FocusPocus, your work experience sounds relevant for your career goals and that's one of the biggest requirements for submitting a winning application (ofcourse the writing execution is equally make or break). European MBAs have a good focus on sustainability so you should find substantial academic and extra curricular resources around this area. For this same reason, i would also add INSEAD to the list of b-schools. They are big on sustainability and are a consulting powerhouse as well - so it makes sense to apply from your career goals perspective.
I would really love to see a higher GMAT score- even around starting 600s FE - as a more competitive score. consider retaking the GMAT.

Namita Garg, MBA Decoder
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Hi. I think IESE and HEC will be tough with that score. Rotman is much more forgiving however.

Hi @FocusPocus,

You bring a compelling profile with 7 years of experience in corporate finance and demonstrated leadership on a sustainability-focused project with regional impact. Your pivot toward sustainability particularly in Sustainable Finance or Sustainability Consulting is well-aligned with global trends and increasing employer interest in ESG-focused professionals.

However, the GMAT Focus score of 575 is a concern, especially for competitive programs. If possible, consider retaking the test to improve your score (aim for 645+), which would significantly strengthen your academic profile. In your application, highlight how your finance background equips you with the quantitative and strategic skills needed for sustainability roles, and clearly articulate how an MBA will bridge your industry pivot.

Highlighting your leadership, professional achievements, career goals, unique experiences, and fit with the program effectively will be crucial in crafting a compelling application. To maximize your chances, consider applying to a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Feel free to book a free call with our MBA consultants for a more detailed discussion. You can also contact us directly at team.mba@theredpen.com or +91-7780769732.

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your profile. With 7 years in corporate finance and leadership on a cross-regional circular economy project, your pivot to sustainability is both credible and compelling. IESE and HEC are great cultural fits, especially given your focus on Sustainable Finance and Consulting.

However, the 575 GMAT Focus score is well below the median for these schools. To stay competitive, a retake is highly recommended. If not, leverage your impact story, international scope, and financial expertise to offset the gap, Rotman could be a more realistic option.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call with me for detailed profile review:
https://calendly.com/ameer-khatri/profi ... th=2025-05

Thank you for sharing your profile @FocusPocus! You bring a compelling background with 7 years of experience in corporate finance and a passion for sustainability. Leading a high-impact circular economy project across South and Central America is a notable achievement and aligns well with your post-MBA goals in Sustainable Finance and Sustainability Consulting. Your intent to pivot into roles that focus on environmental and social impact demonstrates a purpose-driven mindset, something top MBA programs deeply value.

From a strengths perspective, your professional maturity and regional diversity are immediate advantages. As a Peruvian candidate, you are part of an underrepresented demographic in most MBA cohorts, which can help you stand out, especially at European schools like IESE and HEC Paris. Moreover, your exposure to cross-border financial planning projects showcases leadership, multicultural collaboration, and initiative, key traits that admissions committees seek.

However, the most significant area for improvement lies in your GMAT Focus score of 575; this result is below the typical range for your target schools. For IESE and HEC Paris, a 665+ GMAT Focus score range can be a better place. That said, recently we had a successful applicant who got admit+scholarship offers from IESE and Cambridge Judge even with a low GRE score of 305. Similarly, while Rotman in Canada can be slightly more flexible, they would even recommend a stronger score for full competitiveness and scholarship potential. If you're targeting top-tier programs, retaking the GMAT or exploring the GRE as an alternative would substantially strengthen your application.

You might also consider adding a few more programs to your list. Oxford Saïd, Cambridge Judge, and ESMT Berlin could also be some options; they all emphasize innovation and responsible leadership. For test-flexible programs, you can look into IE Business School in Spain or UBC Sauder in Canada, which can be more flexible on GMAT requirements.

To further strengthen your application, we encourage you to reflect on a few key questions: What specific areas of sustainability are you most passionate about, climate finance, ESG consulting, or circular economy implementation? Can you quantify the business or environmental impact of the projects you've led? And how can you demonstrate leadership both within and beyond your job description? Strong, personal answers to these questions will help you craft powerful essays and a cohesive story. You can take a look at these blogs on: Exhibit Different Forms of Leadership and How to Write Winning MBA Essays

Overall, you're on a promising path. With a stronger test score and a clear, impact-driven narrative, you can be a competitive candidate for top MBA programs in Europe and Canada. We’d be happy to help further with shortlisting schools, structuring your personal story, or preparing for interviews when you're ready. Keep pushing forward, you have an inspiring mission. Best of luck with the GMAT exam.

Join us for an insightful Coffee Session on: INSEAD Sept 2026 Intake

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond