Everything you would like to know about top MBA Admissions.

SO, let me start with “insulting” you 😊 (I really hope you prefer frank and to the point vs. something else… I always try to give my honest opinion)
The bad news (don’t shoot the messenger)
1. If your degree was in a mediocre university
2. Your GPA was low
3. And you have only 2 years of work experience (so no time for promotions and extensive accomplishments)
4. And your life story is not super interesting
5. And your GMAT is around the schools’ averages
= your chances won’t be high…

I am assuming you know this!
What can you do:
1. Explain why your GPA is low
2. Improve GMAT
3. Write stellar kick-ass applications (that include explaining all these weaknesses” and mention extensive school research)
4. Discuss your community experience, your special family circumstances
5. And more

Another option is waiting 2 more years or compromising on the school list (but I have a feeling you won’t do this)
So GOOD LUCK!!!


I knew I would raise some questions with this one
There aren’t "numbers" but EVERY admissions team will try to build a diverse group of students

For exmaple, last year I worked with someone who worked in a startup that creates energy from sea waves. he had a low GMAT and low GPA, but I knew (and was right ) that his chances are high, cause he has a unique background and story to share (he got into Duke with a scholarship ...)


Some did, yes!
BUT, naturally, not having a GMAT does lower your chances of admissions and of receiving a scholarship (just stating the obvious!)
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if an applicant is applying to same B school, is it a disadvantage for him as he has been rejected earlier or advantange as he is giving preference to same school this year

1. Guidelines on what to write in the waivers => explain what you deserve a waiver 1. you are academic 2. very professional 3. very busy 4 (optional) if you have any real reasons like lockdown / the test centers are closed / you caught COVID etc.

2. as I said above, if you can score a 750 GMAT, apply with the GMAT. if you can’t reach the shcool’s GMAT levels, then either don’t apply or apply for a waiver. so it doesn’t lower your chances, it gives a chance to candidates who had zero chances before

hope this is clear...


spal0007 - you are my star this is an excellent question with a difficult answer

As you mention, a reapp has a disadvantage - he was already rejected. someone from admissions looked at his material and decided it was not good enough. and an advantage - he had other options, but he decided to wait a year and reapply

SO, let’s say these two even out, and your chances as a reapp are similar to first-time applications. Harvard is proud about this and mentions that 10% of their MBAs are reapps...

Now, how to reapply
1. Keep in mind that schools will read your application from last year!
2. you have to "improve" in at least one parameter - GMAT, work, volunteering, Gold MEdal at the Olympics at least one parameter has to be better than last year
3. you have to change some of the application (a new LOR is advisable) ,some of the essays need refreshing and you HAVE to explain int he optional essay what has changed since last year
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Hi,

vishuvashishth, Ask your question

Everyone, We have around 15 more minutes left in this chat session. Ask your questions quickly

Sajjad1994, fast chat
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as always

I have 9 years of experience in different roles such as product management and consulting. My goal is to continue in producct management or consulting role. I have couple of questions , What colleges in general i can target ( considering 9 years of work experience) and do you think i can consider to apply without gmat/gre ?

ARINGO,thanks for explaing it

Thanks - totally understand that my profile is weak from my Work Experience. Do you think my chances are stronger if I can land a 760. I would like to apply this year but I understand it is tough. I’m okay waiting till R1 next year but will that hurt me to reapply after only 9 months?

Hi vishuvashishth
I will do my best to answer "generically" here, but please feel free to send me your profile to shimriw@ARINGO.com

1. Here is the latest list of top MBA programs that offer GMAT Waivers - https://www.aringo.com/more-top-mba-pro ... t-waivers/
2. if there are schools on this list that you would like to study at, send them a GMAT waiver request.
3. if they say yes, you can work on your application, what do you have to lose?

But, if I may suggest, here is one tip regarding your essays and career goals: if you are currently a product manager and you will tell the business schools you want an MBA to become a product manager, they might question this, and ask themselves why do you want an MBA? so, I would rethink your career goals and be more ambitious (I want an MBA to be able to found my own tech startup... for example)
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ARINGO, considering large pool of indian applicant , if a college post required average gmat of 700, so as an indian applicant how much should should i target considering other parameter of application like work exp or profile is not great or in the average side

Hi,
so yes, a 760 is better than a 730 for you and for any candidate... and yes, 3 years of work experience (when applying) is better than two years for you and for any candidate...

BUT, it is up to you to decide when to apply

and you are right, if you reapply within 9 months and very few changes in your profile, your chances as a reapp will be low. on the other hand, if you apply this year, even in R2, with a 730, and don’t get in, and apply next year, in R1, with a 760, after an amazing double-fast track promotion at work, with new essays and LORs, then your chances next year, will be better


Hi, so there is no "number". for example, I had an Indian male engineer, get into Wharton this year with a 700 GMAT. obviously, his profile was very very special...

if your undergraduate, work experience, and other factors are all average, and you come from an overrepresented background, your GMAT should be above the school’s averages... by how much? the more the better... and as I said, I have seen candidates with GMAT scores that were lower than school averages get in...
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Everyone, We have around 5 more minutes left in this chat session. Ask your questions quickly

Got it thank you. I will be moving into Product Management in my company in Feb/March so that will show more relevant experience to my goal for B-School. I also intend to get a 760 before R2. My LOR are very strong so I’m happy and I am a good writer so think Essays are good too. Thank you for your insight

Thanks for your advice and it make sense to re think career goals. I have shared my resume. Please review and we can discuss.

GOOD LUCK!

Fantastic and good luck!
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Any last minute question?

thanks for the wonderful session

We are closing this chat session. Thank you ARINGO for your time and inputs. This was really a good session, We greatly appreciate it.