GMAT Uncertainties: Seeking Program Guidance

Question

Hello,

I am writing this post with a set of questions that have been lingering in my mind. I tried to seek answers from admission consulting firms but didn't receive satisfactory responses. Before diving into my questions, let me elaborate on my background.

I recently took the GMAT and didn't perform as well as I had hoped, scoring 580 (Q49 and V20). I have a six-year background in sales and decided to take a break from my job for GMAT preparation. I left my job as the sales environment was becoming too hectic, making it challenging to balance work and study simultaneously.

Despite my engineering background, I chose a career in sales and held a favorable position. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a shift in perspective. Many of my friends in IT firms embraced remote work, while I found myself working on sales targets with no Sunday off (my off day being Monday, a day when socializing opportunities were limited). This prompted me to consider pursuing a Master's degree with the hope of securing a desk job with fixed working hours and weekends off.

Unfortunately, my GMAT score of 580 in my second attempt has left me feeling like I'm back at square one. Then I thought that the original aim was about securing a good job with a decent package to compensate for the sacrifices made for this dream, not an MBA. Thus, I thought if not an MBA, I can get through MS.

After consulting with many advisors who expressed concerns about my low GMAT score affecting my chances of getting into a good MBA program, I am contemplating shifting to a different domain. I am considering programs like MS in Business Analytics or non-MBA options with less emphasis on coding, such as MSc in SAP. I also thought that applying with a GMAT score of 580 might help me secure admission to these programs, as I checked on a few sites that GMAT 580 is equivalent to GRE 308. However, I was informed that my six years of sales experience, combined with this score, could still pose challenges in pursuing MS programs, as sales experience won't count for applying for MS programs, or directly said, my profile won't seem good as I am applying for a tech program with sales experience.

I am currently 30, left my job in February 2023, and am not considering retaking the GMAT. I have decided to opt for the GRE, although I am not preparing for it in the same way I did for the GMAT. Regardless of the outcome.

With these points in mind, I have a few questions that I hope to get guidance on:

If I decide against pursuing an MBA, can I still apply for programs like MS in Business Analytics or other non-MBA courses with less emphasis on coding, considering my current GMAT score?
If yes, can I apply using my GMAT score, or would I need to consider alternative options like the GRE?
Is it true that my six years of sales experience might not make my profile strong enough for admission to MS programs in a tech domain like Business Analytics?

It's currently 2 am. If any additional questions come to mind, I will post them on the same thread.

bb · Answer

I don’t know anyone who has an MBA who works normal hours…. I think you are pursuing an MBA for the wrong reasons. You’re running a risk of bro a lot of money and getting not what you need for the wrong reasons.

PS. You can also summarize most of this whole big topic into three or four sentences. If you want help, you have to be respectful of other peoples time. That is the reason you haven’t gotten answers from admission consultants.

I would recommend that you figure out what you want to do and then decide if you need a degree for it.

PS. It is hard to be successful in a job that you don’t want to do so make sure you figure out what you want to do and success will come

Posted from my mobile device

YB114 · Answer

Sir, I appreciate your candid response and perspective. Your insights have given me valuable food for thought, and I respect your point about being respectful of others' time. While I understand the importance of aligning my goals with educational choices, I have a specific question that has been on my mind.

I'll be creating a new post shortly to delve into this particular query. Your input has been invaluable, and I'm hopeful that this community's expertise will provide further clarity.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello YB114 , Thank you for sharing your background and concerns. I understand you're navigating through some important decisions regarding your career and education. Pursuing Non-MBA Programs: Yes, you can definitely apply for non-MBA programs like MS in Business Analytics or other related fields with your current GMAT score. Admissions criteria vary among universities; some may consider factors beyond test scores. However, remember that a low GMAT score might be a hurdle in the application process. Applying with GMAT Score: You can apply with your GMAT score, but depending on the specific requirements of the programs you're interested in, you might want to check if they accept GMAT scores. Some programs may prefer or require GRE scores, so it's advisable to verify this with the individual schools. Sales Experience and MS Programs: While sales experience may not be directly related to technical fields like Business Analytics, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be a detriment to your application. Admissions committees often look for a diverse range of experiences and skills. You can highlight how your sales background has equipped you with valuable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and client relationship management, which can be assets in various professional settings. Considering the GRE: Since you're contemplating shifting to the GRE, it's essential to understand the specific requirements of the programs you're interested in. Some universities may accept both GMAT and GRE scores, but it's always good to check their preferences and any score conversion policies they might have. If you're open to exploring alternative paths, consider looking into professional certifications or short-term courses that align with your interests. These can be valuable additions to your profile and demonstrate your commitment to transitioning to a new field. While you mentioned that you're 30 and took a break from your job for GMAT preparation, age is not a strict barrier to admissions. Many graduate programs welcome students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Focus on articulating how your unique journey and skills can contribute to the program. It's essential to thoroughly research the admission requirements of the programs you're interested in and tailor your application to highlight your strengths and aspirations. If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to ask. We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools. Feel free to schedule a free profile evaluation call with us to discuss your profile better and give a fair evaluation of your chances of admission. Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

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