Hello
Simonk12345,
Thank you for your post. For programs like LBS, INSEAD, and Columbia, a 680 is somewhat below average, with the schools reporting average GMAT scores above 700 (particularly CBS).
While those with a very strong profile, a unique background, or from an underrepresented applicant pool could gain admission with a below-average score, it is becoming less common to see large numbers of applicants with scores more than 20 to 30 points below average succeed.
Keeping in mind your worries that you won't have time to retake the GMAT, a 680 could possibly work for schools like Oxford and Cambridge. Again, a lot will come down to your background, however.
You have some strong work experience and are on the right track with targeting 5 programs. That said, you may want to reassess your target schools given the GMAT. Feel free to send a note to
scott@Personalmbacoach.com to further discuss your candidacy. School selection is a key component of our
comprehensive packages, and we would be happy to provide guidance here.
Regards,
Personal MBA Coach Simonk12345 wrote:
Hi experts,
would appreciate your help in evaluating my chances for admission into LBS, Insead, Oxford, Cambridge or Columbia.
I took the GMAT 3 times and was able to score 680 overall (49Q - 74%, 34V - 70%, 8IR - 90%).
I have 3 years of experience as a project manager in the military, worked on non-tech projects.
I studied Law and Economics at a top university in the Middle East and graduated with a GPA of about 3.5.
Went to exchange at a top university in Asia.
I then worked as an attorney for a prominent governmental agency for a year and was admitted to the bar. Since then, I've been working for a little less than a year at a quite renowned international risk consultancy.
Also, I serve as a board member at a medium-size NGO, a position through which I've initiated 2 social initiatives that were covered nationwide.
Also, published economics-related articles in prominent newspapers (not sure whether this is something that the Adcom really cares about).
Fluently speak 3 languages, have been living in the Middle East for several years.
Will appreciate your input, as I am afraid that I won't have time to retake the GMAT before the 1st rounds.