Chances for LBS?

Question

Hi everyone,

I was planning to apply for MiM at LBS during the second deadline on January 9th.
However, I just recently started studying for the GMAT, and my current mock scores are at 625 (Q79 V87 D77) and 615 (Q81 V81 D80).

I did my bachelor's in Vienna, with a 1.1 GPA (equal to around 3.9) in just 4 semesters (instead of the standard 6), putting me in the 99.9% percentile of over 3000 students of my cohort.
I have some work experience and a background in agriculture. And some voluntary things, but overall, nothing too extreme.

Now I was wondering whether it even makes sense to apply now, or if I should rather wait for the next application period with a better GMAT score?
I was initially anticipating the current deadline.

Best,
Daniel

GraemeGmatPanda · Answer

LBS Alumnus / ex student ambassador here,

Your GPA is impressive but it somewhat depends on the school you went to. Your GMAT scores are towards the lower range of the 'bulk' of their cohorts (people can get in with lower but those are real outliers!).

So it somewhat depends on the rest of your profile. LBS are big on diversity in all the senses of the word (nationality, background, etc.). Agriculture is quite rare at LBS, but it depends on what you did! If you're from Austria that will help since they don't have that many candidates from there

Spring rounds are a bit harder to get in since they've filled in a lot of their spots, but if your profile is quite niche it's less of a problem

If you want to share a bit more about your profile (nationality, international experience, work experience, career plan, etc.) happy to give a more precise answer!

Graeme
LBS 2016
Coach & Founder of GMAT Panda

DaMa03 · Answer

Thank you for your insights already  GraemeGmatPanda !

I went to Vienna University of Economics and Business and studied business and social sciences. With electives/specializations in Management & Controlling, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Finance.

My parents own a small family farm in Austria, and until the end of high school, I attended agricultural schools. In 2022, I went to Denmark for a 2-month intership to work on a farm and gain international experience there.
Long-term career perspectives are also towards agriculture, to approach some problems it currently has (sustainability, trade agreements, ...)
So far, on weekends, I'm even still helping my parents on the farm.

And: if I apply now and get rejected, can I re-apply in in the next round with a better GMAT score?

GraemeGmatPanda · Answer

You're welcome!

For re-application it depends on the reason. If they like your profile but feel your GMAT is a bit low, they will probably tell you that and encourage you to retake it.

Outside of the GMAT, for your profile they could be worried about:
- you not getting a job on graduation because they may not know the industry very well. So make sure you include a clear story on what you would do (e.g. go back to your family business at a certain role, join a certain type of agriculture firm at a specific role, etc.). The more specific the better as it will reassure them you've thought about this and researched it.
- you not having enough traditional 'business/company' experience. You agricultural experience will give you a unique angle, but they want to be sure this is not just manual work but experience that will help you understand classes and also that others will be able to relate to in class discussions. So if you've taken part in the accounting, contract agreements, negotiations, marketing - if relevant, etc. make sure you touch on them and use them in in examples in your essays.

If you already have good answers to the above, I would apply this round and state that you're willing to retake the GMAT if needed.

If you don't, your profile is probably unique enough to still be able to get into Rounds 3/4, so I wouldnt worry too much. In that case try to boost both your GMAT and do more research on your career / get more business experience with your family farm in the meantime.

Good luck!

Graeme
LBS 2016
Founder of GMAT Panda

DaMa03 · Answer

These are definitely some good tips, thank you very much for the feedback!

I'll do my best in the next few days to polish the application, and if I feel ready, I will apply.

Big thanks, best
Daniel

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