PaulLanzillotti wrote:
Hi GMATmission:
You should definitely retake the GMAT. Although they will consider your highest GMAT score, they will be able to see the history of the tests that you have taken. It will not look very compelling that your latest score of 620 was 60 points lower than your prior score.
Overall, if you take the GMAT three or even four times, the admissions is willing to overlook a few low scores. However, you have to bring something fairly unique to the table in order for them to overlook your propensity for taking the GMAT. I am speaking in general terms, but you want to make sure that you are emphasizing how unique you are as an Indian female applicant. There will be plenty of Indian male applicants, but coming from a traditionally patriarchal educational system, you could make the case that your journey is unique, as an Indian female who ended up in Singapore.
So how does your current score look to your target schools?
The bottom line is that you really need to break into the 700 club, and get at least the average of the school. When I say 700 club I mean that your score should be at a minimum the average, and hopefully 20 to 30 points higher than the average. So right now, your score does not look compelling to any of the schools you listed.
Please retake the GMAT. You have about a month to do so without impacting your R2 deadlines.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your kind advice.
I retook the exam and scored a 700 (Q49, V36). Considering the situation now, please comment on my candidature for the following schools:
1. LBS
2. INSEAD
3. Wharton
4. NYU Stern
5. Chicago Booth
6. Oxford
This is the macro list of schools I am thinking about right now. My focus area is finance. Please feel free to suggest other schools I should consider as well.
Awaiting your response.