• Business School
    • Admissions Help
    • MBA Essay Tips
    • Executive MBA Essay Tips
    • Admissions Calendar
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
    • Selectivity Index
  • Medical School
    • Admissions Help
    • Med School Admissions 101
    • Secondary Essay Tips (by School)
    • Student Interviews
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
    • Selectivity Index
  • Law School
    • Admissions Help
    • Law School Admissions 101
    • Selectivity Index
    • Free Guides
    • Podcast
    • Video Tips
  • Graduate School
    • Admissions Help
    • Grad School Admissions 101
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
  • College
    • Admissions Help
    • Free Guides
    • Supplemental Essay Tips
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
Accepted

1 (310) 815-9553

Blog HomePodcastShopping CartContact Us

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

March 29, 2018

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Low GMAT Score? Don’t Panic…Yet.

FacebookTweetPinEmail

Low_GMAT_Score..._Don_t_Panic_Yet

Look at your scores in the context of a bigger picture.

A low GMAT score or a low GPA is not necessarily an MBA deal breaker. No adcom is going to admit or dismiss a candidate based solely on one semester’s poor GPA or a low verbal GMAT score without also reflecting on other numbers as well as the rest of the non-quantitative parts of the applicant’s profile.

Average numbers vary according to school, as well as numbers within your demographic group. You should examine each of these aspects and weigh the strengths and weaknesses in your application before you really start to worry. And if your stats are worth worrying about, then it’s time we get to work and address your concerns!

How Low Can You Go? It Depends

Certain numbers will be significant hurdles. Say, for instance, you have a GPA of 2.9 and your top choice MBA program’s GPA average is 3.5. In this case, your chances of acceptance have just taken a major hit. If, on the other hand, that same applicant applies to a b-school with a GPA average of 3.2, then he or she may have a chance of acceptance, provided the rest of the application is solid, or better yet, above average.

Here’s another “it depends” situation: Overrepresented demographics – Indian engineers or investment bankers from overrepresented ethnicities – will have a harder time getting into a top MBA program than a corporate finance executive from an underrepresented background with the same stats. In such a case, a GMAT score in the lower part of the school’s 80% range and a GPA of 3.3 may be just too low for one person and just high enough for another.

Your Score + Yourself = A Balancing Act

You need to examine the details of your scores and reflect on them in the context of a bigger picture. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is one score low, but balanced out by other higher numbers? Can you provide other evidence of academic ability?

• Did your overall GPA improve as you matured through the college experience?

• Do you have flawlessly-written, compelling essays that prove your strong writing and communication skills despite a somewhat lower-than-average GMAT verbal score?

• Do you offer specific examples and anecdotes in your essays that highlight your quantitative skills, even though your GMAT quant scores weren’t as high as you’d like?

• Do your recommenders vouch for your abilities—especially ones that the numbers don’t reveal?

• Have you chosen schools that will view your scores as competitive?

• Have you taken additional college courses in an attempt to boost your quant or verbal capabilities?

• Have you written the optional essay to further boost your competitive edge?

You need to assess and interpret how you’ll be perceived with such scores and numbers, and then develop an application strategy to address those issues.

We have a wealth of experience working with our clients in choosing the right schools and putting together the best possible applications no matter the circumstances. Check out our admissions consulting services, and let us help you get Accepted!

New Call-to-action

Accepted | Helping applicants like you apply confidently and successfully for over 20 years. <<Get Accepted!>>

 

Related Resources:

• Applying to Business School With Low Stats: What You Need to Know, a free guide
• Do Low Stats Sink Your App?
• How Does Your GMAT Score Fit into the Holistic MBA Application Puzzle?

Last updated on March 29, 2018.

FacebookTweetPinEmail

Article by Accepted / MBA Admissions / GMAT, GPA, mba low stats, weakness Leave a Comment

Get Accepted!

Choose your desired degree and then the service that best meets your needs.

Which program are you applying to?

What do you need help with?

Join the informed applicants who read Accepted's blog!

9 Popular Posts

1. Approaching the Diversity Essay Question

2. How to Write About Your Research Interests

3. Top 10 LSAT Study Tips

4. Writing Your Physician Assistant (PA) Personal Statement

5. Secondary Strategy: Why Do You Want To Go Here?

6. Walk Me Through Your Resume [MBA Interview Questions Series]

7. 4 Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future

8. Sample Essay from Admitted HBS Student

Join the Conversation

Recent Posts

  • What Do You Need to Know to Get Accepted to a Medical School?
  • Strengthen Your Med School Application in One Hour
  • How Do You Show Demonstrated Interest to MBA Programs?
  • 4 Must Haves in a Med School Letter of Interest
  • Is an Online Ivy League PA Program Too Good to Be True? [Episode 298]
The Economist Preferred Admissions Consultant

This Site is Featured on GMATClub

Home Page Services and Prices MBA Med School Law School Grad School College

About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog
Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service

Accepted 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #140 Los Angeles CA 90035 +1 (310) 815-9553
© 2018 Accepted

BBB A+ RatingStamp of AIGAC Excellence

Copyright © 2019 · Education Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Share this Article

Email sent!