Darcey914 wrote:
Hi everyone
In need of some advice re GMAT. Firstly - I am not good at standardized testing and not particularly familiar with it. I have a 640 right now (8 IR, 42 Q, 36 V).
I don't particularly want to retake the test, though I would be grateful for any thoughts, particularly on how this might be viewed by INSEAD and Judge (my top two choices). In terms of my profile more broadly, I am a female British lawyer, with (as of today) just over 6 years experience at both magic circle and top tier USA firms. I have to date been seconded to several key clients, a top investment bank and two asset management funds amongst them. I have a first class degree from a Russell group university, and demonstrable leadership experience across deal management and pro bono work (all of which have multi-jurisdictional elements). I am actively involved as a volunteer counsellor with a leading UK charity. I have a keen interest in the arts, and studied as a teenager at one of the top vocational performing art schools. I like to hike and have enjoyed some amazing climbs around the world.
I guess the point I'm making is, my GMAT isn't high, but offset against my other (academic) achievements, how likely is it that this will be a blocking item / red flag? How necessary is it in your view to achieve a higher GMAT with this profile, and is there any way I can demonstrate quant ability in another way? My job is very technical, although not particularly 'quant' based (despite working primarily with secondary debt market participants). My reluctance to retake the test is based primarily on being very tight for time as a result of work, and I'm unsure whether I could feasibly dedicate more time to GMAT in the short term.
I'm looking to apply round 1 for September 2019 intake.
Thank you in advance for any thoughts.
Hi Darcey914,
INSEAD's GMAT range is pretty wide (620-780), but your score is still closer to the lower end of that spectrum. While your background in law, and your well-rounded profile with accomplishments in other areas will be definite positives, a GMAT of 640 will still stand out as a bit low. INSEAD states clearly that it would prefer its applicants to have scores at or above the 70-75th percentile on both sections, and unfortunately your Quant score will fall below that mark.
Hope this helps. Feel free to come back with more queries as needed.