02.25.09 | How Important is the GMAT?
Your GMAT score is critical to your chances of getting into a top flight business school, however, should you bomb the exam you can take it again. Of course that also means shelling out another $250 bucks, but at least you have that option.
Another good thing working in your favor is that schools do not average your test scores together. Should you elect to take the exam again they accept the best score.
Another plus is that your GMAT score is valid for five years, so you have the flexibility of “banking it†if you’d like or starting your graduate studies right after you complete your undergrad.
As far as the score that will get you in the door, that differs greatly from school to school. Schools print the median 80 percent score range in their brochures. I can, however, tell you that being in the 600’s is usually the bare minimum for a top business school, and to get into a top 10 MBA program usually requires a 700 or better (800 is the highest score you can achieve). Your essay, work experience, and letter of recommendation all pale in comparison to your GMAT score.
So put your eggs in the one basket that counts, the GMAT basket!
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