Hi everyone,
We're seeing a number of questions in our inbox from candidates who are thinking of postponing their applications to Round 2 because their essays don't feel "ready" or because they have a low GMAT score.
We asked one of our essay reviewers, a Wharton alum, to write about her experiences with past candidates and their GMAT scores:
We're seeing a number of questions in our inbox from candidates who are thinking of postponing their applications to Round 2 because their essays don't feel "ready" or because they have a low GMAT score.
We asked one of our essay reviewers, a Wharton alum, to write about her experiences with past candidates and their GMAT scores:
- If you have a GMAT score of 700+, please don't worry about being disqualified for your score - you will be fine, even at the top schools, as long as your essays are strong
- Similarly, if you have a GMAT score of 750+, please don't think that you are a shoo-in to any school - also know that your your essays need to show all aspects of your personality even more because the GMAT already emphasizes your analytical skills
- Now, if you have a score of less than 700:
- If your score is below 650, it doesn't mean that you can't get in to a top school - BUT it does mean that your essays and other contributions need to be absolutely kickass.
- If you had a particularly bad day, the day of your GMAT, and were doing much better in earlier practice tests, you should absolutely think about taking it again and wait until Round 2 to apply.
- We don't usually make commercial recommendations in this blog, but taking the Kaplan ultimate practice test in the actual test center gave me a huge advantage with nerves on the day of the actual test
- If your score in your practice tests was in that 600 - 650 range anyway, and you feel like you gave it your everything, it's okay - really. Just put in everything you got into your essays and the rest of your application and put your best foot forward.
- If you have a score in the 650 - 700 range, mostly the same rules apply:
- If you had a particularly bad day and were scoring 700+ on practice tests, or if you feel like you didn't really give it your 100% the first time around, take it once more
- We've had plenty of candidates get in to really great schools in the past (and many of our classmates too) with GMAT scores in this range - so if you feel like you gave it everything, and the score was aligned with your practice tests, don't fret
- Note - you don't have to explain your GMAT score in the "optional essay" if you are in this bracket - this is a good score.
Finally, I just want to add here: we've seen folks with scores in the 600 - 780 range get in - but I can tell you that the big differentiators have not really been their academic transcripts or their GMAT scores. Thousands of people with strong GMATs and grades apply every year. Your differentiator is your unique voice - your essays, and the rest of your application. Don't short cut even the short answer questions - they can make a big difference sometimes.
If you have other questions, email us at essaycritique@gmail.com. We're thick in the middle of reviewing essays for Round 1, but happy to answer pressing questions from some candidates.
