GPA vs. GMAT score

by **Guest** Sun Sep 07, 2008 10:55 pm

Will most business schools weight the GMAT and GPA equally?

I saw one post on here that said some have gotten into Harvard/Stanford with a GMAT in the high 500s. Some with high 700 scores have been rejected.

Is this also true with a GPA? Assuming it's from a well-regarded state school, does a 710 GMAT 3.2 GPA profile compare similarly to 670 3.7 GPA? Let's assume extra carriculars, work experience etc. is the same for each profile.

by **MBAApply** Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:13 pm

You can't really compare "all things being equal" because such a thing doesn't exist in admissions. You're dealing with people here, and subjective things like how an adcom views a person's work experience, leadership achievements, etc.

To use an analogy, it would be like asking "who is the better basketball player?" by comparing one guy who is 6'10" 190 vs. another who is 6'4" 220 and both are in good athletic shape. You're still evaluating the overall individual such as athleticism, basketball IQ, leadership ability, and so forth.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

by **Guest** Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:22 pm

I see what you're saying. I think another comment on these boards sums it up better. Either you or Jeremy said that at some point the GMAT starts to help you if it's in the 700 range. It starts to hurt you if it's below a certain level (can't remember, maybe a 650). In between, it's average.

I'm guessing the GPA is comparable. Depending on the school and major, above a certain level helps you, below hurts you, in between neither?

by **MBAApply** Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:28 am

What I usually say is that a low score can keep you out, but a high score can't get you in -- that goes for GMAT as well as GPA.

Moreover, the irony is that the folks who tend to obsess over the GMAT the most (people with analytical backgrounds/professions) are those who should be focusing their attention on highlighting their interpersonal and leadership potential in the applications.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

by **Guest** Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:13 am

I have a question along the same lines. Can a strong GMAT score out weigh a poor GPA? Could a lower GPA hurt less if it came from a top undergrad school (MIT)?

by **MBAApply** Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:19 pm

To answer your question, yes a high GMAT can balance out a low GPA (but not completely mitigate it), and yes it will hurt less if it was from a top undergrad school.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

by **Guest** Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:43 am

Thanks!