Although the title of this blog says it is a guide to aid the reader in deciding whether or not to take the GMAT. What you should really be asking yourself is whether or not you need to go to business school. Hence, Should you take the GMAT?
Going to business school may always seem like a mandatory career option to jump onto when things go wrong, but the real mindset when thinking about going to business school is to really assess and analyse what value Business school will add to your career. Do you NEED an MBA to accelerate your career? Will an MBA, help me bring about the desired change in my career? , these are the kind of questions you should really be asking yourself.
Even If you believe there is even a 20% chance you apply to Business school, the more suggested alternative is to prepare for the GMAT. And if your answer is a probable no, then it still makes sense to give the exam given the cost involved.
If you’re working, giving a GMAT simultaneously is a very good cushion creator, for if or when things go downhill. You’d rather be prepared for a crisis when you don’t have the pressure of acing the GMAT which will be very evident if or when it turns into a last resort for your career.
“You should be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful,”
- Warren Buffett
And if you’re studying, it is recommended that you wait, before applying to B School. For a good B school, that can really turn your career around probably won’t accept applications without legitimate and industry-specific quality work experience.
Focus on the objective!
The objective if you decide to take a GMAT is to apply and successfully get into B school. It is one of the many deciding factors as listed below:
Apart from the GMAT score, they will look at your
- Bachelor’s degree and its details (Grades, Activities).
- Your work experience and industry knowledge.
- Letters of Recommendations.
- Essays and Statement of Purpose.
- Leadership experience and potential to improve.
So before deciding to give your GMAT, make sure to give due attention to all these areas, for a good GMAT score is only a part of a well-rounded application and not the entirety of it. An amazing GMAT score in its self will not suffice to form an application that the big league schools would take notice of.
Costs of the student
- The cost involved (Although minimal)
- Time invested in studying
It is evident that giving the GMAT is a better decision for the benefits outweigh the probable costs. At its best a GMAT score could lead to, securing admission in a top-notch B school which may result in path-breaking, and sought after career growth. And at its worst, it is an efficient way to mitigate early on career risk.
