encyclo wrote:
Hi,
I took my GMAT a few weeks ago and scored a 700 (V-34, M-50). My essay scores are yet to arrive. It was rather disappointing because, through my prep, I always scored between 720 (it was my diagnostic score) and 780.
I have an eight-month work experience and right now taking a break. I plan to apply for a course starting in Fall 2005 and hope to goto an Ivy League institution. So, what should I be doing? Taking the test again or trying to make a great application? Some suggest that the score is high enough (and might be I score lesser in a re-try, what would schools think of me) and I should be finding my next job. However, equally compelling are some others who suggest that I should take the test again in full vigor (because this surely wasn't my best attempt at the test).
I have experience in both marketing and research setups. First, in the research setup, I was responsible for the vertical development of a common car jack for the company's product range, and pre-lim test vehicle layout design in an auto major. I was part of a two-man team to market research, design and first-step validate the projects. Second, in the marketing setup, I was a dealer account manager for an another auto-major and my work involved managing complete marketing and sales activities for a certain product-line in rural and suburban areas. I had around 12 sales executives and a dealer manager under me. I initiated a CRM drive in the dealership, provided engineering inputs to the sales team, explored new segments and executed a new sales strategy for the dealer. In addition, market researched key account customers for developing products more in line with their needs. At school, I was a team leader for a university project and did a few research projects.
The situation has gotten me in a spot. A day before the test, a friend asked me, "What score would you loathe?" and I had replied, "700! Because I wouldn't know what to do next." And that's what has come true!
Hope to get the forum's perspective.
Best Regards,
Gaurav
Gaurav,
First I want to apologize for my delayed response. I was out of town and then had a computer glitch destroy my response, unknown to me.
How were your undergrad grades? If your grades were below average and you are applying from the competitive Indian applicant pool, it might be a good idea to retake the GMAT if you want to go to top 10 schools. But if your grades were competitive and you studied at a known school, save your time and money. Then you definitely don't need to retake the GMAT.
Frankly, your work experience causes me more concern than your GMAT, especially if your grades were strong. No school is going to reject an applicant solely because of a 700. On the other hand inadequate or non-competitive work experience could be a fatal obstacle.
A couple of tips to make the most of your work experience:
1) Quantify the impact you have had. If you increased sales, by how much? If you managed something, how many people were under you? What kind of budget were you in charge of? What successes did you have?
2) Frankly, applying with only one year of experience under you belt, even if it is good experience, is tough. It is particularly difficult if you worked for a small, unknown firm. If you can move to a blue-chip, well-known firm your chances might improve.
I'd like to direct you to a few resources on our site:
MBA Application Advice for Younger Applicants
MBA Admissions: Application Advice for Indian Applicants
Good luck!
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Linda Abraham
Accepted ~ The Premier Admissions Consultancy
310-815-9553
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