How schools use the GMAT

Some people want to do the GMAT. Most people need to do the GMAT to get into a school of their choice. So let's look at the second group first.

The GMAT is commonly used as an entrance test for students hoping to do an MBA. When you do the GMAT, you get a score between 200 and 800. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting an offer from one or more business schools. 600 is a good score; 700 is an excellent score.

Recently, a number of schools have started asking applicants to some Masters programmes to do the GMAT. Such applicants may not require such a high score as those applying for an MBA, but they will often need to spend time preparing in order to get a good score. The GMAT is a barrier to entry: if you don't reach a minimum score, schools may not consider your application.

How important the GMAT is for your application

The GMAT is only one part of your application to business school. Your application may also include:

• a summary of your education and work experience
• references
• application essays, e.g. "Where do you see yourself in five years' time?"
• one or more interviews

The GMAT may well play a more important role in your application if:

• you haven't been to university
• your university grades weren't great
• your work experience doesn't include much use of numbers or Maths
• you come from an over-represented group, such as white males in finance

The benefits of a good GMAT score

Your score is valid for five years if you want to apply to business school. So there's no harm in getting the GMAT out of the way a year or more before you apply. That way, you'll be under less time pressure, and if you have to pause your preparation for a little while, it won't be too much of an issue.

You can also put your GMAT score on your CV for life. People who know business know that a 600 on the GMAT is indicative of good problem solving and analysis skills, as well as a high level of organisation and commitment. Even a score of 500 shows a reasonable amount of ability in these areas. As mentioned above, a good GMAT score can compensate for average or disappointing scores at school or university.

You may one day be asked, in an interview, about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it. If you spent a long time preparing for the GMAT, or if you found some of that preparation difficult, you have a ready-made answer to the question.

But the greatest benefit of a good GMAT score should be internal - that is, you should take pride in having achieved something important to you. After all, the greatest challenges can bring the greatest rewards. Remember I mentioned people who want to do the GMAT? Be one of those people.