Darden - Test Waiver Conundrum

Question

Hi,
I am Indian Male 31 with background in Finance Consulting.
I have GMAT score of 700 and GPA of 2.86/4.33.
I have professional qualification of CA and CFA.

I am confused whether I should apply for GMAT waiver to Darden for R2 or I should use my 700 score. 
What would improve my chances ?

Thanks in advance!

admitStreet · Answer

Karan0912 What was the split (Q/V) of your score? I generally advise against requesting for a test waiver, unless there's a particularly strong reason. If you request for a waiver, the school would have one less datapoint to assess your candidature. Also, there's a risk they might think you never took the exam (or worse, had a very low score e.g. 600). A 700 score, while not ideal (Darden's average is ~720), isn't bad. Retaking the exam ofcourse is the better option if you're particularly keen on Darden, timelines permitting. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

Karan0912 · Answer

It is Q49 and V37. I have used up all 8 GMAT attempts.

ARINGO · Answer

It depends on the case you can present for asking for the waiver. By the way, if your profile is strong, applying to Darden with GMAT 700 is not a bad idea, we had candidates admitted into Darden with lower scores as you can see here: https://aringo.com/aringo-top-mba-gmat-results/

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello Karan0912 , I hope you are doing well. Your GMAT score of 700 is already above the average for Darden applicants. The average GMAT score for Darden's incoming class of 2023 was 686. So, you are already in a strong position as far as your GMAT score is concerned. Your GPA is below the average for Darden applicants. The average GPA for Darden's incoming class of 2023 was 3.35. So, your GPA could be a weakness in your application. Your professional qualifications in CA and CFA are very strong. These qualifications will demonstrate to Darden that you have the quantitative and analytical skills necessary to succeed in their MBA program. If you are confident that your 700 GMAT score is strong enough to overcome your below-average GPA, you may not need to apply for a waiver. However, if you are concerned about your GPA, applying for a waiver could be a good option. Here are some additional things to consider: Darden's GMAT waiver policy is fairly generous. The school will waive the GMAT for applicants with a strong academic record, a compelling professional background, and a demonstrated commitment to community service. Applying for a GMAT waiver will give you more time to focus on other aspects of your application. The GMAT can be a time-consuming test, and using it for a waiver can free up some of your time to work on different parts of your application, such as your essays and letters of recommendation. Highlight your strengths in your application essays. Write strong essays that showcase your academic achievements, professional accomplishments, and community involvement. Get strong letters of recommendation from people who know you well. Ask people who can speak to your academic ability, work ethic, and personal qualities to write letters of recommendation We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week. We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools. Feel free to schedule a free profile evaluation call with us to discuss your profile better and give a fair evaluation of your chances of admission to top Business schools. Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond.

Darden - Test Waiver Conundrum

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards