Here’s a scenario to which many of you can relate: You just took the GMAT or GRE. When you get home, you look at the average scores for your target schools, and you discover that you’re below those averages. You then pop over to Reddit and start doom scrolling as everyone tells you that your goose is cooked. “You have no chance!” they tell you. Are they right?
The short answer is NO!
Before I explain why the answer is an emphatic “no,” it would be helpful to discuss why schools even care about standardized test scores:
Good scores show you can handle the coursework.
Top MBA programs are quantitatively focused—and with some of the new trends in business, this focus is increasing. Subjects like finance, economics, and strategy involve much of the same kind of quantitative skills that the GMAT and GRE are testing.
Schools’ average scores drive MBA rankings.
Even with test scores being deemphasized a little in recent years (more on that below), the various publications that rank MBA programs use average test scores as a metric for rankings. Therefore, higher score averages help increase rankings. Plus, applicants and recruiters care about rankings, so admissions committees do, too.
Test scores still matter to some prospective employers.
Finance and consulting firms traditionally have used scores to decide which applicants to interview. Post-pandemic, these firms have placed less emphasis on test scores, though they are still considered in some cases.
Although test scores are important, realize that when admissions committees say they look at each applicant holistically, they truly mean it. Admissions committees also know that while some applicants do not perform well on standardized tests, they might be able to apply learnings properly in practical settings. Therefore, no one metric is more important than the others across the board. For example, for the Class of 2025, HBS admitted someone with a 500 GMAT score and a 145 GRE Quant score, while Stanford admitted someone with a 150 GRE Quant score. So, there is hope!
Furthermore, you should understand that you’re not actually targeting the average scores for these programs. The obvious mathematical fact that often gets overlooked is that for a given figure to be the school’s average, half the applicants came above that average and the other half came below that. Therefore, what you are really looking for is to be within the middle 80% range, which is the range of scores that the majority of admitted students fell within.
If you do fall below the middle 80% for test scores, here are five things to consider as you continue working on your MBA profile:
1. Retake the exam.
Not only is there no penalty for retaking the exam, admissions committees would likely question why you didn’t take the test again after one attempt with a lower score. Adding some optimism to a retake, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) estimates that 75% of applicants who retake the GMAT perform better than before. You should plan for 100–120 hours of study over several months to attain your optimal score. And if you prepared for your first attempt through self-study, you should strongly consider using a tutor to prepare for your retake.
2. Switch to a different test.
If you took the GMAT first, try taking a practice GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) to see if one of those tests is more accessible. Applicants without a quantitative background often perform better on the GRE, for instance. However, that may change with the new GMAT Focus Edition, so look for the test that is most suited to your skills. The EA is not accepted at all full-time MBA programs, but the number of schools considering it is growing. The GMAT and GRE are widely accepted, so confirm what tests are accepted by the schools of interest to you. For more information about these tests, check out “GMAT, GRE, or Even EA: Which Test Should I Take?”
3. Take a quantitative course.
Taking a math-based course can help mitigate admissions committees’ concerns about your score and shore up your skill set. You can take a course online or at your local university or community college. Earning an “A” on the course will demonstrate your ability to handle the math presented in MBA classes. Once in a while, an MBA program will offer conditional acceptance based on getting a strong grade in a business-focused quant course (that was the case for me!), so being proactive by taking these types of courses will help your case. In your optional essay, discuss the fact that you’re taking/will take the course. The course does not need to be completed before the application deadline.
4. Leverage demonstrated skills elsewhere.
A higher GPA and even stronger career achievements can help offset a low test score. On average, admitted students have about four to five years of work experience. This is notable because having more quality work experience can mitigate lower scores. Admissions committees look for applicants who have been promoted in their careers and/or have received increased responsibilities. Relatedly, you should use your optional essay to show quantitative work in both your undergrad studies and your professional career, focusing on any sort of analysis that you’ve conducted over the years involving heavy computations. Certifications such as a CPA, CFA, and CFP also will demonstrate greater quantitative ability.
5. Consider applying to a different program.
Lower-ranked US MBA programs and highly ranked international schools generally have lower test score averages. Attending one of these schools will allow you to still receive a high-quality education with strong alumni ties. Alternatively, part-time or online versions of the top-ranked programs also have lower test averages and middle 80% ranges while offering the same quality, reputation, recruiters, and alumni base as their full-time counterparts. Furthermore, many MBA programs have moved to offering test-optional applications. If you have a high GPA with “A” grades in quantitative courses as well as a career where you can demonstrate great performance in analysis (with or without a certification), you may qualify for a test waiver. For more information on test waivers, check out “MBA Programs Offering Test Waivers” and “How to Write a Compelling GMAT Test Waiver Request.”
Ultimately, you need to demonstrate that you will excel should you be accepted, so think about the best way to do that.
If you are hoping to overcome a low test score to get accepted into business school, we at Stratus would love to speak with you. Sign up for a free consultation with one of our MBA admissions experts!