Common
Myths about the GMAT
Myth: I can
apply to a top b-school only if I have a
700+ GMAT score.
Reality: Only 1% of all GMAT takers score 750 or
higher, 7% score 700 or higher, 15% score 650 or
higher and 30% score 600 and higher (Guide to the
use of GMAT scores effective Oct 1, 2003 -
percentages based on examinees tested from
January 2000 through Dec 2002 (including
repeaters)). A look at the sheer number of applicants
tells us that the range of those
applying to top B-schools is from 650 onwards. But
remember that the rest of your application needs to
be positioned in such a way as to complement your
score.
Myth: B-schools have cut-offs for GMAT scores.
Reality: Not really. However, In case your score
is
much lower than their average score, you would
need to really sparkle in your Essays & Work Ex.
Even though most schools claim Not to have a cut
off, most of the top schools have an average GMAT
score of 700+.
Myth: Since it is a standardized test, it can be
beaten.
Reality: Apparently, the GMAT is a standardized test.
True, but then there is a slight twist to it.
The GMAT tests basic concepts. However, most of
the winners have found that as they keep solving
questions correctly, they get similar questions to
those they have seen before.
This is because while the GMAT does test basic
concepts, HOW it does it can change.
Right from getting difficult probability questions, to
getting four long RC passages, to getting questions
with apparently do not have a right answer have
been observed in the actual GMAT.
The best strategy is to focus on the basics first, and
then you will be prepared to tackle any twist in the
exam.
E.g. for the chapter speed and distance, it is enough
to fully understand the following two formulae:
- Speed =
Distance/Time
- Average Speed =
Total distance/Total Time
As long as you can apply the above two formulae, any
twist on the questions will be easy for you.
However, without a strong grip on the basics it is
almost impossible to beat the GMAT using Short cuts
or other tricks.
Myth: I can take the GMAT after sending In my
application packet to the school after the deadline.
Reality: Doesn’t really work. Your application
will not
be considered without your scores, and your score
will normally take at least 2 weeks to be reported.
There are however changes afoot wherein the
Schools will be able to instantaneously view your
GMAT score on the Web.
Myth: I can decide the schools I want to apply to after
seeing my GMAT scores.
Reality: You can indeed do that but you will need
to
pay extra for that. You get to send your score to any
five schools free of cost (The cost is included In your
Test fees), before you
take the exam. Any schools that you need to send to
after the exam will require extra payments to ETS.
A good strategy is to consider two schools for a high
score scenario and two schools for a lower score so
that you are covered in either case.
Myth: I can send the school a photocopy of my
unofficial/official score report.
Reality: Schools normally don’t consider any report
other than the official report from ETS.
However with Pearson Vue taking over the test
administration, the schools will be instantaneously
able to retrieve your score.
Myth: I can retake the GMAT as many times till I get
my desired score.
Reality: You can, but the better option would be to
prepare well and take it only once or twice.
Apart from the fact that it costs $250 each time you
take it, your three most recent scores are reported
by ETS to the schools. So if your scores are very
different each time, you will
need to explain why.
The reason usually is inadequate preparation first
time, but this will show you In poor light before the
admissions committee.
