Schools are sensitive to the GMAT because it is a statistically reliable predictor of success in business school. A rigorous program like Darden is going to screen people who may end up dropping out or under-performing. You obviously didn't do enough to fix their concern that you could handle the program, specifically the quant side of things.
I won't speak to whether it's fair or not, but I don't think you can claim that they're not holistic because they didn't take you. Talk about a logical fallacy. Universalizing from the particularly is a dangerous game, my friend. Sure, they probably take one or two exceptional candidates with low GMAT scores, but at the end of the day, 99% of us aren't going to slide by without the scores to prove we've got the chops to handle the program. Believing you can get into any top b-school with a GMAT below 600 is foolishness, arrogance, or ignorance (or all three!). I'm not sure if that makes me a total jerk, but that's how I see it.
On the other end of the spectrum you have people with 750+ getting rejected from schools. That in and of itself should show that GMAT isn't everything. Follow the admission person's advice and give the GMAT another go.
This article uses a
sports metaphor to explain. Although they're talking about R3, the logic still applies.[/quote]
You're a perfect example of the kind of people I do not look forward to meeting during school. Instead of discussing stats, giving examples and maybe making recommendations to me or others who may need it, you come off as a know it all. I recommend you get some feedback on your presentation skills because you will not be well liked at your school if you make judgemental comments such as: "You obviously didn't do enough....Talk about a logical fallacy....Believing you can get into any top b-school with a GMAT below 600 is foolishness, arrogance, or ignorance (or all three!)" I was helping someone by giving my experience. You know, what people do in class at MBA programs. It seems like if someone says something in class that you think is wrong or do not agree with, you will be that dick that tries to put them down. That is all.