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Comments (14 comments)

01 Nov 2023, 08:47

understand. You should do what you believe to be right for you

30 Oct 2023, 21:09

I would recommend to aim for a 700 on the GMAT. A higher score would help secure a scholarship as well which means but Big score by 100 points could be worth $150,000… something to consider seriously.

A score of 700 would make you somewhat competitive but if you’re not able to reach it, you can consider taking the GRE as that test seems to be more forgiving

Bodhisatya Chatterjee

30 Oct 2023, 21:11

Thank you for the insights.

Does it make sense to apply for MS BA programs as well? Most of the programs that I want to apply to don’t need any test scores and I feel I can leverage my work ex there.

30 Oct 2023, 21:15

Most of the time these programs are quite new and do not have the same alumni footprint or recruiting resources that an MBA program would. Usually you would also recruit for different jobs but sometimes that’s not the case. If you feel or have a good sense of recruiting outcomes after the masters programs, definitely worth considering. However, keep in mind that if anyone can walk in into a masters program, you will not impress many people with that degree.

30 Oct 2023, 21:31

Understood.

However, given the short time frame for R2 applications, I doubt I have much time for a 3rd GMAT attempt or a GRE attempt. Which is why I am keeping the MSBA in consideration.

I am familiar with the McCombs program since many of my current colleagues have gone there.

30 Oct 2023, 21:34

Got it. Makes sense. It’s good you are in touch with current students and it’s good you’re getting reports about opportunities and career outcomes 👍

31 Oct 2023, 04:35

Hey bb

Thank you for the insights.

An update on my profile- I gave my second attempt at GMAT today. No improvement in score.

With the little time left for R2 and given I am an ORM candidate, should I switch to programs that don’t require a score?

31 Oct 2023, 14:18

I have not checked the scores for all the programs, but looking at the GMAT score of international applicants here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/all-school-s ... 66143.html, it looks like not even the Top 35 have it below 680... since you have consulting as your background you are heading to consulting, it may make you attractive but it will be a detriment. I think you can still try to apply to some since many of these will be free with app fee waivers but you should hedge your bets with either GRE or Applying with test waiver to programs that have it.

31 Oct 2023, 20:47

I understand.

I think it would be better to switch to MS programs instead and do an MBA some years down the road.

31 Oct 2023, 20:49

I think that would be excessive to do an MBA after a masters. You would also be the old guy out… I can tell you that it will be harder to do a traditional MBA later. You can do a part-time or executive

31 Oct 2023, 20:55

I understand, but I am out of time to boost my profile and apply. R3 admissions are not really useful for an international candidate.

I think a MSBA+ executive MBA later makes more sense

31 Oct 2023, 20:58

You are correct in your assessment of R3. 👍

01 Nov 2023, 05:21

Hi, Here's my assessment:
1. Work towards a higher GMAT/GRE score. Even if you have a decent score by December first week, you can get roughly 3 applications in for R2.
2. Some b-schools do accept international students in R3 as well- I know UNC does and my applicant got admission into McDonough last year after submitting in R3. (he applied with a 700 GMAT in R1 and pushed it up to 330 GRE by R3). You will need to do some research on which b-schools will be more welcoming in R3.
3. I would advise you to do an MBA and not MSBA IF the MBA will still be a dream after completing the MSBA. MBA programs these days have a solid chunk of data related courses and co-curricular modules which may help you achieve the same learning objective as an MSBA.
We have worked with many data specialists for their MBA applications over the years so I have a fair idea about their career paths. My understanding from them is that they already have the advanced data knowledge but want to round out their skills by learning about business courses through an MBA. Moreover, they are able to target post MBA roles that are more business focused roles which also require data skills. You can understand this better by looking at the employment reports of both MBA and MSBA and making a comparison for the kind of designations students get hired for (for MSBA, this could be data focused roles such as data scientists whereas for MBA is could be more generalist roles like consultants)
4. Given the advice mentioned above, i would encourage you to study for the course you find right for you, rather than the one you find easier to get into.
Namita, MBA Decoder.com

01 Nov 2023, 05:26

From my experience from applying last year, the international applications in R3 are mere formalities- less than 1% are actually ever admitted, as most of the international slots are filled in by then.

MS BA is something that is somewhat practical at this point. I understand that MBA is the better degree, but I really have few options. I tried bumping my March score and the best I could do was 10 points. I don’t know if 50 points is really doable in 3 weeks.

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