How good is a 780?

Question

One of my co-worker's just got a 780 (perfect verbal)...What are his chances of getting into Columbia, LBS, UCLA, or NYU considering the following:

GMAT: 780

GPA: 2.97

W/E: 4 Years in Middle Market Private Equity with great deal experience

Great recs from our Managing Partner and CEO

E/Cs and Community Involvement: None

Applying in all the late rounds

Is he a shoe-in for these schools with a top GMAT despite the fact that he is not well-rounded and is applying so late (he took the GMAT for the first time just days before the APP deadline)?

ncp · Answer

Is he a shoe-in? Definitely NOT. He has a decent shot, thats all IMHO.

Accepted.com · Answer

junkbondswap,

His GMAT score eliminates any concern that his 2.97 raises. His extracurricular and community remain a negative, probably even a major one. He will be seen as one-dimensional and perhaps as lacking leadership, depending on the quality of his professional stories. These are problem areas that are exacerbated by the late-round application. His odds of getting into LBS and CBS, which are not great, are smaller than at NYU and UCLA. I would guess that one, possibly two, of these schools might admit him but I wouldn't bet my last paycheck on it--especially if he submits a rushed application.

Good luck,

westsider · Answer

This forum is *relatively* anonymous. Perhaps we could do without the "my friend" guise? :-D

junkbondswap · Answer

Funny you should say that. I was also accused of using the "friend" guise on the businessweek forum as well. There is in fact a "friend". I can only wish that I scored a 780. If I scored a 780 I would be a virtual lock for a top 5. The purpose of the original post was merely to vent my own envy and frustration regarding my co-worker's laziness but apparently strong intellectual ability. Have a good weekend.

westsider · Answer

<img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":-D" title="Very Happy" />

Accepted.com · Answer

A 780 is certainly something to be envious of, though not the admissions "clincher" many think it is.

How good is a 780?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia