Hello
AnthonyD88,
I hope you are doing well. Your impressive academic and professional pedigree, coupled with a distinct international background and focused post-MBA vision, position you well for INSEAD. However, a GMAT score below their average could hold you back in Round 1.
Navigate this hurdle by choosing between:Showcasing your exceptional fit through a powerful application package - highlight your strengths, leverage strong alumni recommendations, and tailor your essays to each campus for Round 1. Embrace the potential for a slightly lower acceptance rate compared to later rounds.
Investing in the Focus GMAT and aiming for a 635+ score - this opens doors to INSEAD's R2/R3 and potentially other top schools like LBS. Be prepared for a slightly delayed timeline, but enjoy increased competitiveness and broader options.
Ultimately, the choice hinges on your risk tolerance, GMAT retake confidence, and application strength. Analyze both paths carefully and make the decision that propels you towards your desired future. Remember, with your impressive profile and thoughtful planning, success at INSEAD or other top schools is well within reach.
Go forth and conquer!
Book a free profile evaluation call now with Alums and Current students of top B-schools! Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
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neha@mbaandbeyond.comMBA and BeyondAnthonyD88 wrote:
Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read - happy to answer any questions for further clarification.
I've just sat my first GMAT exam and unfortunately didn't get my target score of 700 (got a 660). My headache is this: I've just spent the last 4 months intensely studying for the exam because I'm conscious R1 for INSEAD Jan 2025 is opening soon - I wanted to do the original rather than Focus as I imagine the large majority of my cohort will be using original, hence didn't want to be at a 'visual' disadvantage. I don't know whether I should buckle down over the next 2 months and learn the Focus edition and attempt a 635-645, then apply for R2 - R3 admissions, or dedicate the next month to writing an excellent personal statement, alongside strong recommendation from successful INSEAD alumni, and just trying my luck.
Qualifications: University of Warwick (Bsc Management, 2:1 score)
GMAT: 660 (Q45, V35, IR6)
Work Experience:
1. Associate Director doing TMT Corporate Banking at a global bank in London (HSBC/Barclays/Citi) for 1.5 years
2. Analyst on the graduate programme at the same bank for 2 years, working in Real Estate, Franchising
Post-MBA Goals:
1. Strategy consulting in MBB, the focus is Aisa (Singapore/ Hong Kong)
2. Investment banking (London, Singapore)
Target schools: INSEAD (France/Singapore split), LBS
Unique Profile:
- International background; German/Cantonese mix, grew up across 3 countries in Asia, can speak English, German, Chinese
- Strong work experience (managing e.g. FAANG, FTSE100 clients, financial analysis, pitchbooks etc) and consistent growth (strong promotion)
- Tutoring as a side job (Reviewing undergraduate/masters application letters, coursework essay tutoring)
- Leadership experience in University (president of society focusing on helping students secure Finance jobs in Asia)
- Involvement in tennis societies
Side note: spent 6 years growing up in Singapore so wonder if that plays a role in my INSEAD Singapore application - e.g. wanting to come 'home' after studying/working abroad for 6-7 years
Thank you!
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29 Jan 2024, 07:19
