Getting Started : Target GMAT Score for ISB and IIM-A/B/C

Question

Hi Community,

I am just getting started with my GMAT journey, and I am aiming for these B-schools of India for the session 2024-25: ISB H (PGP), IIM A (PGPX), IIM B (EPGP), and IIM C (PGPEX). As someone completely new to this, I wish to know my target GMAT score for the aforementioned B-schools (having a quantified target GMAT score will help me stay focussed and motivated).

My Profile:

Age : 25 yr

Educational Qualifications :

S.S.C : secured 95.00% (all 5 subjects) from CISCE in 2014 (rank - 1/200)
 H.S.C : secured 95.60% (all 5 subjects) from Science stream from CBSE in 2016 (rank - 2/500)
 Graduation : Completed B.Tech in Electronics and Comm. Engg. from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad with 88.1% (rank - 3/110)

Work Experience :
1. Working as a Data Analyst (primarily - product and finance) in a crypto startup for 13 months now. 
2. Worked as an associate in a multinational US based Pharma consulting company for 16 months.
3. Interned at General Electric as a Sales and Marketing Associate for 3 months.
4. Interned as a research associate in IIT Roorkee for 2 months

Extra Curricular :
1. Released the official international relations website for better international outreach and perception which subsequently led to a better PI score in the NIRF rankings
2. Coordinated the socio-cultural fest of college with a footfall of around 15k and a budget of over half a crore in INR
3. Part of a number of CSR activities in college for the emancipation of orphaned children 
4. Winner of a number of inter-school quiz competitions (if that counts)

About Me :
I am a very curious and empathetic person, who loves meeting new people (be curious, not judgemental - Ted Lasso)
I play the guitar, and I love photography, watching football, and quizzing.

Career Goals :
My short-term goal is to gain relevant experience in product and business. My long term goal is to start a company of my own, possibly an F&B startup in India. For me, the two major reasons for pursuing an MBA are - better exposure, and stronger network.

Any helpful advice or do's and don'ts are totally welcome.

Thanks in advance.

EducationAisle · Answer

This long term goal (f&b startup) looks completely out of place to me, but this is too early to discuss your goals.

Right now, your sole focus should be GMAT. 700+ is the golden standard to aim for; the higher, the better.

Goalisb · Answer

Hi,

700 or more would be a good target score for the schools you have mentioned. You could recheck on the eligibility part for the IIM A, B and C programs wrt your actual total months of work experience ( you can total it till March 2024).

IIMA - 4 years minimum
IIMB - 5 years minimum
IIMC - 5 years minimum

Apart from that, your application and interview will be equally important parts of your evaluation, so completing your GMAT by June end would give you enough time to work on your applications.

All the best!

MBAGuide · Answer

austin316  hope this finds you well

Your profile is better aligned with ISB than the other executive programs.
Your academic background is impressive, with short but seemingly impactful professional stints demonstrating the breadth of your skills and knowledge. However, before you take the plunge into the applications, it's important to consider your transition from pharma to crypto and how that aligns with your short-term goals and your ultimate vision of creating something in the F&B industry.

I'm certainly not advising you against it. However, it's crucial that you reflect on your past personal and professional experiences that drive you towards certain new areas in the future. This will help you craft a strong application showcasing your motivations and aspirations.

Your ECs are decent for Indian B Schools. One thing you should focus on right now is the GMAT to maintain the high standard of your academic record, given your impressive undergrad pedigree. I recommend aiming for a 740+ score on GMAT.

In my experience, relatively younger applicants must demonstrate high academic potential as they can only sometimes compete as strongly on the professional front as those with high GMAT scores and more professional experience. A strong GMAT score will give you a competitive edge and show you're ready for the challenge.

Best wishes for getting started on this journey!

Swapnilgodawat · Answer

Hello,​​

Please review my profile

Engineer male
GRE: 324
10th: 9.0/10
12th: 77%
Grahuation: 8.1/10
Educational Background: B.E in IT from top Mumbai University college(D.J Sanghvi College of Engineering)

I an having overall 4 year of professional work experience as Full stack software developer

Professional Work Experience
-Full Stack Software Developer in CitiusTech Inc. (1.5 years) (having experience in Healthcare domain)
-Full Stack Software Developer in Larsen & Toubro Infotech(LTI) (1 year) (Having experience in Fintech Domain)
-Full Stack Software Developer in HTC (Current) (Having experience in Chemical Domain)

Positions of Responsibility
- Marketing Head in the E-cell Committee
-Computer Secretary at V.M.K.B. 
-Worked in the Marketing co-committee in College.

Extracurriculars:
- GOLD medalist in Mathematics Olympiad at District Level.
- Active Participant in Events Conducted in College and Hostel.
- Won Prizes in different Competition and Games During Schooling

Certificates:
- BA Certified 
- ReactJS Certified
- SQL Certified

Internships:
- Software Eng. Intern, Flairtales Pvt. Ltd. 
- Marketing Intern, Quikr Pvt. Ltd

Voluneering:
- Worked as a volunteer at an NGO-Robin Hood Army.

Please let me know if I have a shot and offer advise on what I can do to improve my chances. I’m also open to applying to other deferred MBA colleges if they suit my profile. Thanks in advance

Goalisb · Answer

Hello,

Your year of graduation is not specified, and based on your input that you have 4 years of professional work experience, it appears that you may not meet the eligibility criteria for deferred MBA programs. However, you may be eligible for IIMA PGPX and ISB programs, but eligibility for IIMB EPGP and IIMC MBAEX programs would depend on the actual start date of your work experience, requiring a minimum of 5 years of work experience until March 2024 for the next intake.

If you are able to improve your GRE score to 326 or higher, it could positively impact your application. Additionally, while it is not clear when you engaged in volunteering with Robinhood Army, it would be beneficial to include more recent experiences in this area, particularly since your POR and extracurricular activities are from your college years.

Best of luck!

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi  Swapnilgodawat  hope this finds you well

I suggest taking a more reflective approach to determine your motivation to pursue an MBA program. While your technical experience is impressive, it will be essential to provide concrete examples in your ISB application where you have demonstrated leadership through challenging circumstances without direct supervision. These examples highlight how your experiences have inspired you to transition from an overtly technical role towards more people and business-oriented roles.

You did not mention your goals. Your application should describe your long-term motivation and the problems you've recognized through your experience that you aim to solve with the expertise you'll gain over time. Take advantage of reflecting on your learnings in the healthcare or fintech sector if these sectors motivate you toward your future goals. 
Consider the big picture. Allow your goals to be both aspirational and motivating. This could be a fun exercise! A well-thought-out approach would be to consider what you want to do in the long run, say, 10 YEARS from now, and why. Then, divide your journey to your long-term goals into various alternative professional pathways (a Plan A and a Plan B) to assist you in attaining the relevant skills over time.

To be frank, your GRE score may be perceived as low unless you have a strong differentiator in your profile. It may be worth considering retaking the GRE exam and aiming for a score of 330 or higher.

I feel that with an improved GRE, it will be easier to crack ISB than other top deferred MBA programs.

Best regards.

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello everyone!

The following video will help all those of you who are applying to ISB for the 2024 intake.

The video gives you a comprehensive overview of eligibility, deadlines, class profile, placements, and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvy7qxUKX7Q&t=7s

Should you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to write to us.

All the best!

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello Everyone,

If you are applying to ISB for the 2024 intake, the following short video will help you gain a comprehensive approach to writing your ISB application essays.

Yes, there is never one correct way of writing an essay; however, having a structure in place always helps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvy7qxUKX7Q&t=7s

Should you have any questions pertaining to this, please feel free to get in touch with us.

All the best!

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