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Hey man.
I really think a low GMAT score can be overcome by other factors if you have a solid profile.
Last week I was accepted into a double degree program(top 5 in Europe and very well known school in USA) with a GRE of 312, which translates to a GMAT of 600, and a GPA of around 3.4 to 3.5 .
I think showing a keen interest in the school and providing really valid reasons for why the school is an ideal fit for you, coupled with good work experience definitely weighs more than a good test score.
Having said that, I think GMAT/GRE is also dependent on the region you are applying from. I think if you are Chinese/Indian, the GMAT/GRE may matter more than if you are applying from an underrepresented region. I may be wrong here but from what I have gleaned, there seems to be some merit in this.
Cheers
Adcoms truly look at applications holistically. The GMAT and GPA happen to be quantifiable data points that drive rankings so candidates latch onto them. Your GPA is at or above the averages for most top US MBA programs which sets you up nicely. YOU have control over your GMAT depending on the amount of effort you want to put into preparing for it.
Other areas that weigh in: - Professional experience **- not just years of work experience but the contributions and impact you have made as well as your progression - **Leadership/Community involvement - this shows balance and will be an indicator of your ability to make a positive contribution in an MBA program. Adcoms are looking for students who have already taken leadership roles and will continue to grow as leaders in their program. - Recommendations - how do you stack up in your peer group? What does your manager have to say about your leadership and teamwork? - Essays - here is where you can really make a difference. Do you research. Find the schools that are the best fit for you in terms of the resources offered. Connect with students and alumni. Understand the ethos of each program so you can demonstrate your fit through your essays and interview. Killer essays and a passion for a program can trump a softer GMAT score (to a certain extent).
During my time at Duke Fuqua, I read plenty of applications where the candidate had a 750+ GMAT but failed to wow me in other areas and got a fast pass to the ding pile.
All the best on your application journey.
Professional experience - Do you know how commercial lending is generally viewed?
I'm not too worried about recommendations.
Are you specifically talking about leadership roles in community groups, charities and industry groups?
How would spending the time to get a CFA be viewed?
The weight depends on the strength of everything else. If you have a strong resume, good recs, a compelling story and a good UG/GPA, than the GMAT is a check the box. If you're weak in one or multiple areas, it becomes more important.
If you are lacking hard quantitative experience, the GMAT becomes much more relevant. For some candidates, it is really the only indicator of quantitative ability. Most post-MBA jobs are looking for technical/quant skills so they need to see it indicated somewhere.
Does this apply to MFE/MFA as well?
Agree with most on the holistic approach. But a 790 means scholarships. It’s worth the time to get that 770+.
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