Do High GMAT/GRE Scores Impact Merit Scholarships

A common question in every candidate’s mind is: ​Do GMAT/GRE scores matter in merit-based scholarships? The short answer? A high GMAT/GRE score can have a considerable impact, but it’s only part of the picture and not the ONLY picture. Several other factors come into consideration for your merit-based scholarships. In this blog, we will explore how these standardized test scores influence scholarship decisions and what other factors come into play.

Role of GMAT/GRE Scores in Merit-Based Scholarship

A high GMAT or GRE score is a clear indication to admissions committees that you can handle the academics of their program. Merit-based scholarships are designed to attract students capable of excelling in their courses. Test scores provide a standardized measure of this academic potential. While GPA also showcases your academic ability, a high test score can further solidify your candidacy for a scholarship.

A high GMAT/GRE score will help compensate for your application’s weaker areas. If you have any weaker sections in your MBA application, a comparatively higher GMAT/GRE score can help balance out your profile and demonstrate your intellectual abilities. Similarly, suppose you are shifting to an MBA from a non-traditional career path and lack specific academic or professional experiences. In that case, a high score can reassure the admissions committee of your readiness for the program.

Business Schools Offering GMAT/GRE score-Based Merit-Based Scholarships

Some business schools accept GMAT/GRE scores as the parameter for awarding merit-based scholarships. Some of such colleges are:

• Imperial Business School
• University of Cambridge Judge Business School
• HEC Paris
• Polimi Graduate School of Management
• Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
• Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece
• Vlerick Business School
• Amsterdam Business School
• IMD Business School
• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
• ESMT Berlin
• Emlyon Business School

Other Factors to Consider

 Apart from the high GMAT/GRE scores, business schools consider several other factors which are mentioned below:

• Good Academic Performance: 

A good GPA is not mandatory, but it is not ignorable. A good GPA score can give you an upper hand on merit-based scholarships. Academic performance reflects your consistent dedication, intellectual ability, and readiness for advanced study. 

Scholarship committees look for students who have shown consistent academic excellence, not just in one semester but throughout their careers. The committees want to ensure they invest their money in the right candidate.

Additionally, if you have received any academic awards, honors, and achievements, they shall boost the academic performance section of your MBA scholarship application.

• Early application 

Merit-based scholarships are often limited in number. Therefore, to be considered for one, you must apply early.

• Essays

The underrated yet the most important part of your merit-based scholarship. An MBA essay says a lot about the candidate and his/her potential. Craft a winning essay for the program and the scholarship by highlighting your strengths, weaknesses, will to succeed, work experience, and everything.  

It’s a meticulous task to create a winning essay and requires keen attention to detail. Our team of experts holds the pride of helping several candidates craft a winning essay. Click here to let our team reach you.

These are not the only considerations for winning the merit-based MBA scholarship. Other factors include work experience, significant achievements, leadership abilities, etc.

Conclusion

A high GMAT or GRE score is significant when applying for merit-based scholarships, but it’s only part of the overall picture. You can enable the weaker areas in your MBA application ruled out with a high GMAT/GRE score. However, this is not the ONLY FACTOR that will bag the scholarships. Evaluators consider your whole profile to consist of strong academic performance, professional experience, leadership, and personal statements. 

If you need more in-depth information about any particular aspect of the application, process, interviews, and course structure, we are happy to hop on a 1:1 call and help you strategize your MBA applications to grab the merit-based scholarships.