Low GMAT score

[HBSHopeful]

I graduated with my undergrad in accounting and my overall GPA is a mid 3.6. I have studied for the GMAT for six months, have taken the online Manhattan GMAT prep course, and have taken the GMAT three times. Despite scoring in the upper 600's on MGMAT practice tests, my highest GMAT score on the practice tests has been in the mid 500s. I want to go to Harvard, but I am concerned that I might not be able to get my GMAT score up any higher on the real test. I have tried the test anxiety techniques and they don't seem to have much of an effect. As a result of having taken the GMAT multiple times and the MGMAT online prep course, I have drained my savings; thus, I cannot currently afford to take the test being unemployed. How necessary is it to score better on the GMAT to get into HBS? Also, what additional thoughts do you have? Thank you in advance for your response.

[mbamission]

I can feel your pain! The good news is that the GMAT is only one piece of the puzzle. The admissions committee employs a holistic review process so if the rest of your application is strong (professional leadership, community leadership, academic performance, etc) then you might still be competitive. However, if you have multiple weaknesses in your profile, then you should consider taking the test again to put yourself in the best position for success. I would also encourage you to broaden your list of schools in order to have a better chance of attending business school. By the way, I have GMAT scores for HBS's class of 2011:

GMAT Score Range 490-800
Middle 50% GMAT Score Range 700-760

I hope this information is helpful!

Monica Okrah
mbaMission

[HBSHopeful]

Thank you for your response Monica. For my undergrad my major GPA is a mid 3.3 while I averaged a 3.0 in my upper-level accounting classes. I will be heading back to graduate school this fall for a degree in accounting and so I am still about 4 years out from applying. Can doing well in my masters program show that I can handle the rigors of an MBA program? If so, what should my graduate GPA be to show this? Thank you for your advice.

[mbamission]

Your graduate degree can be used as evidence of your ability to handle a rigorous MBA program. With that said, there is no "set" GPA you need to achieve in your graduate accounting program. The schools will analyze your GPA in tandem with the difficulty of the program. So for example, a 3.3 GPA from a very "easy" school is not the same as a 3.3 GPA from a very "challenging" school. Just do your best and strive for a 4.0. If you fall short....hopefully it will not be by much!

Best of luck with your accounting program.

Monica Okrah
mbaMission

[HBSHopeful]

Please read my previous posts on this thread for my background. Now that it is fall, I am starting my MAcc program soon. Being a top 25 graduate program, most of the jobs are with the Big 4 accounting firms. What job positions, companies, and/or industries should I be applying to that will look attractive to business schools? Thank you for your help.

[mbamission]

Hi HBSHopeful,

Thanks for checking back in. If you are still planning on going for an MBA after your accounting degree, think about what you plan to achieve post-MBA, and what accounting-related job will best set you up to reach that goal. A Big-4 accounting job is certainly a credible path to an MBA, but maybe you can focus on a specific field you are interested to help you prepare for your post-MBA goals.

Best of luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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