Aringo client with 580 at HBS - really?

Brussels

As if it wasn't hard enough already...

superfans124

I apologize for my earlier harsh comment.  But you do have to understand, those who got into Harvard (or S, or W) are the cream of the crop, the best of the best.  When it comes to those schools, the GMAT is usually the least important factor.  That "580 HBS" story is simply a marketing tool (I don't doubt its legitimacy), because it gives people "hope“, and it gives the impression that the seemingly-unacchievable goal was made possible with the help of those consulting firms.  You should know now GMAT is only a part of the whole application package, what they are not telling you behind the "580 HBS" story, and I can bet my money on, is that particular individual has superior background all-around: undergrad (Ivey + high GPA) + solid WE (prestigeous high-profile firms + promotions + professional achievements) + extracurriculum.

If your GMAT is below-average, just ask people around with the rest of your background stories: academic + WE + extracurriculum, if the combination of the rest of them make people go "WOW, you are definitely Harvard material!" then you have a serious shot.

yes, everybody has a shot, everybody has a chance, just like everybody has a chance of winning the lottery, hit the $20 million pay-off slot machine at the casino. Realistically, those chances (that everybody does have theoretically) is really slim-to-none.

Be realistic, those schools pick the best of the best applicants, high-acchievers that standout from the crowd no matter where they go. if you really are that good, you should already have a good sense about where you stand, you should already feel it (the jealousy or admiration) from the people around you.

if you are still hanging on the GMAT score thinking that will make or break your chance? my opinion, honest, you are wasting your time.

At least, that's how good you have to be if your GMAT score is that low.

Brussels

Thank you for the honest feedback, no apologies needed. I fully understand the importance of the GMAT and other factors in the application, I just thought that a higher score will improve my chances given that my background is not so impressive, probably not "Harvard material". I guess I'll apply to other schools as well, so if I don't get into HBS it's not the end of the world.

jupiter22

It's OK to follow your dream, but you should definitely apply to some safety schools as well, where you have better chances.

danielle96

Why don't you call them and ask how they can help you overcome the low GMAT? then you can decide if it sounds real. And maybe ask about the other client who got into HBS with 580, you can probably learn something from his story.

thanksmymagic

r u guys sure this isn't a promotion for the Aringo thing...

Karmalot

If someone got 750 on GMAT, then he/she oughta have typical Harvard backgroung (top school/GPA/WE/extra) to break into HBS;

If someone got only 580 (as in the case under discussion) on GMAT, then he/she must have extremely outstanding background to get there.

If we assume that there does exist a 580-guy who got admitted by HBS, the only thing we can get apart from his superman-background is that, HBS does not have a minimum requirement for GMAT, but not that 580 can get you into Harvard, or any other 580-guy could have a shot...

Brussels

I know they don't have a minimum GMAT score required. I checked and double checked. I understand I don't have a "Harvard background" and I'm not superman, I just wanted to ask if anyone heard of such cases and can give me some hope...

pliu77

I called Aringo, no hope, my score is much higher than 580.

I know they don't have a minimum GMAT score required. I checked and double checked. I understand I don't have a "Harvard background" and I'm not superman, I just wanted to ask if anyone heard of such cases and can give me some hope...

-- by 会员 Brussels (2012/6/5 23:51:11)

Karmalot

I know they don't have a minimum GMAT score required. I checked and double checked. I understand I don't have a "Harvard background" and I'm not superman, I just wanted to ask if anyone heard of such cases and can give me some hope...

-- by 会员 Brussels (2012/6/5 23:51:11)

As if you are asking "Bill Gates was a college dropout and he is now one of the richest men in the world; I am also a college dropout, can I also become the richest man?"

I think the problem here is that, a 580 or some comparable GMAT score is really a BIG BIG disadvantage on your profile, and if you've got no super special background on other aspects, I think the chance is close to zero.

The real problem you should be thinking about is NOT "Can I get into HBS with 580-GMAT", BUT "What should I do to boost my profile to become the next 580-guy who can break into Harvard", or "How much should I score on GMAT, given my current background, in order to get into HBS".

Hope this helps.