Yeah, I think I would have done well at any of those schools, but I think a lot of people they reject would. Some of that just comes with the turf when your rejection rate is so high. I can also say 100% that shown the same data they have to look at and being forced to make a decision, it would be difficult to justify a decision to let me in over any number of candidates with relatively flawless backgrounds.
I got a 730 after a couple months of studying.
There is real strategy to how to take the GMAT, ballparking and mental math are pretty key. I used MasterGMAT (which I think got bought by the Economist a little while back). I never hear much about it, but it was a really great tool for me – I hated just slogging through pages of reading for GMAT studies (this was before I started down the track for the charter), so it was nice to have an interactive CAT-style study tool.
To the posters who took the GMAT but never ended up getting an MBA, do you put your GMAT score on your resume? i’ve thought about taking the GMAT as a cheap way to boost the resume 'appeal but want to avoid looking like a tool.
No, do not put the GMAT on your resume. Like ever.
If you put “750 GMAT” without listing an MBA, I’m asking questions.
Why did you take the GMAT if you didn’t intend to get an MBA?
Did you start an MBA, but discovered it was too hard? Or are you lazy? (Either way, I don’t want you working for me.)
Why did you waste so much time and money on the GMAT?
By bragging about what you really didn’t accomplish, are you trying to be a pompous ass? Or does it just come natural to you?
Are you going to work here for two years, then take off so you can go back to grad school? (If so, no thanks.)
I don’t put it, it’s generally very frowned upon. It’s a bit academic and trivial with little bearing on work place performance and quoting it on your resume is likely to make you look a little academic and possibly immature from a workplace perspective.
That being said,Greenman’s questions are a little ridiculous. No one with a 750 GMAT did not pursue an MBA because it was too hard and unless they’re a total savante its unlikely it was because they were lazy.
Take my case, it just didn’t make sense if I didn’t go to a very top school. I went into the exam preparation knowing that I was most likely just doing a very thorough exercise in testing the water. Apparently Ohai also did not get an MBA either after hitting 780. I’ve actually known quite a few people working IB or ER in the NYC market that took the GMAT, explored their options and decided to stay in their field. Maybe its less common in other markets, but in a faster paced financial labor market like that I think its not unusual for people to seriously evaluate their options.
^The question was “should I put my GMAT score on my resume”, not “should I take the GMAT”. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking the GMAT and not going to grad school. But if you don’t go to grad school, don’t put your scores on your resume. (edit - and even if you do go to grad school, don’t put your GMAT score on your resume)
Putting your GMAT score on your resume is douchey, at best. And if you never went back to school, it’s douchey and useless.
yikes, it’s that douchey? I thought it was toolish but the reaction here implies it’s up there with Home Depot tool status.
I only asked because recently (and more than once) an employers application asked for all relevant academic acheivements including GMAT, SAT etc…
I know a couple of top firms request your GMAT score if you’ve taken it as part of your application (separate from the resume). It’s kind of a proxy for an IQ test, which I understand is illegal to administer as part of the application process due to “disproportionate impact”.
If they request it, then that’s different. But don’t offer it until it’s asked for.
I don’t think it is that douchey. I’ll take all the data points I can get when interviewing folks.
It’s frowned upon, but it’s not as crazy as Greenman makes it out to be. IMO he’s being a little over the top on this one. The main point is you just generally shouldn’t put it on your resume but definitely supply it if it’s requested. Beyond that I don’t think there’s any real grounds for differentiation regarding whether or not you also have an MBA and whether it effects how including your GMAT on your resume would be viewed.
See “Fit” thread. Shows you don’t “get it.” Only if requested. I remember seeing a request for SAT scores on a Goldman app years ago.
Interesting thread. For many reasons. Seems like AF was so much more interesting and personal back in the day. Now we just have purealpha’s top down approach. I suppose Greenman roasting that one guy for failing level 3 is as good as it gets. Sad.
Anyhow, I’ve always wondered if I aggressively pursued a Harvard application how much it would be laughed at. It’d be cool if they could give you a band score like in the CFA results.
“Band 4 should I ask for a retab???”
Thanks for bumping this one up. Reminds me of the good old days in AF.
Numi, Blake, CvM, Turd, FT, Ohai, Itera, (Greenie for good measure) in a giant dogfight? #freeCvM
Just was musing the “elite universities aren’t worth it” thread, and decided I’d bump this.
So all the noobs can partake and enjoy.
That’s a good thread. I declare victory in it.
#freeCVM