GMAT scores - how much is too much ??

' How important is GMAT score for ISB'
Thanks Vinit Garg for suggesting this topic to us - here you go..

First, some facts:

• The average score of students at ISB is almost always greater than 700
• The indian applicant pool generally has a higher average GMAT score (mostly skewed by the fact that a lot of engineers make up this pool)
• The breakup in the gmat score for indians is mostly skewed towards quant rather than verbal...

If you go by the above facts, they obviously point towards the fact that DON'T take GMAT lightly...and especially your verbal section because a good verbal score definitely can make you stand out. And hey I am stating the obvious here - 'a good score is a good thing' is a complete no brainer!

That said, here are some things to remember and some points to consider when applying with your gmat scores

a.) less than 640 - There is no question about it. Give it another shot. Go back, prepare, do whatever it takes - maybe just a lil more prep or who knows a better day or mood - but try again. Not that with a score in this band you CANNOT get through ISB - last year we did help a few folks with scores less than 640 and they DID get through ISB - just that it is so much more difficult and needs so much more hardwork on the rest of the application. And if you do get shortlisted - the added pressure of justifying your score in the interview and yet missing out the edge when someone of the same callibre and background came in with a better score. Trust me - you would be better off without that pressure.

b.) 640 -670- I would still try again. This range puts you in the 'borderline' where the evaluators would still be a little critical about your application, both while evaluating the essays and application AS well as when you enter for the interview. But just in case you are already running late for the admissions or if you have already given it two shots or think that it is not worthwhile going for another attempt, here is what you need to do - you HAVE to do a kickass job of your essays and interviews. There is JUST NO OTHER way out. Your essays have to be so good and compelling that the evaluators cannot resist meeting you - remember you have so many ways of impressing them once you are in front of them, you get a chance to justify your score. So we just cannot emphasize enough, the importance of your essays if you are in this band.

c.) 670 and above - Don't worry about your score as far as your application goes now. Don't bother giving it another shot - you could put that time to better use. You have done a good job and that part of your application is taken care of and wont be a negative in any way. Obviously the greater it is the more positive it is ( especially if you have passed the 700 psychologically). But it is not THAT important that you need to fret about it - definitely NOT. What you now need to worry about is the rest of the application. Remember, a good score is just 25% of the battle won - there is your profile, your essays, recos and then the interview. ALL of them are important or I would say even more. We know of people (infact many of them) who got rejected even after a heavenly score of 780!! For simple reasons like too much of attitude in interview, callousness shown in the essays etc etc. So watch out!!

..So go there crack the GMAT if you haven't done it as yet..and if you have ..the fun has just begun, enjoy the process of app'ing..its one of the better experiences of your life!!