Once you're in a top MBA program can GMAT still be a cut off for MBB ?

710 is great. No neet to have a better score.

But to be honest, it works this way: can help marginally if very high. Generally speaking it should be close to or above 700, but it is not a negative if you don't state it.

Hi there, 

Congrats to your INSEAD admission!

Is GMAT relevant for your MBB applications later? 100% No. Don't bother retaking it - won't matter anymore and 710 is more than reasonable enough. Beyond that you don't even have to state it on the INSEAD resume.

Feel free to reach out if you have further questions - I did INSEAD myself and will be able to advise specifically about the campus recruiting process there.

Regards, Andi

Hi there,

It is not worth retaking the GMAT at all. Please spend your time on other more valuable activities :)

FYI - 710 while not a very high score is also not a bad score. And in any case, not necessary for you to breakdown Q and V scores even if you decide to include your GMAT. 

Hi there, 

MBB firms look at your holistic profile (academics, work background, leadership potential, drive etc.). Your GMAT score only constitutes a minor part of it. 710 is not a bad score whatsoever and will not put you at any disadvantage. In fact, often times, MBB do not ask for a GMAT score if you do not explicitly state it. 

I would advise you to rather focus your time on other relevant activities: campus recruiting, writing up a well-rounded CV, referrals and also start to practices cases / the interview. This will increase your chances of landing the job massively. 

Wishing you a fun preparation time! 

Adriane 

Hi there,

I did regression analysis on actual data and recruting outcomes.

GMAT is directly correlated with interview invite rates.

However, it's impossible to tease out correlation versus causation in this particular instance (GMAT tied to other factors that would result in success as well)

If you're asking if you are “ok” with a 710…100% A 710 is a great score!

I would not focus energy on retaking it. (With assumption time/energy is finite and you could focus on other things)

I see it this way - if the B-school found your score high enough to select you, MBB too should not have anything against that score.

I think you're absolutely fine with the (great!) score of 710! I wouldn't worry about retaking the GMAT and think you're better off spending your time on other things that are going to advance your application instead.

Most consulting firms will look at your 'academic capabilities' when shortlisting for interviews. You can show it in a few ways: High GPA from a target school, GMAT score, etc. If you dont have a High GPA from target school grad, I definitely see advantage of having GMAT over 750. That will get you the maximum score on ‘academic capabilities’ criteria.

Hi there,

Q: Wondering if it's worth retaking the test before MBA starts to improve my chances of landing a job?

I would not recommend retaking it as the marginal improvement for your CV would be minimal.

I would instead spend time to find a referral. You can find some tips below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there, 

No, it's not worth it. 

The GMAT score is such a small part of your CV and you don't even have to show it unless it genuinely helps you. If you also have an MBA then nobody cares really about the GMAT score. 

If you want your CV to stand out just get an expert assessment - that will already put it within the top 10% of CVs.

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

I guess many aspiring management consultants face a similar situation (I asked myself the same question when I was in your position). I have been through MBA recruitment, prepared MBA students for it and recruited for Bain at my MBA school. Here are my 2 thoughts on it:

• GMAT is a threshold not a differentiator: There are basically 2 ways to get a high score: Be gifted with mathematical and logical thinking paired with strong English skills or a lot of practice. Both shows that you will likely succeed at the program you applied / going to apply. It is generally not used to rank performance of candidates (except for scholarships perhaps). It means, once you reach the threshold (I personally set the value around 700 in consulting, depending on background), you fulfil the requirements. I doubt there is a perceived difference between a 700 or 730 score. It can be a differentiator if you believe you can reach the top 1% percentile (760+).
• Focus on differentiating / application strategy: Based on my text above, 710 is a very good score and sufficient for MBB consulting. My advice is to focus now on differentiating your profile or craft your application strategy, especially if you come from an overrepresented group. I saw a bunch of  candidates with high GMAT not passing CV screening because of a not clearly differentiated profile or wrong application strategy.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me for more information.

All the best
Daniel