AbhiJ wrote:
Hi Jon,
Applying to schools in the range Top 15-30 in Round 2. I am also planning to retake GMAT in coming 3-4 months (current score 710, target score 750).
I want to do this to increase my chances of getting scholarship in schools which have application deadlines open till May, June and are known to offer scholarship. Do you think this is the right strategy ?
I am also thinking to apply to 1-2 schools in Top 15 Range : Cornell, Darden . Unfortunately the average GMAT score in these schools from my nationality/profile is 740-750. Based on my current score 710 and rest of my profile I may land an interview but it will be difficult to convert it into a final call.
So can I mention it in my optional essays that I am planning to retake GMAT. So in case I am put on waitlist, I can move ahead with the improved score. Or do you think it will be quite late to make adjustments for the schools or I schould focus on my first choice (15-30) ranked schools ?
Hey Abhi,
I think to be honest that you might be putting a biiiiit too much weight on the GMAT. Yes it's important, but you have already applied (or will be in the coming days), and you already have a 710, which is a fantastic score. a 740, as great a score as it is, is not going to magically get you in, and I think you probably have other things you can do with your time that will be more helpful (like squeezing in another app or two at schools you like). And I'm not sure even if you were to get that 740, if you would get it in time to help you (meaning BEFORE your decision was released) and even if it was in time, I'm not sure how it would help you.
Best,
JF