GMAT scores play a vital role in admission to good schools. Most often students get stuck in this part of admission and keep trying to get a higher score year after year. Though persistence is a great thing, continuously repeating the same pattern even after no visible results may not be a great idea. This also leaves them with very less time to work on the remaining elements of the application – essays, recommendations, resume, interview.
It’s a big misconception that there are no good business schools which accept a low GMAT score. Even though GMAT prep is important, sometimes one just can’t move beyond a certain score. Business schools value the GMAT because it enables them to analyse the performance of a student by testing their analytical skills, math skills and various other skills that are required to be a good business student and at some point a good business leader.
To understand the importance of the GMAT, let us first learn what the GMAT is:
GMAT is a computer adaptive exam that tests students on the basis of their ability to learn analytical writing, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in standard written English. The Graduate Management Admission Test is a worldwide standard test that enables the colleges to understand the skill level of the students. The top colleges in the world often have very high GMAT cut-offs and are the hardest to get into.
Rough fees for GMAT is around $250 to take the test. Now, EDUopinions is going to tell you more about this test.
EDUopinions is a unique platform where you can read real, verified student reviews about universities from all over the world as well as get free information about them.
GMAT Registration
One can register for a GMAT all throughout the year, however, it is advised to form a proper strategy before applying to GMAT. The entrance exam is conducted throughout the year and students have the flexibility to give the exam anytime they want. The number of GMAT applicants is increasing immensely every year, and thus, finding the slot becomes more difficult every time you wish to appear for the exam.
How to Register for GMAT
The important thing to note is that candidates can reschedule their next attempt only after 16 days after taking the first attempt. A candidate is only allowed five attempts in one year. Below are the steps to register in GMAT.
Steps to register for GMAT 2019:
- The first step for online registration is to visit the authorised GMAT official website Register page.
- Once the student has logged on to the GMAT official website, he will have to fill in the required basic information such as name, address and other details.
- The candidate will then have to create an ID and password.
- The next step will be making online payment of the application fee, which is $250. The candidate can make online payment through credit card, debit card, net banking; whichever is suitable for the candidate.
- After the completion of these steps, the candidate can log in and select the date and place to take the exam.
The candidate must be above 18 years of age to apply for the GMAT test. However, all the schools have different criteria as well apart from GMAT for admission.
GMAT Syllabus
Let us also understand the GMAT syllabus that is required to ace the exam. The GMAT exam is a 3 and a half hour test worth 800 points. The entire GMAT Exam syllabus divided into four sections. Here is the division of the exam syllabus:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative Section
- Verbal Section
GMAT Analytical reasoning
This part usually has paragraphs that the candidate has to read, analyse and respond accordingly. On the basis of the passage, the candidate will have to answer. The syllabus for this section is vast and varied as the topic of the passage could be any topic of interest. The main idea is to focus on the structure of the answer and not the arguments presented.
GMAT Integrated Reasoning
This section tests the ability of a candidate to reason and evaluate the date presented in a table format. This is the newest addition to the GMAT exam. This section has 12 questions of the following type:
- Table analysis
- Graphics interpretation
- Multi-source reasoning
- Two-part analysis
GMAT Quantitative Section
This has two sections, Data Sufficiency and Problem-solving. In the Data Sufficiency section, there will be 18 questions and in the Problem Solving section, there will be 18 questions. One can expect questions from algebra, geometry, arithmetic, permutation and combination etc.
GMAT Verbal skills section
This has around 36 verbal choice questions. This section is divided into Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction. This section tests the candidates’ ability to comprehend the written material, read and understand the logical relationship between the points mentioned in the passage and concepts.
Business schools that require a low GMAT score
Now, we move on to the topic of business schools which don’t require a high GMAT score. A high GMAT score is not always essential in securing a place in a good college for an MBA. Admissions committees take a holistic view of each application and every year plenty of candidates are admitted who have GMAT scores below the class average.
There are colleges that don’t require a GMAT at all! Business schools value GMAT because it helps them analyse the kind of talent that a student has. Analytical skills, verbal skills and math skills are all vital for a good business leader and manager. So, even the commitment required to study for a GMAT is looked at in a positive manner. As often people are juggling their full-time jobs and studying simultaneously.
Since the mantra of many an MBA programme is that you learn as much from peers as professors, because of the company that you keep. Many candidates choose schools with high GMAT averages in the hope of studying alongside a high-quality cohort.
Here are some schools that require low GMAT scores but are also some of the top business schools as well. Keep in mind a “low GMAT score” can be pretty subjective, hence we have kept a benchmark of 650 and below as a low GMAT score:
Warwick Business School, UK
Ranked first in the UK and 18th in the world by The Economist*, the Warwick Full-time MBA is one of the best MBA’s to consider for a low GMAT scorer. Their average GMAT scores are around 647 but might rise or descend year on year. The Warwick Business School full-time MBA is the catalyst students need to transform their career. Whether you want to change job function, sector, location or simply increase your earning potential, we will give you the confidence and skills to achieve your potential.
Their 12-month immersive course is fast-paced, intense and leads to a lot of in-depth work. Alongside lectures, seminars, group exercises, case studies and projects, you will have the opportunity to participate in one of the most innovative learning experiences available. The average age of the class is 30 years of age and the students represent 39 countries with an average of 7 years of working experience.
If you want to join Warwick Business school then you must be intellectually outstanding and display strong interpersonal and communication skills, motivation and leadership qualities. You must have upper second class honours at undergraduate level from a UK university or the equivalent from an overseas university.
Porto Business School, Portugal
Porto school requires a low GMAT score of 550 only. And Porto Business School is also one of the best business schools in the world. Porto Business School strives to broaden the boundaries of knowledge in an educational environment that stimulates boldness and creativity through a constant share of knowledge and practice. Their full-time MBA is called the Magellan MBA which is a 13-month full-time course. One of the best business schools in Europe and one of the top 30 in Executive Education in Europe, according to the Financial Times. Participation in The Magellan MBA will enable you to contact with the latest trends and best practices in management, while simultaneously discovering and enhancing personal and professional competencies.
Kelly School of Business, USA
Kelley School of Business understands that people who are opting for an MBA want to grow professionally and are leadership material. In order to hone these skills even further at the Kelly School of Business, they start prior to your first semester with Me, Inc., a two-week intensive program in team-building and career development that sets you up for success over the next two years.
The admissions at the Kelly School of Business is simple, but you have to take GMAT or GRE to be eligible first. The minimum score required for GMAT is 550 only.
If English is not your native language, you must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English language Testing System) before submitting your application. They require a minimum Internet-based TOEFL score of 100; 600 on the paper-based TOEFL; or band 7.0 on the IELTS at the time of application in order to be eligible for admission.
Rutgers Business School, USA
Located in Newark and Brunswick The Rutgers Business School Full-Time MBA program is a traditional programme located just moments from New York City in Newark, NJ. The average GMAT score required here is 643, which is surprisingly low. Though the class of 2018 had a score of 680 in GMAT. They have a non-refundable fee of $70 for application to their school. The application fee is waived for all military and veteran applicants. You must submit the TOEFL or PTE Academic test if your native language is not English. Not required of students who have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree in the U.S. or other English speaking countries (Canada, England, etc…)You must also send letters of recommendation, essays.
Southeastern University, USA
This university also requires a low GMAT of just 470. Southeastern University located in Florida, has two types of MBA- the evening and morning one and the Global MBA. Both MBA’s are focussed on creating world leaders via a Christ- centred ethical practice. The Global MBA provides students with the opportunity to travel to El Salvador for a business-as-mission experience. They also provide an opportunity to learn about Disney’s approach to business. Christian principles are the core strength of their courses, from marketing to accounting and economics to corporate finance. Our esteemed business faculty, your most valuable resource at Southeastern, is committed to modelling these principles. The program cost is $27,000.
Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
Also known as the Fox School of Business, Temple University has a GMAT average of just 640. And applicants to some of its MBA programs are eligible for a GMAT waiver altogether if they have a minimum of seven years of professional experience or another high-level degree such as a JD or PhD.
Their Global MBA, which is their full-time programme of an immersive introduction to the world of business through a competency-driven curriculum, two Global Immersions, hands-on learning with real-world clients, and professional development series. They also have an online MBA, part-time MBA and executive MBA. The average age of students in this class would 27 years of age and they usually have 5 years of work experience. They need a 3.6 GPA and 54% are non-business majors which is a good sign for people with a non-business background. With the Fox Global MBA, you’ll get hands-on with your education, applying your learning in a collaborative and energetic setting. Their focus is to get students to work on real-time data and also provide a practical study instead of just a theoretical one.
So, that’s it. Here are the top business schools with low GMAT. So, even if you have a low GMAT score, there is no need to feel disappointed. Just like the colleges above, there are many more MBA’s that don’t need a GMAT score at all and are some of the world’s best colleges!
Recent Posts
Although it's possible to sail through university without giving a thought to what you're going to do afterwards - concentrating only on enjoying ...
Ever thought about studying in Greece? Between the sunny weather, incredible history, and breathtaking coastline, you could also get a top business ...
Norway: it's a land of awe-inspiring nature, adrenaline-inducing outdoor sports, and picturesque cities. But have you ever thought about studying ...