690 in GMAT...now what??

Question

Hi!! 
I started my GMAT preparation in March this year. Scored 660,720,730,720 in all my GMAT prep mocks. Today I sat for the real test and ended up with a score of  690(q49, v34) . Verbal was my strength. I had scored 39 to 40 on all my gmat prep tests. So I'm a bit dissapointed.

My main question is what should I do now? Should I sit for it once more(personally I don't want to) or should start the groundwork for my applications?

Please take a look at my profile summary:

DEMOGRAPHIC: Indian, Male(25 years)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: 
B.E(engineering)in instrumentation and control from a reputed Indian University (MANIPAL)

CGPA: 7.95(APPROX 2.9 OR 3 ON A SCALE OF 4)

WORK EX: 
3 years as Executive instrumentation engineer( maintenance and small scale projects) in BASF (world's biggest chemical company).

At present I am responsible for maintenance activities, monitoring of maintenance costs and key performance indicators, contractor evaluation, SAP related procurement activities and execution of small scale projects. I report to the manager, instrumentation and lead a team of 8 technicians and several contract employees.

PRESENT LOCATION: 
Mumbai

EXTRACURRICULAR: 
1) A few college club memberships. 
2)Organizer in 3 college and department level events. 
(EXTRA CURRICULAR IS MY WEAK POINT)

MY TARGET FIELD OF SPECIALIZATION: OPERATIONS/SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

MY TARGET B SCHOOLS/UNIVERSITIES:

1) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE 
3) NANYANG TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY 
4) INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 
5) S.P JAIN GLOBAL MBA PROGRAM 
6) KELLEY, INDIANA UNIVERSITY 
 
What's your opinion? With this profile and a 690 GMAT score will be able to make it to my targeted schools?

I know I don't have a great profile and that is why I was aiming for a higher score...But from what I have read on forums and from my interaction with some of my friends 690 is not that bad.

So what do you think?

LTN99 · Answer

For schools such as ISB and SPJain, a 690 would be sufficient provided your essays are phenomenally written.

For Kelley, because of your work experience*, limited extracurricular, and lower than average GPA (55% of the Kelley class is between 3.0 and 3.49 and about 14% of the class is between a 2.5 and 2.99) and because Indian Male Engineers are over represented, I would highly recommend that you take the GMAT again and target a score of 720+. A higher GMAT score and very well written essays will help the Adcom take a better decision on your application.

And as you mentioned, you were hitting a 39/40 on your mocks, it is quite possible that you may score higher on the next GMAT. A higher GMAT would definitely supplement your ISB and SPJ applications as well.

*even though the BASF/instrumentation experience is unique and significantly different from those of standard Indian "IT" male Engineers, it is not sufficient to offset the Indian Male Engineer representation in US schools. You will really have to diversify your essays for Kelley.

LTN

pytha1gurus · Answer

Mixed Feelings: In my opinion, 690 is like a Nike Price Tag. There is not a substantial difference between 680 and 690, but as soon as you touch 700, it changes the Hundredth digit.

I will also share an email I got from GMAC this morning. See if this helps.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Uniyaal, Rahini <runiyaal@gmac.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 26, 2014 at 10:30 AM
Subject: New score preview feature to improve the GMAT test taking experience
To:

Dear All,
 
GMAC is happy to announce a new feature to the GMAT® exam that will benefit test takers. Effective June 27, all test takers will now be able to view their unofficial GMAT scores prior to making a decision to accept or cancel them, giving them more certainty and control of how their application and GMAT scores are received by schools. GMAC is dedicated to promoting the value of graduate management education and make it easier to take the GMAT and connect with schools.
Here’s how it works:
· If a test taker accepts their scores, the official report will be sent to the schools they selected.

· If a test taker cancels their scores, the test attempt will appear on future score reports with a code of “C” (self-canceled), unless the test taker reinstates the scores within 60 days.

In addition, if a test taker decides to cancel their scores at the test center, they will have the option to reinstate their scores within 60 days from the date of their exam for a fee of USD$100. Detailed instructions and rules for about this change are available on page 13 of the GMAT Handbook and copied below.
As our allies in assessment and achievement, thank you for helping us promote the value of graduate management education. If you have any questions, please contact us at +91 124 494 5270
ACCEPT YOUR SCORE
When you complete your exam, you will be shown your unofficial GMAT scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Total). You will be given two minutes to decide whether to cancel or accept your score. If the time expires before you make a selection, your score will be automatically cancelled.
REINSTATE YOUR SCORE
You may reinstate your score if you decide to cancel at the test center for a fee of $100. The reinstate option will be available for 60 days from the date of the exam. To reinstate your score, contact customer service in your region. See page 1. 
PICK UP YOUR UNOFFICIAL SCORE REPORT
If you accepted your scores, please pick up a printed copy of your unofficial score report at front desk. This contains an authentication code you will need to access your Official scores. Please note: This is the only time you will receive this code.
 
EVALUATE YOUR PERFORMANCE
Your Official Score Report will include several ways to interpret your exam results. You may be tempted to pay attention only to your Total score, but the other scores are also meaningful. Those scores offer you and the programs receiving your scores insight into your strengths and areas for development.

Regards,
Rahini

pytha1gurus · Answer

Mixed Feelings: In my opinion, 690 is like a Nike Price Tag. There is not a substantial difference between 680 and 690, but as soon as you touch 700, it changes the Hundredth digit.

I will also share an email I got from GMAC this morning. See if this helps.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Uniyaal, Rahini <runiyaal@gmac.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 26, 2014 at 10:30 AM
Subject: New score preview feature to improve the GMAT test taking experience
To:

Dear All,
 
GMAC is happy to announce a new feature to the GMAT® exam that will benefit test takers. Effective June 27, all test takers will now be able to view their unofficial GMAT scores prior to making a decision to accept or cancel them, giving them more certainty and control of how their application and GMAT scores are received by schools. GMAC is dedicated to promoting the value of graduate management education and make it easier to take the GMAT and connect with schools.
Here’s how it works:
· If a test taker accepts their scores, the official report will be sent to the schools they selected.

· If a test taker cancels their scores, the test attempt will appear on future score reports with a code of “C” (self-canceled), unless the test taker reinstates the scores within 60 days.

In addition, if a test taker decides to cancel their scores at the test center, they will have the option to reinstate their scores within 60 days from the date of their exam for a fee of USD$100. Detailed instructions and rules for about this change are available on page 13 of the GMAT Handbook and copied below.
As our allies in assessment and achievement, thank you for helping us promote the value of graduate management education. If you have any questions, please contact us at +91 124 494 5270
ACCEPT YOUR SCORE
When you complete your exam, you will be shown your unofficial GMAT scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Total). You will be given two minutes to decide whether to cancel or accept your score. If the time expires before you make a selection, your score will be automatically cancelled.
REINSTATE YOUR SCORE
You may reinstate your score if you decide to cancel at the test center for a fee of $100. The reinstate option will be available for 60 days from the date of the exam. To reinstate your score, contact customer service in your region. See page 1. 
PICK UP YOUR UNOFFICIAL SCORE REPORT
If you accepted your scores, please pick up a printed copy of your unofficial score report at front desk. This contains an authentication code you will need to access your Official scores. Please note: This is the only time you will receive this code.
 
EVALUATE YOUR PERFORMANCE
Your Official Score Report will include several ways to interpret your exam results. You may be tempted to pay attention only to your Total score, but the other scores are also meaningful. Those scores offer you and the programs receiving your scores insight into your strengths and areas for development.

Regards,
Rahini

LTN99 · Answer

I think the notification in this post deserves a thread of its own.
The message needs to be communicated to the members of this forum.

pytha1gurus · Answer

I want to add one more thing:

With a 690, Kelley might throw an admit at you( assuming that you express your employability very well, and have a decent understanding of the program). However, with a 730 or a 740, you may even give them strong reasons to throw scholarships at you. It is like a negotiation tool. I am not speculating here. These are statistics.

Consider another attempt your full time Job for sometime. If you end up saving $50,000, you can wire transfer 5% to me, and keep the rest

but seriously, I believe a 730 can also fetch you some $$ from Kelley. NUS at times shows weird pattern of scholarships and I can understand that it is primarily driven by the size of the fund they are sitting on. But some US Schools will be more generous with a slightly higher GMAT Score.

690 in GMAT...now what??

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