The GMAT

A few thoughts on the GMAT.

• You're going to have to take it. It's required by any AACSB accredited program (see previous post regarding wasting your time and money).
• The GMAT score is important. If you're going to apply, you're going to have to face the fact that there is an element of gamesmanship to the applications process. Schools are competing each other for applicants (and their money). To attract applicants they play in the ratings game which publishers like Businessweek use to sell their books, people use to pick schools, and graduates use to tout the quality of their degree. There are plenty of study resources for the GMAT. I took a Kaplan class. It was a pain in the neck, time consuming, expensive, and tedious. I did feel in the end that it did help my score.
• Don't procrastinate. Prepare and take the test. Don't put off persuing your degree because you're afraid of taking the GMAT and getting a bad score. Although the score is important, it isn't the only factor considered. If you have good grades and recommendations then don't spend too much time worrying about it.