GMAT Score at Undergrad Level

Hi There,

Your concern has been addressed here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/does-taking-gmat-help-with-undergraduate-hiring-1906

In short, You will have a solid GPA (if you achieve that 3.5-3.6) and some internships exposure when applying. So, GMAT is really not helping anything. In fact, for undergrad, the CV screener (speaking from my experience) tends to neglect this part, but rather focusing on what you have accomplished and did throughout your undergrad years.

Hope this helps.

Hi Serdar,

The short answer is no, GMAT won't act as a substitute for University grades.

A Good GMAT score could be helpful though in some cases, for example:

1) If you are doing a non-quantitative degree, a good GMAT quant score can demonstrate your quantiative ability

2) If you are studying at a University where the scoring system is not easily understood by the office you are applying to, then GMAT could serve as a decent benchmark.

A 3.6 GPA by no means would be an application killer, so I wouldn't worry too much at this point, and work on the other parts of your CV (e.g. extra curriculars, getting more work experience) and on pushing up your GPA with the courses you have left.

Hope that helps!

Alessandro

Hi Serdar,
unfortunately, an excellent GMAT will generally be seen as a bonus point, but not as something to offset weak grades. Most consultancies have very strict limits when it comes to grades (incl. Master, Bachelor and A-levels) where you may not pass the threshold.

However, these thresholds vary across consultancies and not all consultancies require "excellent" grades (as they claim),  but rather consistently "good" grades, then taking into account the overall picture of grades, working experience and bonus points. It may also depend on your type of studies and your university, where precisely that threshold is going to be applied (for computer science very likely lower than e.g. for business).

In my opinion, taking the GMAT can only increase your chances, but it may make sense to test upfront with a few consultancies whether you would be invited before you start with preparations.

Hope this helps!
Dorothea

Hi,

In your situation, since it's the target school the GPA is OK and GMAT will not change the situation.

What can change a situation is getting a referral. More of the referral here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-is-a-referral-really-1103#a2129

Also, GMAT is very time consuming and I would rather spend time on case prep, making sure that you are excellent with cases.

Best!

Dear Serdar,

A good GMAT score >700 is good extension in your profile but its'not a must. 

In your situation with a very low GPA in resume, try either not to show it or get an internship first trhough a referral, and then through the internship try to secure your full-time offer. 

Make you internship as soon as possible that you can have a couple of tries. Ideally you comlete 1-2 internships, before you greduation in consulting.

If you have any questions, reach out to me and I can help you. 

Best,

André

Dear A,

A good GMAT score >700 is good extension in your profile but its'not a must.

In your situation with a very low GPA in resume, try either not to show it or get an internship first trhough a referral, and then through the internship try to secure your full-time offer. 

Make you internship as soon as possible that you can have a couple of tries. Ideally you comlete 1-2 internships, before you greduation in consulting.

If you have any questions, reach out to me and I can help you. 

Best,

André

Hi there,

I think 3.5-3.6 is actually high enough to meet the bar. Honestly, for me, GPA is table stakes (i.e. you need a minimium level, but I don't care about the difference between 3.5 and 3.8 nearly as much as I do about experiences).

GMAT wouldn't hurt, but I do question if it's worht the time/energy/money unless you plan to use it eventually for Bschool. If you do want to include it, >750 would help the resume imo.

Another strategy to improve your chances: Get a killer resume! Format + conciseness is key...make sure you don't just have good experiences, but that you sell them well!

Hi,

No, GMAT won’t help.

Hello!

GMAT unfortunately only gets better with practicing. Good news is that there are many ways of doing so! 

There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Nope, only for business school!