<p>I am going to be completing my undergraduate studies this coming may from a top 10 public university. I will graduate Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors) as a BS in Business Administration. I recently accepted a consulting position with a well-respected Consulting Practice. I am thinking about taking the GMAT at graduation, and applying to MBA programs in 4 years of so. To get into a top 20 program, will I need to "ACE" the GMAT or would my work experience (and assuming good recommendations go along with that) and good undergrad grades make up for a "lower than average" GMAT score (I.E. scoring in the 600s rather than in the 700s)? I know other factors such as essays, interviews, etc. play a role as well. As far out as I am, I just want to get a general sense of what my expectations for the GMAT should be in light of my current profile.</p>
<p>some really solid and important work experience is a key part to many MBA programs, and in many ways is better than a 750+ GMAT but really spotty work experience. </p>
<p>Having said that, consultants make up a huge portion of the applicant pool at many top schools so I’d be really cautious about “I’m a consultant and I helped this major corporation on a project, so they’ll love to see that in admissions” mentality. </p>
<p>And in my experience, the GMAT is a very learnable exam.</p>
<p>I saw the discussion on low GMAT, apparently theres a lot to do about this, if you didnt see this yet I recommend it: [Video:</a> Getting accepted with GMAT far below 720](<a href=“http://www.aringo.com/low_gmat.htm]Video:”>http://www.aringo.com/low_gmat.htm)</p>