msday86
"nailing the GMAT" means something different at HBS today than it did four years ago. When the average is 720, you have to get a 770+ to really "nail the GMAT" and get a free pass for a bad GPA. GPA is a better measure of future success than the GMAT score is, because it represents data from 4 years, not 4 hours. A good GMAT can only compensate so much, right?
Yes you need a 740+ now to be safely above average at the top schools. However remember that average is an average for all people so it varies somewhat by demographics. Schools wont admit it but its pretty safe to assume that the Indians and many other Asian students help raise the average. Same with engineers who typically do very well. A 720 for some groups may definitely be considered nailing it while a 770 for others might be close to average.
See I disagree to a point on the GMAT vs GPA debate. I know many people who were very unfocused at 18-22 years old...did terrible in school not because of lack of ability but lack of focus and direction. However, a they hit their stride when they reach the working world and really excel. Also, for the average applicant its 4-5+ years ago, so it is not as good an indicator as a test taken 6 months ago on your abilities. Personally I would rather apply with a 750 and a 3.2 than a 3.75 and a 650. The GMAT is an equal measuring stick...sure it doesnt measure intelligence or abilities perfectly but neither do grades.
Besides, there is such a huge difference between the difficulty of getting a 3.5 at one school than another. I used this comparison in another thread...but it bears repeating, do you think that some electrical engineer from MIT with a 3.1 is going to be looked at as a lesser student than a sociology major from local State U with a 3.8. Definitely not, the difficulty of the major and the school will be taken into account.