Low GMAT Score? Check the List of Popular B-Schools Where You Can Apply

Popular Foreign Universities that Admit Students with Low GMAT Scores: In addition to changing the worldwide environment, the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a paradigm shift in the higher education field. GMAT scores have historically been significantly weighted by prestigious foreign business schools when choosing candidates. However, the pandemic forced these colleges to reevaluate their admission requirements, taking into account the difficulties encountered by prospective applicants. In this phase of transformation, there was a shift away from relying solely on GMAT test scores, providing opportunities for Indian students with low GMAT scores to pursue their MBA abroad.

The pandemic acted as a catalyst for a more comprehensive evaluation process that takes into account a variety of elements, including professional experience, individual accomplishments, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose (SOP). 

For students to go on a journey of newly discovered possibilities and learn about the colleges that emphasise a comprehensive vision of success, we will examine the top popular foreign universities that admit students with low GMAT scores in this article.

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Is GMAT Necessary for MBA Admissions Abroad?

Yes, the GMAT exam, as a deciding factor provides valuable leverage that a student can use to their advantage when applying for admissions. While, it is advisable to try and improve the GMAT score, if necessary, it is also advisable to work on the other elements that build a compelling MBA application, such as the Statement of Purpose (SOP), Essay/s, Interviews, Curriculum Vitae (CV), etc.

Any element that can help build a good profile for your application to an MBA programme should be a crucial part of your application. However, if, in this case - the GMAT score, is not impressive enough, prepare and study harder and attempt the test once or twice. If you are unable to score well, do not worry, as Business Schools put enough weightage on other parameters that can sway the admission committee to offer you a seat in the MBA programme of your choice.

What is a Low GMAT Score?

A low GMAT and a good GMAT Score both are subjective. For Indian students seeking to pursue an MBA abroad, a low GMAT score falls below the average or median range of the schools they are applying to. Depending on the university and its particular needs, the precise definition of a low score may change. In general, a score below 600 is seen as being somewhat low and weak, whereas a score above 700 is regarded as being strong. But it's essential to remember that other considerations, like job experience, academic background, essays, and interviews, all play a significant part in the review process and are not only used to determine acceptance.

How to Determine a Low GMAT Score?

Business schools across the world look for candidates with a competitive GMAT score which falls within the middle 80% range of percentile ranking. Thus, if your score falls below this range, it may be considered a low GMAT score. For example, the middle 80% score range at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is 690-760. So, if you have obtained a GMAT score below that, you can think of it as a low GMAT score. However, you can also use a GMAT Score Calculator to understand the transition of GMAT scores from raw to scaled if you are preparing for the test at home.

How to Deal With a Low GMAT Score?

As mentioned before, universities consider a lot of factors while selecting an applicant. So, a low GMAT score does not necessarily mean that you would not get in. Here are a few things you can do to make up for a low GMAT score:

• Apply Despite Having a Low GMAT Score: A GMAT score, although important, is not the only thing that makes an ideal applicant. For instance, at Said Business School, University of Oxford, an application is assessed holistically and a low GMAT score will not disqualify someone nor does a high score guarantee admission.

• Retaking the GMAT: Many may feel discouraged but acts as a perfect solution to the problem of not scoring your target GMAT Score. Many leading b-schools across the world see candidates who have retaken the test and consider their highest score. In addition, some universities may also request you to retake the test.

• Focus on the MBA Essay Questions: Some B-schools require applicants to submit an optional essay that allows them to provide additional information about themselves. The essay should be a culmination of your strengths, weaknesses and what value you would add to the cohort. For international students, it is important to also demonstrate their English language proficiency in the MBA essay.

• Try to Ace the MBA Interview and/or Video Essay Questions: Many top b-schools emphasise your performance in the interview and/or video essay. So, even if you have a low GMAT score but you manage to exhibit how you could be a great fit, the university may consider your application based on your performance in the interview.

• Find Out if the University Accepts GRE Scores: Some universities may accept both GMAT scores as well asGRE Scores and weigh them equally for MBA admissions. You should make sure that the university accepts GRE before you go on to switch tests.

• Apply to Universities With GMAT Waivers: Universities sometimes do not ask for GMAT scores and assess a candidate based on their academic background and performance in the MBA interview.

How to Improve My GMAT Score?

For students aspiring to attempt the world-renowned GMAT exam, it is recommended to improve your score if you were not able to score well the first time. GMAT applicants have the opportunity to appear for the GMAT test more than once, in a bid to improve on their previous score. However, keeping the number of attempts to a minimum is also advised for GMAT aspirants.

Here are some pointers or tips to improve your GMAT score.

• Determine Your Learning Style: Every individual has a different way of learning. To perform well in anything, one must learn what helps them learn faster and perform better. For instance, while some may love to self-study and get a good grasp of the material, some tend to procrastinate while self-studying.

• Practice and Mock Tests: Attempting GMAT practice and mock tests are the best possible method to improve and analyse your weak and strong points in the test. These tests will also allow you to train yourself and your mind to adapt to a testing environment, thus, helping you be calm during the tests and think clearly and analytically.

• Prepare the Weak Subjects Intensively: All students are weak and strong in certain areas or subjects. You, as a GMAT applicant, need to figure out what your weak and strong points are. Once you have realised your weak points, prepare and study these points intensively. Give more time to these subjects and areas, and your expertise in these areas will improve.

• Analyse Your Test Results: After attempting the test, students will be able to check their performance in the different sections of the tests. Depending on the scores they obtain in these sections, they will be able to analyse the sections where they need to practice and prepare more.

• Improve Your Timing: The best way to learn how to pace oneself while attempting the GMAT is by practising timed tests. Tests like the GMAT can be tricky in terms of time management - one can neither go too fast and ignore the important details nor go too slow and put themselves at risk.

• Avoid Panic: More often than not, panic during an exam may lead to lower scores. Meditation can help deal with anxiety and candidates should consider taking the exam in the same location/GMAT test centre, as it may reduce the chances of getting lost and panicking.

Business Schools Accepting Low GMAT Scores

As stated above, many B-schools in the world will give you the benefit of the doubt and put enough weightage on the other elements of the application while reviewing your MBA application. Nonetheless, here are a few B-Schools accepting Low GMAT scores for International Student admissions.

Listed above are just a few colleges and universities across the globe, out of the thousands that accept international student applications with low GMAT scores. However, while these universities are offering students, GMAT applicants are advised to study and prepare for the test as early as possible and keep practising for the test, in order to achieve the best results.

Note: Starting your preparation as early as possible will help you score better on the GMAT test in the first go. However, since everyone possesses different capacities, these steps may help you improve and perform better in the test.

A poor GMAT score is no longer a permanent barrier to enrolling in prestigious international colleges. We have seen in this article how popular international universities are now placing a high priority on a holistic approach, taking into account Indian students' range of skills and potential outside of the realm of standardised testing like GMAT. These universities have opened the way for aspirant Indian students to realise their ambitions of studying abroad by adopting this inclusive approach, demonstrating that determination and enthusiasm can overcome low GMAT scores to study MBA abroad.  

If you are interested in studying for an MBA abroad and need assistance choosing the right B-School and course, then you can write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com. and resolve all your queries right from our experts!