Average GMAT Score - Aiming for the top 15

Hi,

I would sincerely appreciate if someone can provide me with some advice on my chances on getting an admit from the top 15 (Stern, Booth, Cornell, Berkeley, UCLA, SLOAN, INSEAD and LSE).

GMAT Score : 680 (q50, v31).

As far as my profile goes:
1. Standing today, I have 20 months of Work experience.
2. I have previously worked as a business analyst for a renowned semiconductor MNC.
3. Currently Working as a Program Manager (youngest in the organization, age delta of 18-20 years) for a renowned high Technology/ Semiconductor Industry. Handling fortune 500 customers from both the east and the west.
4. During my 20 years of experience so far I have been a part of both the back end (Sales, marketing) and the front end (Customer interface, project execution, strategic consulting)
5. I am a CFA Level 3 candidate (will be appearing for the Level 3 exam in June 2012. I have cleared CFA Level 1 and 2)
6. Undergrad (Electronics Engineering) from a top Indian University : GPA of 8.49/10
7. I have authored 2 papers in renowned international Journals.
8. I have held several positions of responsibilities and have led several clubs during under-graduation.
9. Presently I am playing a pivotal role in my organization's CSR initiative.
10. Helping my organization to organize Industry-level IEEE VLSI Conference for the first time in Pune, India. The conference is renowned and all the big names (firms) in the semiconductor industry will be participating.
11. I have received recognition and awards for my work at my organization.
12. Founder of local chapter of Wall street club at undergrad college.
13. Founder/Trustee of a non profit charitable trust at undergrad college, the trust awarded scholarships to the poor and the needy students.

As a career goal : I want to join a VC/PE firm and deal with the High Technology/Semiconductor industry sector. Hence, I have stayed in the semiconductor industry and have been trying hard to complete my CFA Levels

I will be deeply obliged if someone can guide me on my approach. Also, I will be immensely thankful if you can help me answer the following questions :
1. With the brief profile described above is 680 sufficient ? or should I retake the GMAT ?
2. Is 20 months of work ex sufficient or should I apply after some time ?

If needed, I can furnish more details and my detailed CV.

Sincerely appreciate your time and effort in helping candidates like me.

Thanks in advance
-r2k

Hey there!

Although I am neither an expert nor a consultant, I'd say while 680 is probably sufficient to get you into some of the target schools, you would be much better positioned if you improved your verbal score to at least 75th percentile. Generally, if you manage to get a 80th percentile, it gets you rid of the "red flags" for sure. Don't forget that with a 50 in quant, if you improved your verbal to say 40, which is likely doable, you'll reach something like 730-740, which is above average at every B-school. Also, keep in mind that you'll be compared to the generally very strong Indian applicant pool and your work experience is lower than is the usual average.

Of course, there are people who get into top schools with GMAT of 650 and similar; nevertheless, these are the rare exceptions to the rule. If you have the time and confidence in your ability to improve your verbal, I'd say retake.

Best of luck in the application process!

O.

The GMAT score of successful application from your demographic is around 25-30 points higher than the school average. 680 is not a terrible score but it is not going to be a strong part of your application either. And when you apply to top school, everything matters. If you think you can do better by around 30-40 points, why not ?

Considering your demography and number of years of work experience on the lower side, I strongly suggest you take your GMAT again. Get 720+.
If you want to be a VC/PE in High tech/Semiconductor is your area post-MBA – Haas and Stanford are excellent choices.
I personally have a high-tech/semis background and am a student at Haas. Feel free to ping me for any questions.


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