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Apoorva13
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Should I address my low GMAT score in the optional essays? 25 Oct 2021, 10:34
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Hi!

I have taken my GMAT exam 4 times and have managed to score a maximum of 640. I am not planning to take the exam again.

I want suggestions on how to address this low gmat score in the optional essay or if I should even mention it at all.
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Hovkial
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Should I address my low GMAT score in the optional essays? 25 Oct 2021, 11:25
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Apoorva13
Hi!

I have taken my GMAT exam 4 times and have managed to score a maximum of 640. I am not planning to take the exam again.

I want suggestions on how to address this low gmat score in the optional essay or if I should even mention it at all.
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MBA applications tend to have space for extra essays or the main essay itself. In it, you could discuss some potential obstacles that hindered achievement of a higher score.

For example, you may be a person that does poorly at standardized tests, or that you could not find sufficiently hospitable places to study, etc. You can also discuss why you do not plan to test again. It would be helpful to address the score proactively, before someone from the admissions committee asks.

PhD applications do not normally provide space for such extra essays. So if you are applying to a PhD program, you can address the issue in your main essay. This is normally a research or personal statement of some kind.
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Should I address my low GMAT score in the optional essays? 25 Oct 2021, 11:31
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Apoorva13:

I am going to disagree with the previous post. I don't really know what you could write that could change the AdCom's mind no matter how proactive it is considered. This is a standardized test and it's used a metric to evaluate candidates on an apples-to-apples basis. In fact, it's probably the only part of your application that's somewhat objective. If you took the exam four times, you are basically confirming your performance.

If you had taken it once or twice and had technical issues or something unusual happen, then you could note that. Otherwise, it's going to look like you're making an excuse for a lower score.

Thankfully the GMAT is only one aspect of your background. You are better served trying to win the AdCom over with all of your other presumed strengths and hoping that those end up outweighing this one component.

Good luck,
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Should I address my low GMAT score in the optional essays? 25 Oct 2021, 11:38
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Nowhere was it suggested that the AdCom's mind would be changed. A proactive explanation would provide the Adcom with some idea of how the applicant is thinking.

For PhD applications, a low GMAT score, should be addressed. Phd programs will not reach out to applicants to seek responses. They will simply toss out the application due to the low GMAT score, unless other things in the application stand out (such as research capability). The GMAT is not simply "one aspect of your background" for these programs. It is frequently a make-or-break decision point, especially for top programs.

The OP should address the score if they think it is concerning to them.

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Apoorva13:

I am going to disagree with the previous post. I don't really know what you could write that could change the AdCom's mind no matter how proactive it is considered. This is a standardized test and it's used a metric to evaluate candidates on an apples-to-apples basis. In fact, it's probably the only part of your application that's somewhat objective. If you took the exam four times, you are basically confirming your performance.

If you had taken it once or twice and had technical issues or something unusual happen, then you could note that. Otherwise, it's going to look like you're making an excuse for a lower score.

Thankfully the GMAT is only one aspect of your background. You are better served trying to win the AdCom over with all of your other presumed strengths and hoping that those end up outweighing this one component.

Good luck,
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Should I address my low GMAT score in the optional essays? 19 Nov 2021, 05:21
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Apoorva13
Hi!

I have taken my GMAT exam 4 times and have managed to score a maximum of 640. I am not planning to take the exam again.

I want suggestions on how to address this low gmat score in the optional essay or if I should even mention it at all.
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Hi Apoorva13,

Apologies for a delayed response but we hope this finds you in time still.

While the optional essay is for you to address any extenuating circumstances in your profile, it must rarely be used to address a low GMAT score (you may always run the risk of making the Ad Com feel like you are making an excuse for it).

We would recommend that you skip talking about your low GMAT score and go about using the Optional Essay to showcase aspects of your profile that may strengthen your case. However, if your score on the two sections is disproportionate, you may want to address the same.

All the best!
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Should I address my low GMAT score in the optional essays? 27 Dec 2021, 02:36
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While the GMAT is a very important part of your application package, its purpose is well defined -- to demonstrate you have the ability to cope with the academic rigor of a top MBA program. The quant part is particularly important unless you have work experience that provides clear proof of quantitative capability.

Any attempt to explain away a sub par GMAT score needs to pass the No Excuse Making Test. Think about your reasons: do they really mitigate the score or simply make you look weak.

Rather than make excuses, try to find an alternative way to demonstrate your quant credentials and overall academic ability like a top GMAT score.

Most of the time, it makes more sense to simply strengthen the rest of your application with a strong personal brand thread long with gritty, specific answers to key essay questions. Tackle the specific questions with specific and precise answers that make your application engaging and unique.