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How Important is the GMAT for Business School?
April 5, 2007
by Francine L. Huff
Business Programs Columnist
For many people the thought of having to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is enough to keep them from applying to MBA school. But instead of fearing the GMAT, take time to prepare for this exam because most MBA degree programs consider it an important indicator of your potential success as an MBA student.
Testing for Success in MBA School
The GMAT tests verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. It does not measure your job skills, business knowledge, or specific content of what you studied as an undergraduate. Not all MBA degree programs evaluate test scores in the same way, but it is considered a reliable measure of certain skills that are viewed as important for MBA study -- particularly during the first year.
How GMAT Scores Influence Acceptance
In some cases, your GMAT score can make or break your MBA application. Having a GMAT score more than 30 points below an MBA school's average GMAT could hurt your chances of admission, according to Accepted.com. On the flip side, having a high GMAT score could work in your favor if you're applying to a lower ranked school or have a below average GPA.
Comparing MBA Candidates
Total scores for the GMAT range from 200 to 800, and two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 600, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. The top MBA degree programs usually weight scores heavily, and generally use the 80th percentile as a guideline for verbal and quantitative scores, according to Accepted.com.
Tips for GMAT Success
So what can you do to prepare for this important exam, especially if you've been out of college for several years? Enroll in a GMAT test preparation course to brush up on math and verbal skills. Take practice exams several times to see if your scores improve. Finally, work on your writing skills so that you'll do well on the analytical writing section -- as well as craft winning essays for your MBA application.
Sources
About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.
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