Needed GMAT score

3.3 undergrad non target GPA. Financial services internship experience. Wondering what gmat score would be needed to get admitted in a business school ranking range of 20-40? Also, even though its not a top 10 school, will I still have a chance to get into private equity/wealth management? What are business schools you guys recommend?

7 Comments
 
"JohnWW1"

Thank you for the response. Just joined the forum and appreciate the advice.

No problem. With your GPA, you'll want to score as close to 800 as possible on the GMAT. I don't know where you're working now, but Columbia would take a look at someone with a 770 despite a 3.3 gpa if there is a strong story and narrative backed by solid work experience (regardless of industry). Also, peace corps takes 2 years of your life, but get a 770 and do the peace corps and you'll get into either Duke or Columbia nearly guaranteed. Duke has a hard-on for PC students. Columbia would be very possible too.

Columbia is probably your top target. Harvard, Wharton, Stanford will ding you. Maybe give Wharton a shot at 770 or 780.

Kellogg, Booth, etc; will be nearly impossible.

UMich, Darden, Tuck are lol reaches.

Columbia places very little importance on GPA relative to its peers. It's top 6 or so. From Columbia, you're in NYC. You can claw your way in if you really want it. That's your best move. NYU similar situation.

 
Best Response

These kids don't know what they're talking about. Listen - it's too soon to know how your profile compares. You're at a non-target with a not impressive GPA. Your first 2-3 years of work will mean a lot more than your GMAT.

Why are you looking at schools now? It doesn't feel like you have well defined goals, so it seems like a wasted exercise.. PWM and PE are very different both in terms of the work and work/life balance. Focus on finding the best job you can after school and start developing your goals from there.

 

I think you should reread my first post. I was asking about business schools ranked in 20s or 30s getting into private equity or wealth management from them. I was just looking ahead as the GMAT will be important. I know I should be focusing on work experience like you mentioned. Thanks for the response any help or criticism is helpful!

 
"JohnWW1"

I think you should reread my first post. I was asking about business schools ranked in 20s or 30s getting into private equity or wealth management from them. I was just looking ahead as the GMAT will be important. I know I should be focusing on work experience like you mentioned. Thanks for the response any help or criticism is helpful!

I read your first post clearly. There are still too many variables to answer your question. Your experience could make you a great candidate for PWM post MBA from one of those programs, or it could make you a poor candidate. Then it turns into which school and what region, and what firms have alums from those school. For one example, if you want to go to Georgetown and work in DC PWM, and are coming from strong relatable work experience, you could potentially get in to Georgetown with a 670 and land a role locally. If you're coming in after three years working at lumber liquidators in accounts payable, a 670 will be too low, and a 750 might not help you. If you do get in, you will not be an attractive hire for PWM. Likewise, if you're at Rice with a 700 GMAT and decent experience you won't be a very attractive DC hire unless you have roots there, while Georgetown with a 700 GMAT and decent experience you probably would be.

Also, There's also a huge difference if you're looking at some small mom and pop broker at the corner vs one of the major banks. The variability is in both where you can get in and where you can break out.

These are just a few thoughts as to how it's too variable to tell.

Find your early career track then take your GMAT. That's when you want to evaluate what your realistic options are.

 

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