Manager
Joined: 11 Jun 2011
Status:Dream big, work hard, and drink gallons of beer!
Posts: 98
Given Kudos: 33
Concentration: Finance, General Management
GMAT Date: 10-01-2011
WE:Web Development (Consulting)
Profile Evaluation
[#permalink]
30 Oct 2012, 05:58
I have already taken GMAT 3 times. Now I am contemplating whether to apply or try one more time.
First time, I got dismal 560--prepared for about 2-3 months, without much diligence--attempted thinking that GMAT is not a very difficult test. I was thrown back comprehensively.
Second time, I got 590; I approached pretty much with the same thought process that since most of the people can get score in 2-3 months, I should be able to get it too. Since deadlines were approaching, I planned to attempt immediately after a month. I didn't realize that I will be able to hardly improve anything in a month.
Third time, took a break of 6 months. This time I did much more intense preparation and thus I could feel increase in the confidence level, too. I wasn't confident that I can get 700, but I wanted to take a chance, as again deadlines were approaching. Test went well, except few glitches in verbal. Since I was scoring from 34-38 in verbal in all the mocks, I thought I should get at least 34 in the real test. I got 650(Q49, V31). I have seen lot of people getting 670 with this break up. I don't know why I got 650. In fact, 800 score calculator also calculates it to 670. I know score can vary based on the break up. But I didn't know it could vary 20 points. One of my friends asked me to contact GMAC, but I don't think it's going to take me anywhere. Please let me know if it's worth the efforts.
With some more preparation, I think I should be able to score 700+, even though I could not score in last three attempts.I will, however, be wasting whole year. My question is that is it worth trying? Or can I get a decent college at 650 itself? Here are the details about my profile:
Experience: 9+ years in IT industry in two countries
Personal Details: 31 years, male, Indian IT engineer
Current Role: working as enterprise architect in US (This is more like a leadership role that requires me to work with business, execs and IT dept). Designing a software for management accounting, revenue accounting, and financial accounting.
Education: Undergrad(bachelor of technology) from India, from second tier college after IITs--NITs, with 78% and top 8 in the class.
Certification: CFA Level 1
References: I think I can get excellent references from senior managers who are handling teams of upto 50 people
Extra curricular: Nothing stellar, just few things here and there.
Target: Executive MBA with the focus on finance
Target schools: Mccombs, Darden, Cornell or above (International schools IIM, ISB, and NUS)
What am I looking for from MBA: In 2-3 words, exponential growth opportunity. I am looking to jump start my career. I should be able to land C level executive position, or at least senior manager level position that can provide me assurance and opportunity to move the ladder faster.
Looking for the following answers:
Which schools can I target at the score of 650 with my profile?
What are the realistic odds to get into a school with this profile?
Is it worth spending one more year than settling for not-so-great school?
I don't think it makes any sense to settle for colleges like UTD or similar with 9 years of experience and with the desires listed above. Does it?
I am fine with international school like NUS, as long as the fee is not too high, or the school allows me to work.