Value of GMAT in a GMAT optional world

Several students that were admitted in 2020 deferred their enrolment leading to lesser seats available this year. A candidate always wants to put their best foot forward and maximize their chances of a successful admission to their dream school. There will be a surge in applications to the top US business schools in 2021, which might result in a more competitive application pool.
While some B-schools like INSEAD, Wharton, LBS, Carnegie Mellon, etc have offered test optionality i.e. they do not require either the GMAT or GRE score, a good GMAT score makes for the best route not only for admissions but also after that. It tests your ability and reflects your intellectual aptitude, diligence, focus, and hard work. In a sense, it reflects your quantitative skills and overall performance.

We at ReachIvy.com advise students to take the GMAT test and aim for a score improvement and evaluate their profile before applying to any school. Our experts have even revised the list of the schools and made students target better schools if there was an improvement in their GMAT scores. For example, Hardh’s dream school was Harvard; although he had a very good profile with the right years of experience, his GMAT score of 760 gave him an edge over other candidates.

Many consulting companies, ask applicants to report their GMAT scores on their job applications while other employers may ask about the score during interviews. Reportedly, some consulting companies rarely look at applicants who do not meet their standardized test requirements.

Preparing for the GMAT is in itself a life lesson. It compels students to face challenges and learn time management and multi-tasking in order to achieve their goals and dreams. Moreover, the computerized test allows students to hone their computer skills and stay up to date on technical knowledge, both will stay with the student for a lifetime.

The basic precondition to appearing for the GMAT is understanding how to secure a good score. The various sections that the student will have to prepare for include problem-solving skills, judging skills, quantitative ability, aptitude, reasoning power, as well as verbal, and writing skills in English. The idea here is to go beyond the admission process and apply these skills in practical aspects of one’s life. Ultimately, this becomes a sure way to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether one realizes it or not, the GMAT is instrumental in building confidence while approaching communication and presentation abilities. Outside the college campus, the student can make a mark for themself in their chosen field of work. Thus, whether required or not, the usefulness of the GMAT goes far beyond one’s imagination and is helpful in overall personality development. It is a way to train yourself for life and all its challenges. The GMAT with its mathematical and verbal sections is holistic.

The world and the future are still uncertain. Students are trying hard to navigate their way through life-changing decisions and to fulfil their study abroad dreams. Simply put, regardless of whether a university requires GMAT/GRE scores, a good GMAT score helps build a stronger profile. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and register for your GMAT if you haven’t taken it.

Looking to pursue your GMAT? Contact ReachIvy.com today!