Pursuing an MBA abroad from a top business school is an ambition of many aspiring prospects. MBA extends career opportunities in various paths while teaching everything one needs to know in today’s ever-evolving and dynamic world. It introduces leadership qualities and helps build an analytical perspective. And this is what one needs to tackle in the post-pandemic period.
Every year thousands of candidates apply to MBA programs in prestigious universities. But, applying to an MBA program is not just about submitting an application letter and waiting for the announcements. It is like competing in an obstacle course. The admissions consider GMAT scores and performance in language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Also, an undergraduate degree in business or related field with 50% scores from a recognized university and a work experience of 3 to 5 years is required to pursue MBA Abroad.
Generally, MBA programs have different intake seasons, with most of them beginning in January and mid-August. Each intake season has its own merits. It depends on the aspirants to determine whether the MBA program starting terms are suitable for them or not. January intake is a golden opportunity for those who ding for fall schools and do not wish to waste another year. Some of the prestigious B-schools like the Columbia B-school in the USA, INSEAD, HEC in Europe, and Schulich in Canada offer top MBA programs starting in January. Along with the intake period of application, another important aspect is the standardized exam one takes to study abroad.
Standardized Entrance Exam for Universities Abroad
The entrance exam required to study abroad for various courses can vary. Depending on the type of the course, prospects are required to give just one standardized exam for abroad education. So, if you wish to pursue an MBA abroad, you have to take exams like GMAT or GRE.
Business schools usually require applicants to take the GMAT. An average GMAT score is around 590. However, to get a top B-school, score better than the average. Over the years, the demand for MBA programs has increased. Therefore, the cut-offs to get into these programs have made their way up. While it might seem that everyone taking the GMAT is targeting 720 and above, it isn’t necessary to get into a good B-school. But why do business schools require GMAT? Let us find out!
Why do business schools look at GMAT?
Business schools consider GMAT scores because it helps them evaluate the analytical and verbal communication skills needed to excel in MBA courses. Another reason these schools include scores as part of their admissions criteria is to indicate whether one is ready to take up the academic challenge required of MBA students. A low score can blow chances of admission, but at the same time, a high GMAT score is not always essential for assuring a place in an MBA course. Admissions committees take a holistic approach to each application. Every year many candidates get admitted with GMAT scores below the class average. So if you’ve not scored so well on the GMAT, don’t despair.
Many candidates pick schools with high GMAT averages in the hope of studying alongside the finest fellow. Despite numerous attempts at the exam, some applicants find it tough to improve their scores. In such a case, the most suitable option is to look for schools that have admitted students with similar scores.
Colleges accepting low GMAT scores
Some of the top Business Schools in universities like Harvard and Stanford have accepted students with scores less than 600. Although rare for a student to make it with 600 marks, this is not impossible. So, How would one define a low GMAT score? It has a very subjective answer. We have assembled a list of such schools for those having their GMAT average of around 650:
1- Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, USA (626-730)
2- Naveen Jindal School of Management, the University of Texas at Dallas, USA (550-700)
3- Carey Business school, Arizona State University, USA (621-729)
4- Cranfield University, UK (620-710)
5- Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington, USA (600-770)
6- Rutgers Business School, USA (500-760)
7- HEC Paris, France (590-780)
8- Melbourne Business School, Australia (650-730)
9- The University of British Columbia, Canada (650-720)
10- Alliance Manchester Business School, UK (650-730)
11- Strathclyde Business School, UK (630-700)
12- Durham University Business School, UK (600-670)
GMAT Preparation Tips
There are various ways to prepare for the GMAT exam like- online courses, private coaching, and in-person classes. At times, timing or cost can be a problem for some candidates. In that case, self-study can be a good option. Before taking the GMAT, you should know what to expect from the exam. It is essential to be familiar with the content by taking multiple practice tests.
Rajeev Ganjoo. Founder & CEO of LilacBuds and one of India’s most sought-after Education Consultants suggests “Determine the target score for your preferred graduate program and establish how long you will need to prepare based on your current readiness level. A good rule of thumb is 40 hours for every 5-point improvement in your score”.
To conclude and wrap it up:
Applying to an MBA program with GMAT scores can be a daunting job. Competitive percentiles restrict admission opportunities for many students by narrow margins. These universities look for students who can add value to their institute. They also consider other application components like essays, LORs, resumes, and interviews. So it is suggested to be under supervision to avoid any faults and rejections. MBA from universities abroad is the perfect option for students who want to pursue a career in business or management. It allows students with International exposure and plays a crucial role in accelerated career growth.
