Score ranges and what they mean?

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Score ranges and what they mean? [#permalink]

22 Feb 2012, 14:19

Ever since I wanted to take my GMAT all I hear is a 700+ on GMAT would be beneficial. This assumption makes me wonder if anything below a 700 would not be a good score. In terms on application process what are the different scenarios when the GMAT score is seen in conjunction with other criteria (like GPA, Rec letters, personal essay).

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Re: Score ranges and what they mean? [#permalink]

22 Feb 2012, 14:33

It depends a great deal on where you're applying. For Top 10 schools, the median GMAT score is around 720. That means that the farther below 720 you are, the more impressive the rest of your application needs to be. However, there are plenty of great schools that don't have such lofty incoming scores. If your school of choice has a median score of, say, 640, you might be better off polishing the rest of your application than focusing on a 700+ GMAT score.
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Re: Score ranges and what they mean? [#permalink]

22 Feb 2012, 17:21

Not achieving a '700' largely depends on the program you hope to get into. For many, the top-15 business schools are the holy grail of the MBA. Breaking 700, definitely helps. But remember - when you are applying to the top program, you are competing against a lot of other 700+ scorers. Admissions will look at other aspects of your application: work experience, undergraduate institution/GPA, amazing essays, etc.

Of course, when you fall below the 700-mark those aspects of your application take on even greater importance. And burnishing your application - vs. spending another two months prepping in the hopes of cracking 700 - will be better a much better use of your time.

As Dimitri mentioned, for programs not in the top-15 a strong application and a mid-600 score can count for more than a 700+. I've known of students who score 750, and assume that they will get into a top-15 program. They put scant effort into their application and often end up in a program in which the median score is 640 (meaning that they are in the same class with sub-600 students, who clearly took the time on their application).

Hope that helps!
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Magoosh Test Prep

Re: Score ranges and what they mean? [#permalink] 22 Feb 2012, 17:21

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Score ranges and what they mean?

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Score ranges and what they mean?

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