since the age of 3, winning numerous national championships in karate, prior to my most notable achievement of winning a world kickboxing championship in 2005. I was also a member of my high school's varsity swimming and basketball teams, winning a few awards for achievements in each sport respectively. Finally, I played football for a German city's team for a few months.
Barring my diverse cultural, educational, and athletic background, I fear I may not have a whole lot to offer. Hypothetically speaking, if I manage to knock on 700's door on the GMAT, how high do you think I should aim in terms of top schools (given the information I have provided)?
I am a very mature and down to earth person so please answer me frankly without fear of hurting my feelings. I'm looking for realistic advice so that I can minimize the opportunity cost of applying to, and getting rejected from, schools that I never had a chance of gaining admission to in the first place.
*Perhaps I should have mentioned this sooner, but my goal is to get into a full time MBA program.
Looking forward to hearing your response.
Thank you in advance,
Mo.
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear Mo,
There are many important variables that form the applicant evaluation for business school including GMAT, GPA, professional work experience, hobbies/community/extracurricular activities, and rationale for an MBA. While your multi-cultural background is an interesting aspect to your profile, you need to thoroughly assess how your profile measures up from a holistic perspective and determine if your strengths are mitigating your weaknesses. Your GPA is probably going to be at or slightly below average for most schools. A 700+ GMAT will help to mitigate that to some degree; however, since college is fairly recent for you the admissions committee will be looking for evidence that you will be a committed student who can succeed in the classroom.
The biggest potential weakness for you is your lack of professional experience. If you are applying to enter in fall 2011, then you would be entering with almost 1 year experience. With applications being written now, however, you do not have any examples from your insurance work nor can your supervisors/managers really recommend you as they have not worked with you long enough. Keeping this in mind, you will need to find a way to present yourself as mature and possessing the necessary skill set for business school with the current experiences you have. If you feel you can present evidence of these skills and maturity, then you should proceed with applying. If not, you might consider waiting a year so that you have a year of experience which to draw from at the time you apply. It is difficult to gain admission with less than 2 years of professional work experience to most schools. To be successful, you must provide a compelling reason to enter school at this point in time along with your solid rationale for an MBA in relation to your career goals. Likewise, these applicants are usually high academic achievers (i.e., 700+ GMATs and A/A+ averages).
Once you know your GMAT score, you will have a better idea of your profile and where you will be competitive. For the best chance of admission, you should probably look at schools where your GMAT is at or above the average and where the schools offers the curriculum and resources you need to achieve your career goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
There are many important variables that form the applicant evaluation for business school including GMAT, GPA, professional work experience, hobbies/community/extracurricular activities, and rationale for an MBA. While your multi-cultural background is an interesting aspect to your profile, you need to thoroughly assess how your profile measures up from a holistic perspective and determine if your strengths are mitigating your weaknesses. Your GPA is probably going to be at or slightly below average for most schools. A 700+ GMAT will help to mitigate that to some degree; however, since college is fairly recent for you the admissions committee will be looking for evidence that you will be a committed student who can succeed in the classroom.
The biggest potential weakness for you is your lack of professional experience. If you are applying to enter in fall 2011, then you would be entering with almost 1 year experience. With applications being written now, however, you do not have any examples from your insurance work nor can your supervisors/managers really recommend you as they have not worked with you long enough. Keeping this in mind, you will need to find a way to present yourself as mature and possessing the necessary skill set for business school with the current experiences you have. If you feel you can present evidence of these skills and maturity, then you should proceed with applying. If not, you might consider waiting a year so that you have a year of experience which to draw from at the time you apply. It is difficult to gain admission with less than 2 years of professional work experience to most schools. To be successful, you must provide a compelling reason to enter school at this point in time along with your solid rationale for an MBA in relation to your career goals. Likewise, these applicants are usually high academic achievers (i.e., 700+ GMATs and A/A+ averages).
Once you know your GMAT score, you will have a better idea of your profile and where you will be competitive. For the best chance of admission, you should probably look at schools where your GMAT is at or above the average and where the schools offers the curriculum and resources you need to achieve your career goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Im currently a final year undergrad at lse and hoping to get enrolled into one of the top MiM courses (2011 entry). it is going to be helpful if you will evaluate my profile and address issues with that.
undergrad: bsc econ, expecting 2:1-2:2 (i.e. low gpa if it is to be converted to US system)
eca: president of a student society, self-founded an career related association
work exp: wealth management internship at an ibank, insight program at a consultancy firm, internship with a fund in Beijing. Part time advisor to a sizeable tea-manufactor in China
gmat: 680 49Q 33V 5.5 AWA (first attempt)
Target programs:
LSE: Master in International Management
LBS: Master in Management
Imperial College : Master in Management
Duke: Master in Management
Thank you very much!
N
Im currently a final year undergrad at lse and hoping to get enrolled into one of the top MiM courses (2011 entry). it is going to be helpful if you will evaluate my profile and address issues with that.
undergrad: bsc econ, expecting 2:1-2:2 (i.e. low gpa if it is to be converted to US system)
eca: president of a student society, self-founded an career related association
work exp: wealth management internship at an ibank, insight program at a consultancy firm, internship with a fund in Beijing. Part time advisor to a sizeable tea-manufactor in China
gmat: 680 49Q 33V 5.5 AWA (first attempt)
Target programs:
LSE: Master in International Management
LBS: Master in Management
Imperial College : Master in Management
Duke: Master in Management
Thank you very much!
N
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear N,
Since you want to enter the master's program directly from your undergraduate studies, your GPA is going to be a concern as it is a current indicator of your ability in the classroom. While your GMAT is strong, that only indicates aptitude. Your GPA is a measure of performance and maturity. Successful applicants to these programs without any professional work experience will generally be high academic achievers, meaning high GMAT and GPA, as well as have numerous extracurricular activities and internships/part-time work. I do think your work experience will be helpful in this regard, but it does not count towards the reportable years of experience as it is not full-time, post-bachelor's degree. If you feel you can make a compelling case for your admission at this point in your career and give a solid rationale for the master's degree, then you might have a shot.
Good luck,
Lisa
Since you want to enter the master's program directly from your undergraduate studies, your GPA is going to be a concern as it is a current indicator of your ability in the classroom. While your GMAT is strong, that only indicates aptitude. Your GPA is a measure of performance and maturity. Successful applicants to these programs without any professional work experience will generally be high academic achievers, meaning high GMAT and GPA, as well as have numerous extracurricular activities and internships/part-time work. I do think your work experience will be helpful in this regard, but it does not count towards the reportable years of experience as it is not full-time, post-bachelor's degree. If you feel you can make a compelling case for your admission at this point in your career and give a solid rationale for the master's degree, then you might have a shot.
Good luck,
Lisa
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nishantvarma
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2010 9:48 am
Dear Lisa,
my question is similiar to that of N.However I have yet to give the gmat so could you please tell the kind of range i'd have to score in
my profile
bachelors in computer science2010(51%)
cisco certifed network associate
microsoft certifed professional
trained in the customer care department of an org.(3 months-part time)
extacurriculars:
involved in an underground podcast radio,
school music festivals etc.
target programs:
escp(masters in management)
esade(masters in management)
hec(masters in management)
ie(masters in international management)
thank you !!
my question is similiar to that of N.However I have yet to give the gmat so could you please tell the kind of range i'd have to score in
my profile
bachelors in computer science2010(51%)
cisco certifed network associate
microsoft certifed professional
trained in the customer care department of an org.(3 months-part time)
extacurriculars:
involved in an underground podcast radio,
school music festivals etc.
target programs:
escp(masters in management)
esade(masters in management)
hec(masters in management)
ie(masters in international management)
thank you !!
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
- MBA Admissions Consultant
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Dear nishantvarma,
If you are planning to apply without any full-time, post-bachelor's degree work experience, then your GMAT score needs to be above average for your target schools. Based on the list you posted, I would say that means in the 700s. However, a high GMAT score will not be enough as I posted to N. You will need to provide a compelling case for admission at this point in your career and a solid rationale for why an MBA is necessary in relation to your career goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
If you are planning to apply without any full-time, post-bachelor's degree work experience, then your GMAT score needs to be above average for your target schools. Based on the list you posted, I would say that means in the 700s. However, a high GMAT score will not be enough as I posted to N. You will need to provide a compelling case for admission at this point in your career and a solid rationale for why an MBA is necessary in relation to your career goals.
Good luck,
Lisa
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GettingItDone
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 7:31 pm
Hello Ms. Anderson,
I obtained a bachelors degree in Marketing from The Leeds School of Business @ University of Colorado at Boulder, with a 2.5 GPA. I have been working in the marketing field successfully for a few years, since graduation, and I haven't yet taken the GMAT. I'd like to enter a graduate program at a top school, and while my academic success isn't as competitive as many schools would like, my professional, real-world record is great. I have two questions:
With a sub-competitive GPA, what would be the lowest score I can get, and still have a good chance to get into a good MBA program?
Will my undergraduate GPA weigh me down significantly, or do several years of work experience have more leverage, when my application is reviewed?
Thank you for your time.
- M.
I obtained a bachelors degree in Marketing from The Leeds School of Business @ University of Colorado at Boulder, with a 2.5 GPA. I have been working in the marketing field successfully for a few years, since graduation, and I haven't yet taken the GMAT. I'd like to enter a graduate program at a top school, and while my academic success isn't as competitive as many schools would like, my professional, real-world record is great. I have two questions:
With a sub-competitive GPA, what would be the lowest score I can get, and still have a good chance to get into a good MBA program?
Will my undergraduate GPA weigh me down significantly, or do several years of work experience have more leverage, when my application is reviewed?
Thank you for your time.
- M.
-
saritalr
- Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2010 12:26 pm
- Location: Washington, DC
- GMAT Score:700
Hi Lisa,
I can't thank you enough for taking the time to answer all these questions. I have one more for you.
I'm in the process of applying for Fall 2011. I have 3.5 years of work experience (government) and received my BA from a top 15 University, albeit with a 3.2 GPA (econ minor).
I'm interested in pursuing an MBA with an international business/econ focus - potentially even a 3 year dual degree program with an IR MA program like SAIS, SIPA, or Georgetown. Given my unimpressive GPA, I feel like I really have something to prove with my GMAT - in particular the quant section of my GMAT. Unfortunately, the other aspects of my resume don't scream "quant skills" either.
I've taken the GMAT once (earlier this month), and ended up with a 700 (90%). I'm fairly sure I can raise the overall score, but in reality I'm most concerned with the breakdown. I scored a 92% (41V) in the verbal (which I can definitely raise - my practice tests have all been higher), but only a 68% in the Quant (44Q). I have another month to study and take the test again (although I'll also be focusing on application essays).
My question for you is this: do schools of all rankings give equal emphasis to the 80th percentile mark on the quant? I'm considering schools with a range of acceptance rates (all with an international or econ bent) from Wharton, Columbia, and Cornell, to Georgetown. At this point in time, I'm working under the assumption that I don't have much of a chance at attending my dream school (Wharton) until I can raise my quant score closer to the 80% mark. Would you agree? Do you think this is the case for all the schools I'm applying to?
I'm going to have to fight tooth and nail for the higher quant score. Your answer will help me determine what percentage of my time I need to dedicate to studying quant over the next month (as opposed to working on other aspects of the application).
Thank you in advance for your time. Your help is very much appreciated!
I can't thank you enough for taking the time to answer all these questions. I have one more for you.
I'm in the process of applying for Fall 2011. I have 3.5 years of work experience (government) and received my BA from a top 15 University, albeit with a 3.2 GPA (econ minor).
I'm interested in pursuing an MBA with an international business/econ focus - potentially even a 3 year dual degree program with an IR MA program like SAIS, SIPA, or Georgetown. Given my unimpressive GPA, I feel like I really have something to prove with my GMAT - in particular the quant section of my GMAT. Unfortunately, the other aspects of my resume don't scream "quant skills" either.
I've taken the GMAT once (earlier this month), and ended up with a 700 (90%). I'm fairly sure I can raise the overall score, but in reality I'm most concerned with the breakdown. I scored a 92% (41V) in the verbal (which I can definitely raise - my practice tests have all been higher), but only a 68% in the Quant (44Q). I have another month to study and take the test again (although I'll also be focusing on application essays).
My question for you is this: do schools of all rankings give equal emphasis to the 80th percentile mark on the quant? I'm considering schools with a range of acceptance rates (all with an international or econ bent) from Wharton, Columbia, and Cornell, to Georgetown. At this point in time, I'm working under the assumption that I don't have much of a chance at attending my dream school (Wharton) until I can raise my quant score closer to the 80% mark. Would you agree? Do you think this is the case for all the schools I'm applying to?
I'm going to have to fight tooth and nail for the higher quant score. Your answer will help me determine what percentage of my time I need to dedicate to studying quant over the next month (as opposed to working on other aspects of the application).
Thank you in advance for your time. Your help is very much appreciated!
Last edited by saritalr on Thu Nov 18, 2010 1:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear saritalr,
While I don't know what your performance was in your actual quantitative coursework, or how much you had, your overall GPA of 3.2 is not out of range for most MBA programs; rather it is close to or at the average for most MBA programs. If you did not take much quant coursework and/or did not do well in your quant coursework, then your quant score on your GMAT does take on greater significance then it otherwise would as an indicator of your quant aptitude. Your score of 44 is a solid score, certainly nothing to be worried about or feel it indicates a weakness. You would be in a stronger position with a quant score at 47+, but if your work experience is highly quantitative, it can also mitigate your transcript and further show your aptitude. If you are having to make trade off at this point between studying for a retake and your essays, I would lean towards focusing on your essays. A 700 GMAT is competitive for any MBA program and not far below the average for a top 10 program. Regardless of your GMAT, if your essays are poor or do not effectively convey your background and rationale for an MBA, you will be at a severe disadvantage.
All schools weigh the application components holistically, meaning one piece (i.e., GMAT) is not more important than another (i.e., essays). The "80% rule" is not set in stone, nor is it followed by all schools. At this stage in the admissions cycle, you need to focus on putting together the strongest, overall application package and get it in by the R2 deadline.
Good luck,
Lisa
While I don't know what your performance was in your actual quantitative coursework, or how much you had, your overall GPA of 3.2 is not out of range for most MBA programs; rather it is close to or at the average for most MBA programs. If you did not take much quant coursework and/or did not do well in your quant coursework, then your quant score on your GMAT does take on greater significance then it otherwise would as an indicator of your quant aptitude. Your score of 44 is a solid score, certainly nothing to be worried about or feel it indicates a weakness. You would be in a stronger position with a quant score at 47+, but if your work experience is highly quantitative, it can also mitigate your transcript and further show your aptitude. If you are having to make trade off at this point between studying for a retake and your essays, I would lean towards focusing on your essays. A 700 GMAT is competitive for any MBA program and not far below the average for a top 10 program. Regardless of your GMAT, if your essays are poor or do not effectively convey your background and rationale for an MBA, you will be at a severe disadvantage.
All schools weigh the application components holistically, meaning one piece (i.e., GMAT) is not more important than another (i.e., essays). The "80% rule" is not set in stone, nor is it followed by all schools. At this stage in the admissions cycle, you need to focus on putting together the strongest, overall application package and get it in by the R2 deadline.
Good luck,
Lisa
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Lisa Anderson
- MBA Admissions Consultant
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Dear M,GettingItDone wrote:Hello Ms. Anderson,
I obtained a bachelors degree in Marketing from The Leeds School of Business @ University of Colorado at Boulder, with a 2.5 GPA. I have been working in the marketing field successfully for a few years, since graduation, and I haven't yet taken the GMAT. I'd like to enter a graduate program at a top school, and while my academic success isn't as competitive as many schools would like, my professional, real-world record is great. I have two questions:
With a sub-competitive GPA, what would be the lowest score I can get, and still have a good chance to get into a good MBA program?
Will my undergraduate GPA weigh me down significantly, or do several years of work experience have more leverage, when my application is reviewed?
Thank you for your time.
- M.
I apologize for the delay in my response as I did not see this post until today. The lowest score on the GMAT depends on many factors, namely where you are applying and how strong the rest of your application is. Generally speaking, you want your GMAT score to balance out any concerns raised by your GPA. So, if you did not perform well in your quant coursework, then score well (45+) on the quant section will demonstrate you have the quant aptitude to succeed in business school. Your GPA is not going to hold you back per se, but you should be mindful of your profile in terms of selecting your school mix. Your professional track record is important and can further mitigate your GPA. To be in a competitive position for any school, you will want to be above the school's average on the GMAT or, at minimum, in the school's mid-50% range.
Good luck,
Lisa
