Is a 690 in the GMAT enough?

Question

Hello everyone. 
This is my first post and it is a desperate one.
They say that if you ask enough number of people you will eventually end up at the right answer.
This forum has been of immense help to me.
Thank you.

I took the GMAT 3 times and here are the stats:
1. V27(47%) - Q50(87%) - AWA6.0(90%) 650
2. V26(44%) - Q50(87%) - AWA5.5(71%) 640
3. V31(62%) - Q51(97%) - AWA6.0(90%) 690

After the last attempt I figured that GMAT is not really my cup of tea. However I am planning to write it again.
But before that I wish to apply to a few universities and try my luck.
I have targeted a few universities.
The European universities: HEC Paris, INSEAD, IESE Business School and IE.
The Asian Universities: NUS
Names of any universities that I might have missed are welcome. Please note that I want to pursue a business degree in Operations and Supply Chain.

I have over 3.5 years of experience in an Offshore Oil and Gas Extraction platform as an executive officer. I hold a technical and a semi-managerial post. I have some volunteer work under my belt as well. I was hoping that my out of normal work EX and my quantitative score might help me get into a decent MBA college.
I am a little confused.

The Main question: Is a 690 in the GMAT enough for the targeted universities with my profile?

Thank you all for your help.

GyanOne · Answer

Hi Abhiroop

- 690 is right on the edge for HEC and NUS, and seems a bit short for INSEAD. If you are looking at NUS, consider NTU as well. The deadlines for both NUS and NTU are some time away, giving you some time for a retake. On the GMAT front, it is verbal that is clearly your bane, and we do see small but significant improvement in that over attempts. If you can dedicate a month-45 days to focus more on that part with dedicated resources/classes (if your schedule allows) you should be able to cross 700, and even get to 720-730, which boosts your chances at all schools. 
- IESE and IE should consider you at your current score if you put in strong applications. 
- Maybe you should look at adding top Canadian schools - Ivey and Rotman - if they suit your selection criteria otherwise. 
- Have a look at  this article as well

Hope this helps. Feel free to come back with more queries as needed.

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Balancing your post Abhiroop, also remember the adage - too many cooks...

Here's another cook then with some reflections: It will be important to understand more about the profile. Simply the industry is not good enough. You have to articulate what differentiates you in that; there isn't really a huge dearth of O&G applicants so you gotta dig deeper. You have not mentioned your educational pedigree. That will be an important determinant for overall prospects. Since you've tried and are close to this conclusion, it might be better to start focusing on other parts of the application instead of going there again. Another factor to understand would be the nature of your international experience and ECs. Both are very relevant. Read here and here . Finally, I'd recommend you to also consider specialized programs such as MIT-ZLOG for S&O professionals. Hope this helps some. Cheers,

Apphelp · Answer

Hi abhir00p,

The good news is that GMAT is just one of the parameters that a B-school looks at while evaluating your application. We're not sure why you feel that GMAT is not your cup of tea, we see a steady improvement in your score and you've at least hit a neutral point, where the GMAT will neither make or break your application. Yes, you can definitely apply with a score of 690. With a good application that demonstrates professional maturity and traits of leadership, you definitely stand a chance.

Having said that, the GMAT is also a method for the B-school to determine if you're academically proficient and you would be able to keep up with the rigour that comes with their course. Since you haven't mentioned your academic credentials here, please do reflect on your undergraduate GPA, the reputation of your undergraduate college etc. If you're determined to give GMAT again, focus on improving the verbal score and a bump of 20-30 points would make it extremely competitive.

On a side note, we noticed that ISB is missing in your target list of B-schools. Over the past few years, ISB has developed a huge focus towards operations, both in its course curriculum as well as placements. You should definitely consider applying to ISB. For more suggestions on schools that match your profile, we'd like to understand your profile a little better, try our free B-school selector  here

Do reach out in case of further queries.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey dude! So... a few things to keep in mind. First of all, whatever happens, you will try and get the best score you can. If you come away with a higher GMAT, awesome! If not, a 690 is still a very good score, with which you could for sure apply to those schools (although you might want to add a few more). To your benefit, keep in mind that European and Asian schools are generally far more flexible about the GMAT than US schools, so if you get your story down and give an awesome application you will STILL have a shot. One way or another, there's no cause for you to despair

I hope this helped dude! And feel free to drop us a line for a more full-on Free Consultation: https://bit.ly/mbafcGC Best, Jon

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi Abhir,

You have made quite an improvement in your latest GMAT score (a 40 point jump), so you are on the right track as far as your prep goes. As you are already planning to retake, I'd ask you to put that last effort into your verbal prep, while maintaining the Q50-51.

We have regularly been working with people with your profile (off shore drilling) over the past three years so I'd not call your work experience "out of normal", but yes, I will add there are a whole lot of opportunities to showcase your leadership in a difficult environment. Offshore drilling is rated as one of the most difficult jobs in the world and I am sure you'd have some amazing stories to tell of how you made an impact.

You may also want to add some US b-schools that specialize in Operations and supply chain. Check these: 
 https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/production-operations-rankings 
 https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/logistics-rankings

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The Main question: Is a 690 in the GMAT enough for the targeted universities with my profile? Here is the important information of schools you have mentioned above Your GMAT 690 score and schools of your choice are simply matching 690 is good considerable score for these Schools apply with confidence Good Luck

rohan2345 · Answer

Hi abhir00p,

A 690 is a phenomenal score. I think you will be able to make it to all the business schools on your list provided you focus on and present a strong application. You have some great experience under your belt and will surely set you apart from the completion. Try to make your application as strong as possible. If, however you feel comfortable giving another attempt, you have a good enough time between now and your application to improve your score.

As for verbal, if you are looking for some great practice, try out the e-gmat Scholaranium. The e-gmat Scholaranium is one of the best verbal practice tools in the market. You can easily track your progress in that you can identify your strengths and analyze and improve on your weak areas. Further to improve your score, taking multiple mocks might help. Apart from the GMATPREP, Manhattan GMAT tests and Veritas Prep Tests in my experience have a good verbal and Quant section and will certainly help you point out and improve your weak areas.

Hope this helps. All the best.

PrepMBA · Answer

I think that your verbal has been coming up clearly, and your accompanying AWA score is a 6 (a helpful data point that schools will use to evaluate your English/writing), so I would say yes, you can go to war with that score! Of course, after such a nice verbal jump, you may achieve another!

Good Luck!
Alex

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Nice improvement on your last attempt I know the GMAT is a pain so you will have to make the determination whether you think you can improve any further. Your score should have you in play for your schools with the exception of INSEAD, that one may be tough for you

Is a 690 in the GMAT enough?

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