It depends a lot on your overall profile. GMAT is just one part of the application. I personally applied in Round 3 to HEC, ESSEC, ESCP, INSEAD, and LBS—and I got into all of them.
If you’re a male Indian engineer, it’s advisable to aim for a score near 700, as schools prioritize diversity. In cases where they’re deciding between two candidates, the GMAT score often becomes the tiebreaker.
However, if you have a strong profile, it can compensate for a slightly lower GMAT score (though not too low—80th percentile is the minimum in our current cohort). Beyond your GMAT score, what really matters are your CV, essays, and letters of recommendation. These show what you bring to the cohort, so personalize them as much as possible to highlight your unique strengths.
Don’t hesitate to emphasize any hobbies or extracurriculars that make you stand out. Schools often look for well-rounded candidates who not only excel academically but also bring diverse experiences and perspectives. For example, showcasing leadership roles or unconventional hobbies can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from other applicants. These elements contribute to the broader narrative of your potential impact within the cohort, demonstrating that you’re more than just your test scores
Dexter(MiM ESSEC’26)
Bhawesh25
Hey all, is 545 a safe score for R1 applications? Or should I apply in R2 with better score?
545 would be a little less for R1...try for a 605+ score