Hello there

Many schools ask for high GMATs above 650 because this does help them in rankings. Imagine being in a class where everyone as above 650 or 700, where is the interaction with candidates who have scored lower but excel in other areas. The GMAT is just 1 element of an application package however if a school requires a GMAT, then you really need to score above 500. Above 550 and with some schools this is good enough to be considered for a scholarship or reduction of some kind. To go from 270 to above 550 in one jump is one task. You need to look at courses offered privately or take some private maths lessons with a focus to the teacher that this is training for the GMAT test.I get somewhat annoyed with schools demanding very high GMATs because it feels like your walking in a restaurant and being asked to open your wallet up and unless you have more than 650-700 Euros/pounds then you cannot eat there. Take a minimum of 6 weeks practising for the GMAT.
saint

Hello there

Many schools ask for high GMATs above 650 because this does help them in rankings.

Just one final remark, the GMAT is a crucial part of the rankings for a school and the FT times does use it. Ive been in the MBA field advising for the last 10 years, also the GMAT test is a safety net, if you fail a MBA programme after scoring above 500 on the GMAT then you have no excuses really for failing because the GMAT shows that you have what it takes to get through an MBA programme. Also schools like quality because word of mouth gets around and it all plays a part. I can also tell you that to go from a GMAT of 300 or below to above 600 is no easy task, if your exceptional and really put the hard work in then maybe you can do this, last but least, why one of the top 5 schools is that you feel a need to get into, do you feel this will get you your dream job or career, I can honestly tell you that the best school for you is the one that is going to be able to equip you with the tools and needs of what you seek and not the name alone will carry you to a CEO position, at the end of the day you have to fight off other candidates for any position and sell yourself. My personal advice is to have a chat with a career service expert who can really guide you in the right direction for what you want.
saint

----"also the GMAT test is a safety net, if you fail a MBA programme after scoring above 500 on the GMAT then you have no excuses really for failing because the GMAT shows that you have what it takes to get through an MBA programme"......

not sure about that, saint - GMAT is just the easiest way for the schools to do the first screening. it is however, not really a fair screening, since you have lots of courses, books and whatnot, designed to help you get a high score and this, however, is distorting the balance, and takes the hole point out of the test - i know some complete idiots that got a 600+ score after taking a few courses...... people i wouldn't let manage a barbershop.
and there is the other side to consider - how about a great mind, who can't afford going to a course,to learn all the Tricks to help him save time?
i think the GMAT test doesn't really say anything about ones abilities any more - but it would never stop, since lots of people are profiting from it.

i tend to agree with saint. even though i dont really agree on the extent to which GMAT is a good indicator of intellectuality.
It is the most reliable and most standardised we have at the moment.

Also it is very unfair to compare 2 individuals based on ANY EXAM PERFORMANCE.

At the end of the day, we are talking about the whole issue of evaluating non-quantifiable elements.

MBA vs Managers/Leaders.
College graduate vs drop-outs
and so on so forth but i think GMAT is useful

I've decided that the official GMAC study guide is the best one. I'm taking a prep course at a local college and they provided the book as part of the class. I hadn't seen it at the library, though. Maybe it's only available online?

I know you can buy the official study guide through the GMAC website, also amazon.com has it.

I will come back I tell when I have scored my 700+.

He could still be studying; he's applying for 2010 remember?

By the way, what was your GMAT score (and not just the best one)?

By the way, what was your GMAT score (and not just the best one)?

What school did you get into, j.pardoubek?

He got into Warwick and Manchester, and chose Warwick. He said so here:

http://www.find-mba.com/board/8994/1#post-10364

He got into Warwick and Manchester, and chose Warwick. He said so here:

http://www.find-mba.com/board/8994/1#post-10364

That's not a school.

LOL. You have convinced me never to use Kaplan!