GMAT only one piece of the puzzle

Hi everyone. So I started my GMAT journey 3 years ago. Due to a lack of a proper education growing up, and very little experience really studying for standardized tests, and basically not being a good standardized test taker in general, I had a very huge uphill battle to face. I worked very hard trying to master the GMAT, but never ended up getting that coveted 700+ score or anywhere near that. I have been able to score pretty well taking practice CATs but we all know that the only score that counts is the one you get in the testing center. My first score was a dismal 400 and my fourth and highest score was a very mediocre 560.

So what is the point of my post? Simple; Today I received notification that I have been accepted into one of the top MBA programs in the world. In fact, it is a top 10 MBA program (depending on which publication you read, but its always in the top 15 in any given publication). Given my experience, a fairly good undergrad GPA of 3.4 (I majored in Information Systems with a concentration in Economics) and everything else on my application, the admissions committee decided that I would be a good fit for the program, despite my very average GMAT score.

Now I am by no means advocating that studying for this test isn't required or that this test should not be taken seriously, far from it. This test is a big deal and if you can score well with some diligent and concentrated effort, put that effort in. What I am saying, and I am saying this especially to those who have been suffering for this test as long as I had, this test is not the be all and end all of an application. As has been mentioned in many different places by many different people, the GMAT is only one component of an application. So for all of you who are feeling beaten by this test, have faith. Getting into a top MBA program with a GMAT score that is less than stellar is possible! Good luck to you all and feel free to ask me any questions. Cheers!