GMAT

What it’s not

Just last night I listened to someone dismiss business schools for basing their admission decisions exclusively on one number: the GMAT score. "How can they ignore everything else about a person’s education and work experience?" he asked, contemptuously.

Answer: They don’t.

The GMAT is not the sole criterion for admission to business school.

 fingerprint

Your fingerprint

Top MBA programs will consider you—your preparation, your goals, what your recommenders have to say about you, your sense of responsibility and community as seen in service activities, and above all, your leadership abilities. Your essays are crucial in conveying who you are and what you really care about: your unique fingerprint.

Your reasoning and quantitative skills

They’re part of your fingerprint. Analytic and quantitative skills are necessary for success at higher levels of business. Wouldn’t it be reasonable for MBA programs to ask about these skills?
Business schools need to know that you can handle the academic work expected of you in their particular program. You need to know this, too! Look at the GMAT scores of the last class admitted to each program you are considering. Will you be able to keep up with these students? Will you be able to actively contribute to your team? Assess your skills and goals realistically, and seek out MBA programs that are a match!

The good news

Your skills can be improved! It’s not only about raising your GMAT score—but genuinely improving your ability to think.

Contact us for advice on how the GMAT fits into your personal profile, and how to perform your best on the test.

GMAT or GRE?

One of the hottest topics in MBA admissions this year is the increasing number of top MBA programs that will accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT. Is this good news for you? Take the GMAT/GRE quiz!