Adcom Feedback re:GMAT

Question

Hey everyone - I was waitlisted at a bunch of schools this year and recently received some feedback from Tuck admissions that my overall GMAT and quant score were too low. In 2008 I scored 44Q (70%) 42V (95%) and 710 overall (92%). I thought my CPA/CFA background would balance out the low quant score but apparently not. The woman said with so many highly qualified applicants it's often the only differentiating factor and they will more often than not take the person with a 750 over the 710. I suppose it's not surprising that they prefer higher GMAT scores but if you come from a background where there are tons of highly qualified applicants, the magic number is no longer 700. Best of luck everyone.

boeinz · Answer

thanks for sharing. kudos!

refurb · Answer

This isn't that surprising. I think you can still get by with a 700 as long as your scores are balance (at least 80% percentile in quant and verbal).

Of course, there are so many factors involved that it's impossible to say "get a XXX on the GMAT and you'll get in".

There are people with 750+ who have been rejected at Tuck and the last two years we admitted people with scores in the 500s.

RF

tuck20xx · Answer

RF - Obviously a good GMAT by itself will not get you in  . I think the point I'm trying to make is that the gmat is no longer a "check the box" type of thing at 700. I was relying on other strengths in my application (leadership, teamwork, international experience, unique service, etc.) to stand out and didn't view the gmat as a differentiator.

Jerz · Answer

I don't think adcoms ever really viewed 700 as some magic score cutoff or check box on the application. That seemed to have come more from MBA internet forums (including this one) that gave the score of 700 such mystique. If you look at most top schools average scores, they're just above 700, meaning there's a good portion of scores below 700. At Kellogg, which details out GMAT distribution of the class, about 1/3 of the class scored below 700, and nearly 10% scored below 640.

So yes, all other things being equal, adcom will prefer the higher GMAT score. But since we're talking about people here, the probability that you'd have two applicants who are exactly the same except for GMAT score is pretty slim.

So yes, all other things being equal, adcom will prefer the higher GMAT score. But since we're talking about people here, the probability that you'd have two applicants who are exactly the same except for GMAT score is pretty slim.

tuck20xx · Answer

i think the bottom line is that adcom told me to retake after a 710. if you're a professional bowler or the inventor of silent velcro, then don't listen to this advice. if you're a big 4 accountant with a well rounded application, this may apply to you. again, there are no hard and fast rules.

Moss · Answer

I have the same GMAT score and split with significant CFA progress. I thought for awhile my 710 would be good enough, but recently have decided to retake for higher. Your story confirms my beliefs that scores which are "average" are no longer good enough for an oversubscribed demographic at top schools. Thank you so much for sharing!

Adcom Feedback re:GMAT

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