GMAT-Myths

Myth #1: You must score 700+ to get into a top B-school.

Reality: You can get in with a 640–690 if the rest of your profile shines.

  • Only about 7% of all GMAT test-takers score 700 or above.
  • Admissions committees at top schools look at your profile holistically: work experience, essays, recs, goals.
  • I’ve personally spoken to INSEAD admits with 660–680 scores — their work stories and clarity of purpose stood out.

🎯 If you’re between 650–690, focus on making your essays, goals, and leadership story bulletproof.


Myth #2: Top B-schools have a hard GMAT cut-off.

Reality: They have averages, not cut-offs — but low scores require stronger context.

  • Schools may say “no cut-off,” but if the average is 710 and you’ve scored 640, you need to shine in other areas.
  • Great essays and solid work impact can balance a modest GMAT — but it must be a conscious, strategic effort.

💬 From my INSEAD interview experience: my essays and story sparked more conversation than my actual score.


Myth #3: The GMAT is just a standardized test — it can be gamed.

Reality: It’s standardized in structure, not in how it challenges you.

  • The GMAT Focus Edition tests basic concepts — but often twists the format or logic.
  • It’s not just about knowing formulas — it’s about being adaptable under pressure.
  • On my own test day, I faced four long RC passages, a weird data interpretation chart, and a Quant question with two plausible answers.

🔎 Focus on fundamentals first, and then practice applying them in unusual scenarios. That’s the winning edge.


Myth #4: I can take the GMAT after submitting my application.

Reality: Nope. Your score needs to be in before the deadline.

  • Schools do not evaluate incomplete applications.
  • Even though your unofficial score is available right away, official reporting takes 7–10 days.
  • Some schools now view your score online (via Pearson Vue), but that still depends on you designating them in time.

📅 Plan your GMAT to finish at least 3–4 weeks before your app deadlines. This leaves time for retakes if needed.


Myth #5: I’ll decide which schools to send my score to after the test.

Reality: You’ll pay extra for that. Plan ahead.

  • You get 5 free score sends included in your test fee.
  • If you decide to send scores afterward, it’s $35 per school.
  • Before my test, I picked 2 target schools, 2 safeties, and 1 dream school — that way, I was covered no matter how I performed.

💡 Tip: Don’t overthink this part. Pick based on a realistic range of scores, not just your dream number.


Myth #6: A PDF or screenshot of my score is fine for school apps.

Reality: Schools require an official score from GMAC (Pearson Vue).

  • Unofficial scores won’t count — even if your PDF is legit.
  • When you test, make sure you send your scores to your schools before you leave the center.

🎯 Want your app considered? Don’t skip this step. It’s an easy win.


Myth #7: I can take the GMAT as many times as it takes.

Reality: Yes, but smart retakes > many retakes.

  • You can take the GMAT 5 times per year, 8 total in your lifetime.
  • However, schools see your past 5 years of scores — and wide variation can raise questions.
  • If you retake, make sure you can show real improvement — better prep, stronger timing, smarter strategy.

💬 I took it once — but only after 3 months of highly structured prep. You should ideally aim to nail it in 1–2 attempts max.


🎓 Final Thought:

The GMAT Focus Edition is different — shorter, tighter, and more logic-heavy. Don’t walk in with old advice or outdated assumptions. Prep smart, question everything, and know that your application is more than just your score.

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