Do Ivy-League Grad Schools really have students with an average GMAT score of 710??? How is this possible?

Is this for real??? I am having a really hard time getting in since i cant make the 710 score! I have an excellent undergrad academic record and employment record...this GMAT thing is killing me! Why test on Algebra, Geometry and not Finance, Accounting and things that really matter??!....LOL! Just frustrated to get into an Ivy-league Business School!

Do Ivy-League Grad Schools really have students with an average GMAT score of 710??? How is this possible?
The good news is that the GMAT is the part of your application that is easiest to improve! You couldn't go back and redo your undergrad grades, so you're ahead of the game by having a good GPA, and the same goes for your employment record--work experience plays a significant role in business school admissions decisions.



As for your GMAT, I would recommend taking a prep course, because you're right--Algebra and Geometry are not necessarily intuitive when you haven't seen some of these concepts since early high school (if at all). I went with Powerscore on the recommendation of a friend, and I found it quite helpful. The instructor was great, and the approaches that we went over were very effective. By the time I took the GMAT, I was totally familiar and comfortable with the concepts tested. I ended up scoring a 770.
Reply:Yes they do, but the keyword is "average." So they also have students with GMAT scores of less than 710. Have you already taken the GMAT? If you have time and if the admission people specifically tell you that your GMAT score (if you have taken it) is an issue, then retaking the test is a possible option for you.



The schools admit students from different background. Finance and accounting are the stuff that MBA students learn after they are accepted into schools. Can't test people on stuff they have never learned :) But GMAT doesn't just test algebra and geometry. It tests on how people apply these concepts.
Reply:Not necessarily, my friend. The Universities talk about an avg or a median score of all people and it hovers around the 700-710 range. But a score of 640 is considered competitive too!

A score of 770 with a weak essay and recommendations cant make the cut too in amyn cases.

The school apparently "looks at the admission packet holistically and decide on the candidate before making the decision" is what they (schools) generally claim. :-)



But I do know of people who have made it with 690 / lesser to good schools too. Essense is: score is a easy differentiation factor. A higher score doesnt mean definite admit though it will give a good idea about the candidate. If the score is lesser, the essays and other parts of the admission packet should be good to ofset the low score!