Another reason why you want to get a high score on the GMAT: money

I wrote previously about one reason for getting a good score on the GMAT: the possibility of a free education.  The other reason is, of course, to increase your income by graduating from a top school.  First, I want to caution you against chasing money merely for money's sake - that won't lead to an increase in happiness.  Doing something you hate for a living will destroy your health and your sense of worth.  On the other hand, doing something you love for a living is priceless.  But let's assume that you, as I, would enjoy working in the post-MBA market.

Shawn Berry, a GMAT coach, makes a lengthy argument that getting into a top ranked school requires making a 700+ on the GMAT.  And his reason for why you want to do that is because graduates from tops schools tend to make a lot more money that graduates from lesser schools.  Keep in mind that Shawn is focusing on the traditional day-time MBA programs, not EMBA programs.  Still, I think the discussion is relevant to the latter type of applicant.

Also keep in mind that Shawn is selling his services.  He charges $10,000 for his personal 1-1 GMAT coaching.  As such, you should validate his case, because he obviously has a personal agenda at stake.  And you'll find supporting evidence if you search through the compensation stats at Financial Times.  I also found that the average placement in 2001 from my chosen school, Rice, was around $122k.  Not too shabby.  As you know, past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Good luck!