Hi Bhushan,
I apologize for the delayed response as we were slightly bombarded the past few months and things are now settling down a bit.
Thank you for your patience and for sharing your background. I enjoyed reading it similar to when I worked in admissions at a top tier.
In my years of experience, I find that candidates tend to be their own toughest critics. I think that you are being extremely hard on yourself here. While your current GMAT score may present some challenges, it is by no means – impossible for you to be accepted to a reputable business program in the top 10 programs after you improve your GMAT score.
When reading your profile, I thought of a recent quote I came across “When a plan does not meet a goal as intended, change the plan – not the goal.”
I really commend you for your persistence and know that the AdComms will see this quality within your candidacy.
As for GMAT prep, I recommend using 2 different approaches or tools. Use a tool that is recommended for the verbal prep and choose one that is specifically recommended for the quant. prep. I find that this has been most beneficial to candidates in the past. Or you can have a tutor for one section and an online tool for the other section.
Also, to strengthen the academic aspect in your candidacy, you can enroll in online extension courses and complete them flawlessly before you apply. These are offered by top tier programs and will further help you in your business school education. They will help balance any academic gaps in your applications.
Please keep in mind that for top programs, it will be imperative that you effectively communicate your personal and professional background, along with your aspirations for business school. Most importantly, make sure that the other aspects to your applications are produced with unwavering quality. I have read many online posts from candidates with similar backgrounds who were rejected from their dream schools, not due to a gap in their background but due to an inability to effectively share their background and aspirations for an MBA.
Regardless of the opinions you receive from forums, please apply to the programs which attract you the most and do not underestimate the professional and academic background that you possess. The worst thing that you can do as a candidate is underestimate your background. I feel that this is worse than receiving a rejection from any program. The best thing you can do is take your "best foot forward" and leave the decision to the schools. Please do not "opt-out" of your dream schools because you think you may not stand a chance.
I hope this helps you. Let us know how your GMAT scores are coming and if you have any questions down the road. If you have further questions or would like to have a free evaluation by a former Admissions Committee member at MAC at any point, just let us know. If you would like to further speak directly with our consultants who are former admissions committee members or our recent admits at any point, please visit
https://macapproved.com/free-evaluation/Best wishes,
Sue and the MAC Team
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