{"id":35435,"date":"2017-01-03T01:09:27","date_gmt":"2017-01-03T08:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=35435"},"modified":"2017-01-03T01:10:12","modified_gmt":"2017-01-03T08:10:12","slug":"how-does-your-gmat-score-fit-into-the-holistic-mba-application-puzzle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/how-does-your-gmat-score-fit-into-the-holistic-mba-application-puzzle\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Your GMAT Score Fit into the Holistic MBA Application Puzzle?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Want<\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot of talk about the holistic approach admission directors take to evaluate applications. How much weight is really put on different aspects of the application during evaluation? If the approach is so holistic, then why do so many\u00a0applicants with low GMAT scores\u00a0get dinged<\/a> compared to applicants with high GMAT scores?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how it works: Admissions committees do<\/em> review entire applications in order to admit the best candidates and create classes that are diverse. So while an admissions committee\u2019s approach is holistic, the process is still highly competitive. Applicants are still competing with each other and the numbers count.<\/p>\n

How GMAT Scores Fit in the Picture<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The GMAT is one indicator that helps an admissions director determine if the candidate will succeed in the program academically. It is also an indicator that they must report to the media for rankings.\u00a0And the higher the ranking, the more candidates want to attend that specific program.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking at schools with an average GMAT of 650, then you\u2019ll probably see more diversity of GMAT scores in the acceptance pool (i.e. lots of applicants with lower GMAT scores will still get accepted). But if you\u2019re looking at programs with an average GMAT over 700, then it\u2019s true \u2013 you\u2019ll see fewer applicants getting accepted with low scores, even though the applications are looked at holistically. What are these schools\u2019 incentives to admit candidates with a 650 or lower? [If you want to figure out which programs you have the best chance of getting into, check out the Business School Selectivity Index<\/a>.]<\/p>\n

Perhaps, the adcom is certain the candidate can succeed in the program academically, but more importantly the candidate offers something else<\/a> in his or her background that is so amazing that they are willing to overlook a GMAT score well below their average.<\/p>\n

If, however, the candidate looks like thousands of other candidates, the adcom will accept the candidates with the highest GMAT.\u00a0The consumers (students) demand it, the suppliers (faculty) demand it, and the ultimate customers (hiring companies) demand it.<\/p>\n

So while you can\u2019t guarantee admission to your dream school regardless of GMAT score, just as you can\u2019t guarantee anything in life, you can and should position yourself strategically to stand out in the applicant pool.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Natalie<\/a> By Natalie Grinblatt Epstein<\/a>, an accomplished Accepted consultant\/editor (since 2008) and entrepreneur. Natalie is a former MBA Admissions Dean and Director at Ross, Johnson, and Carey. Want Natalie help you get accepted to business school? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Stand Out! A Critical Goal for Your Application [Episode 181]<\/a>
\n\u2022\u00a0How to Give Your Application as Much Weight as Possible<\/a>
\n\u2022\u00a0How to Apply to B-School with a Low GPA:\u00a0Providing Context<\/a><\/p>\n

This article<\/a> originally appeared on\u00a0<\/em>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help\u00a0you\u00a0<\/em>get accepted<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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