3rd attempt 680

Hi dn20,

Before you make any decisions about retesting (or taking the GRE), you might want to put a bit of thought into which Schools you want to apply to. The process of applying to (and ultimately attending) Business School will require a big investment of time, money and energy on your part, so you really should make sure that the Programs that you apply to match your career goals/needs. There are a variety of factors that go into selecting the Schools that you'll apply to. Here are some other things to think about:

1) Is there a particular company that you want to work for or industry that you want to work in? Certain degrees are more appropriate than others if you have a specific career goal.
2) What do you want your MBA to do for you?
3) Do you want to go to School full-time or part-time?
4) Are you willing to relocate? Are you comfortable with working through a program that is primarily online?
5) Are you going to be applying for scholarships?
Etc.

It's okay if you don't have answers to any of these questions just yet, but you really should try to define all of the important variables in terms of your goals, so that you can tailor your entire approach to getting into the best School that matches what you're looking for. Once you have a list, you can then research each School in more detail so that you can get a better sense of how competitive your GMAT score is.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

I am yet to decide on a specific career goal. I wish to study in one of the top 25 B schools. But I have got no full time work experience, and that is something that the top B schools are NOT looking for. And even I am not sure whether I am the right candidate for a School in which, if I do get admitted, all other students are already at some other level and I am in a completely different one. So my target schools are those that are willing to take students who have no work experience. And I am also going to apply for scholarships. After applying these limitations, I came to a conclusion that my profile is relatively weak, very weak in fact since my GMAT score is very low in comparison to those who are in the same boat as me, and I dont particularly stand out when it comes to my academic background either. My GPA in undergraduate level should be in the range of 3 to 3.5 GPA (65% as they say in India), and I am from India, a fact that again doesnt go in my favour.

So, should I really go for a 4th attempt? Even if I do score well (thats a big if right there), how will that really increase my chances of getting admitted to where I want to go. Also, does giving the gmat for the fourth time reflect badly?

Can you help me with these questions?

Hi dn20,

The situation that you describe has some 'built in' challenges that will likely place some limitations on which Schools/Programs will accept you. You might also find yourself in a situation in which you can get a Scholarship to a 'lesser' School or you can attend a 'higher ranked' School without a Scholarship. Since all of this is really based on personal opinion, and YOUR goals, I don't think that anyone here can properly advise you. A 690 IS a competitive score though, so if you could craft some really well-written essays and make some additional moves to put your application in a positive light (re: ask for an interview, schedule an official campus tour, etc.), then you could receive multiple invites. Considering how significant that lack of Work Experience is though, you might consider putting off attending Business School so that you can gain that necessary experience. Beyond the benefit to your application(s), it will almost certainly also help you professionally.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Your response certainly helps, Rich. Thank you very much.

I was wondering whether I should really go for a 4th attempt. Can you tell me how a jump from 690 to, say, 730 or more will really affect my overall application? And by what percentage will my chance of getting a good scholarship increase?

Also, does giving the gmat again reflect badly on my profile?
I strongly believe that I can get 720+ if I give the gmat again.

And about the schools, my decisions will primarily be driven by where I'll get scholarships/fellowship.
I have looked at some top tier universities in Australia that might be suitable for me. Many of those universities have a median gmat score of 620. I might stand a chance of getting scholarships there too.
But I wish to study in a top tier US b school, which is why I might after all go for a gmat retake.

And yes I don't have a full time work experience, but I have been working on my family business since 4 years. I don't know whether that counts.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device