Am I doomed for MBB MBA recruiting if I have low gmat score?

I personally know someone at BCG that got a 650. Numbers don't always matter as much. If you're plain vanilla, then yes, the numbers do matter. However, if you have a key differentiator, then the situation changes. Scores can be overlooked (to a certain extent) but you really have to blow them away with something else you've done. Don't let a 690 discourage you from going out there and trying. If it bars you from conventional recruiting methods (I.e. Those invite only happy hours), you have to figure out another way to get your foot in the door. Be bold, be creative, and do your homework. If you're lucky enough to get a shot, you better show up with your "A" game. Good luck

The problem/limitation with using GMAT is that it is taken as a measure of intellect, when it is actually more a measure of effort (which is at least as desirable a trait). The more you study, and the better the quality of tutors, material etc., the better you will perform. There are definitely intellect related constraints on it (some people could never get 780, no matter how hard they tried), but my experience is that the people with the high scores mainly studied a lot. And this also explains why population-wide average GMAT climbs every year.

Also, I met plenty of high GMAT ppl who were unable to solve business problems due to lack of creativiry (or whatever was missing).

So I would concur that a low GMAT won't help you get an MBB job, it is unlikely to be a determinant of your success there.

Its fuxking bullshit how we merit each other on some bollocks test - gmat does not account for personality I've met plenty 740+ gmat people who are retarded as fuck

Define "low". Post is useless without numbers since everyone considers "low" and "high" uniquely.

There is no minimum for screening purposes. 690 is on the cusp whether they may consider you a higher quality or priority recruit (as part of your overall candidacy). But ultimately, if you don't get an interview, it won't be because of a 690.

I would retake it unless you have like a 3.9+ undergrad GPA in a quant heavy field (math, engineering, etc.) or have an analytics background. The gmat score is used as a barometer for intellect because intern recruiting can occur before you have a real GPA and your MBA GPA is not super relevant usually. Therefore a higher gmat signals higher quant skills generally. Your average classmate will have a 730 GMAT at a top 5 program. If you want to be competitive as possible, I would definitely retake it. This is coming from someone who's done MBA recruiting on the other side

MBB all take into account GMAT in a similar manner.

P4 - you missed where OP said he/she is going to a top 5 program

Yikes

I got a 690 and going to hsw. Aiming for NYC. Tip would be to focus on your application. Start early on essays and prep Your recommenders

4 yrs. gave my recommenders 2 months and prepped them with what I was going to write about in my essays. My story wasn't extraordinary tbh. It was well articulated and consistent with the rest of my app - recommendations included. Hope that helps!

FYI I got 440 on my gmat and at McK

Heard they have a soft cutoff of 720.

If you have 780, undergrad GPA is pointless lol. Just have your story straight on why 2.8 happen. Only address this if it comes up. If not, bury it.

DO NOT RETAKE. It is not worth it. If you're going to a top 10 or M7 school, and you're not horribly socially awkward at networking, then you'll get an interview. At that point, it's all about the case and not your GMAT score.

OP, if you have your heart set on MBB and really want it, I would take the time and try and boost your GMAT. If, god forbid, you didn't get an interview, you wouldn't want to think it was because of your GMAT score. In my experience, the feeling of regret is powerful and if you can improve your chances, why not? Not trying to be a downer, just trying to give you my honest advice to give you the best shot at landing MBB.

OP, any tips on getting into top 5 with a low GMAT?

650 here. Went to M7 and got the interview through heavy networking. Resume goes out the door when the interview starts

@Mck3 that's why we have interviews and don't award offers based on GMAT scores

Agree with Mck1. Shouldn't be too hard to increase a 690 to 720. 720 passes the sniff test

What about if you took the GRE and went to M7?