909jfk

I am going to be completing my undergraduate studies this coming may from a top 10 public university. I will graduate Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors) as a BS in Business Administration. I recently accepted a consulting position with a well-respected Consulting Practice. I am thinking about taking the GMAT at graduation, and applying to MBA programs in 4 years of so. To get into a top 20 program, will I need to "ACE" the GMAT or would my work experience (and assuming good recommendations go along with that) and good undergrad grades make up for a "lower than average" GMAT score (I.E. scoring in the 600s rather than in the 700s)? I know other factors such as essays, interviews, etc. play a role as well. As far out as I am, I just want to get a general sense of what my expectations for the GMAT should be in light of my current profile.

gomestar

some really solid and important work experience is a key part to many MBA programs, and in many ways is better than a 750+ GMAT but really spotty work experience.

Having said that, consultants make up a huge portion of the applicant pool at many top schools so I'd be really cautious about "I'm a consultant and I helped this major corporation on a project, so they'll love to see that in admissions" mentality.

And in my experience, the GMAT is a very learnable exam.

magician46

I saw the discussion on low GMAT, apparently there’s a lot to do about this, if you didn’t see this yet I recommend it: Video: Getting accepted with GMAT far below 720