bloom11
Hi,
I gave my GMAT Focus this month and got a 645 score. Is this score good enough for top schools across Europe? Oxford, LBS, HEC, INSEAD etc. I plan to submit my applications in Round 1.
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Country: India
Work Experience: ~4 years, Software Engineer at Big Tech
Education: CGPA 8.6/10, BTech in Computer Science from one of the new IITs + Minor in Management (Did 2-3 basic courses related to Economics/Management)
Post MBA Field: Technology
I don't have any notable extra-curricular activities.
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your profile
bloom11! To begin with, your academic background stands out. An 8.6/10 CGPA from a new IIT, paired with a minor in management, reflects a strong quantitative and analytical base. AdComs across Europe recognize IITs as rigorous institutions, and the management coursework will add credibility to your interest in business studies.
Your 645 GMAT FE score is decent. INSEAD, while slightly more score-sensitive due to its volume of Indian applicants, remains within reach if other elements of your application shine, particularly your essays, goals, and leadership stories. Schools like Oxford Saïd, HEC Paris, and LBS might view your profile favourably, especially when paired with a strong professional track record and a slightly higher GMAT. If you feel prepared, retaking the GMAT to improve your score could strengthen your application and enhance your chances of admission.
Your work experience at a Big Tech company is a major asset. Roughly 4 years in software engineering shows consistency and domain expertise. However, what will differentiate your candidacy is how you’ve evolved during these years. Have you led projects, driven cross-functional collaborations, or mentored others? These aspects demonstrate leadership and maturity, which are essential for MBA programs looking to build diverse, high-impact cohorts.
A potential area for improvement is your extracurricular involvement. While this isn’t a red flag, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your profile. Admissions committees appreciate well-rounded candidates who engage with their communities or develop interests outside of work. Even if you don’t have formal extracurriculars, look for ways to bring in stories of initiative, internal tech talks, mentorship, women-in-tech events, or contributions to open-source projects that can help fill this gap meaningfully. You can take a look at this blog on:
Extracurricular Activities for MBASchools worth considering include Cambridge Judge, ESMT Berlin, and IESE, all of which value applicants with your background and offer tech and leadership tracks.
You’re right to prioritize Round 1. As an Indian applicant in a highly represented pool, applying early maximizes your chances. Focus on refining your story, building strong essays, and identifying impactful recommenders who can speak to your leadership and potential.
To truly stand out, articulate your why now, why MBA, and why this school clearly. Be specific about your post-MBA goals in tech, whether it’s product management, strategy, or a leadership role, and link those goals with what each program offers. Use your essays to go beyond your resume and show who you are, what drives you, and what kind of leader you aspire to be.
If you'd like, we’d be glad to learn more about your journey to provide a tailored evaluation and better assess your chances. Feel free to
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