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GMAT Club

Why is the GMAT so Important?

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From The Staff of MBA Admit.com, https://www.mbaadmit.com

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Why is the GMAT so Important?

When trying to understand why the GMAT is so important in MBA admissions, you should recognize multiple things. Sometimes the top MBA programs receive so many great applicants that they need a reason to reject applicants. If you present a lower-than-typical GMAT score (overall, or for your profile), you very well might be handing the admissions committee a reason to reject you.

More generally, the GMAT score provides MBA admissions officers with a standard metric by which to compare candidates from widely varying backgrounds. Candidates will be applying from a wide range of countries, cultures, schools and industries, and the GMAT helps to provide a benchmark for the admissions committee in comparing candidates.

GMAT scores are also important because the top MBA programs trace the performance of their admits based on their GMAT scores, and if a GMAT score below a certain percentile indicates that a student will struggle, in 90% of the cases the school will be wary about accepting a candidate in with such a score.

With the recent changes to the GMAT test – namely, the addition of the AWA and IR sections – the GMAT also, in theory, provides the admissions committee valuable information about how well you might potentially contribute in class. If your score overall, or in the areas of quant, AWA or IR, shows a great deficit that is not offset by other credentials (like excellent performance in a highly quantitative degree), the admissions committee may choose not to take a risk on whether you can handle their rigorous program and/or make notable contributions to class.

Because of factors like these, your GMAT score plays an important role in your overall “package” and can have a notable impact on your admissions outcomes.

Best wishes,
Dr. Shel (Shelly Watts)
President, MBA Admit.com
https://www.mbaadmit.com
Email: info@mbaadmit.com