Why Your Gmat Score Isn't As Bad As You Think It Is?

Endeavor Careers Posted on November 11, 2021

One of the most painful things in a GMAT world is a lower-than-desired score. However, losing confidence and obsessing over it would not rectify what has been done already. Whether the GMAT exam score was a result of illness, test anxiety, or simply insufficient preparation, don’t let it doom your plans of studying abroad. Understand that each error is a learning opportunity and gives a chance to improve.

While a strong GMAT performance is a key component to most business schools, taking a broader look at your entire application strategy and highlighting other salient parts of your profile can help you compensate for a low GMAT score.

How To Address a Low GMAT Score

With admissions getting tougher each day, the pain of getting a low GMAT score is understandable. However, we have come up with 8 strategies that can help you overcome the past tests and boost your application.

1. Study and Retake the GMAT Exam

Often, first-time GMAT exam takers are scared and nervous, which hinders their performance. So, if you have enough time before your B-school deadlines, you must take the exam again. Business schools consider your best scores while evaluating your application. Thus, it won’t matter to them if you took it multiple times. A retake won’t look bad on your application. Instead, it proves your dedication to the GMAT exam and the B-schools you are applying to.

If you didn’t prepare enough, then ramp up your studying, take a class, or consider GMAT coaching. Refer to the GMAT official guide and take the GMAT mock test for robust preparation.

The below graph shows how performance has increased for second-time test-takers

Image Source – Chegg

2. Evaluate what went Wrong

Looking at your previous GMAT scores would allow you to evaluate your mistakes. Assessing the mistakes will also help you figure out your weaker areas. This will enable you to shift your focus towards areas that need more attention and bolster your overall GMAT preparation. Resort to the experienced faculty at Endeavor Careers to improve on your previous performance.

3. Take Supplemental Math Courses

If even after the retakes your score won’t improve, demonstrate to the MBA admissions committee that you are ready to handle the rigorous quantitative courses in business school. Take supplemental coursework in subjects like – Statistics, Microeconomics, Calculus, Accounting, and Finance. Being a candidate, you get the benefit of the doubt, if other aspects of your application are exceptionally compelling.

4. Nail the MBA Essay Questions

Divert your energies toward boosting your candidacy in the areas of your application that you can control – that is, essays. Make sure that you’re writing stellar essays in the application. Excelling at essay portions of the application can compensate for a low GMAT score and rather boost your application.

Some B-schools also offer an optional essay where you can add additional information. Use it as an opportunity to address your low GMAT score.

5. Try the GRE

To study abroad, there are a plethora of colleges that accept the GRE or either of the exams. The GMAT mathematics can seem extremely difficult to some students. If you are unable to cope up with the quantitative aptitude section, switch to this option.

6. Increase focus on Other Parts of the MBA application

Candidates that have scored the below-average GMAT scores can use the other elements of their application to improve their overall candidacy. Decide to shift your energies on essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters. These are the aspects of your application where you can excel. Moreover, the below image depicts that a great GMAT score alone will not carry you through your dream B-school.

Image Source – E Gmat

7. Apply to MBA Schools that do not require GMAT

Certain B-schools do not require the GMAT. Additionally, some colleges offer a GMAT waiver for particular programs. In such B-schools, a candidate’s suitability to the program is evaluated through personal interviews and academic performance by the admission committee.

8. Reach out for Help

Low GMAT scores are nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, candidates should seek assistance from overseas education consultants to improve their candidacy. If you need guidance on how to deal with certain aspects of the GMAT online, you can reach out to Endeavor careers. The team can lead your way from a comprehensive GMAT preparation that includes expansive study material, GMAT mock tests, and one-to-one mentoring sessions to exclusive consultation on studying abroad.

Best Countries to Study Abroad that Accept a Low GMAT Score

It is a hard truth that a low GMAT score can be a constraint for getting into one of the top universities. Yet, the overall package that you bring to the table can help you take a seat at one of the prestigious MBA colleges or schools in the world. There are many universities, colleges, institutes, and B-schools that offer MBA admissions to international students with a low GMAT score.

Here are some countries that accept a GMAT score below 650 and offer GMAT waivers.

USA
Canada
Australia
Netherlands
France
Scotland
Ireland

You should also have a look at some of the top B-schools that offer MBA without GMAT.

Rotman School of Management, U of T (MBA)Imperial College London (MBA)
Ivey Business School (MBA)
National University of Singapore (MBA)
IE Business School (MBA)
Australian National University (Master of Management)
Imperial College London (MBA)

Summing-up

Business school aspirants can be incredibly hard on themselves when they get a low score. However, they should take the time to focus on developing their brand by packaging the goals, passions, work experience, and “why business school, why now” into a compelling case for admission.

Endeavor Careers is your one-stop destination for holistic learning and GMAT preparation. We have helped 1000+ students to fulfil their dreams to study abroad. If you too are bogged down by your GMAT results, reach out to us now and get a free consultation.