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manasmridulmitra
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Joined: 07 Jan 2025
Last visit: 07 Nov 2025
Posts: 8
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GMAT Focus 1: 575 Q82 V80 DI74
GMAT Focus 1: 575 Q82 V80 DI74
Posts: 8
Kudos: 6
 [1]
MSBA College Recommendations 09 Sep 2025, 02:52
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I am seeking your guidance to evaluate my profile and suggest the right mix of universities/programs for pursuing MSBA (Master’s in Business Analytics) in the US (and possibly Canada/UK as backup). My goal is to secure a strong post-MSBA career in Analytics/Business Intelligence with a focus on transitioning into data-driven decision-making roles.

📌 Profile Snapshot
  • Education:
    • B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering – SRM Institute of Science & Technology
    • CGPA: 8.02 / 10
  • Work Experience: (~2 years total)
    • Currently working at a manufacturing company as a Business Analyst.
    • Managing dealership operations, sales KPI dashboards, and prediction models.
  • GMAT Focus Score: 575 (Q:82, V:80 and D:74)

🎯 Target Programs
  • Dream Schools: Duke MQM, UCLA MSBA, UT Austin MSBA, Columbia MSBA
  • Competitive: Purdue MSBA, Boston Questrom MSBA, UC Davis MSBA, Washington Foster MSBA, George Washington MSBA, Arizona State University MSBA


  1. With a GMAT Focus score of 575, where do I realistically stand for MSBA admits in the US?
  2. Which 2–3 universities from my Dream and Competitive lists should I prioritize, where my chances are higher with strong SOP/LORs?
  3. Any other US/Canada schools I should consider where my profile is a good fit for scholarships?
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SGMASTERSPATHWAYS
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Joined: 03 Nov 2025
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 10
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Location: India
Schools: IE'26 (A)
Schools: IE'26 (A)
Posts: 10
Kudos: 5
MSBA College Recommendations 06 Nov 2025, 22:37
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Hi Manas, thanks for sharing your detailed background.

Your GMAT Focus score places you below the median range for most top MSBA programs. This means that while your application can still stand out through clarity of goals and relevant analytics exposure, schools that are more GMAT-flexible will be a better fit. Dream schools (Duke MQM, UCLA, UT Austin, Columbia) remain stretch options. Even with a strong SOP/LOR combination, they’re likely to be challenging given the score range.

Competitive schools (Purdue, UC Davis, ASU, Boston University, GWU) align much better with your profile. Purdue and UC Davis value candidates who can demonstrate strong practical experience in analytics, while ASU tends to emphasize employability and career clarity more than test scores.

If your essays highlight quant-driven work and the link between your mechanical engineering background and business analytics, you’ll be in a good position within this tier. If you’re focusing on 2–3 universities to maximize your chances, I’d recommend - Purdue, UC Davis & ASU

You could still include one aspirational option such as Duke MQM or UT Austin, provided your application clearly conveys career focus, quant readiness, and leadership in analytics initiatives.

For programs outside the US such as Canada - UBC Sauder and York Schulich both consider applicants with strong professional evidence of analytical skills, even with mid-range GMATs.

For UK - Warwick, Manchester, and Leeds are less GMAT-dependent and known for offering merit discounts for strong work experience and motivation.

Having said that, if you can raise your GMAT Focus to around 625+, your chances at top-tier US programs increase considerably

Hope this helps

[*]
manasmridulmitra
I am seeking your guidance to evaluate my profile and suggest the right mix of universities/programs for pursuing MSBA (Master’s in Business Analytics) in the US (and possibly Canada/UK as backup). My goal is to secure a strong post-MSBA career in Analytics/Business Intelligence with a focus on transitioning into data-driven decision-making roles.

📌 Profile Snapshot
  • Education:
    • B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering – SRM Institute of Science & Technology
    • CGPA: 8.02 / 10
  • Work Experience: (~2 years total)
    • Currently working at a manufacturing company as a Business Analyst.
    • Managing dealership operations, sales KPI dashboards, and prediction models.
  • GMAT Focus Score: 575 (Q:82, V:80 and D:74)

🎯 Target Programs
  • Dream Schools: Duke MQM, UCLA MSBA, UT Austin MSBA, Columbia MSBA
  • Competitive: Purdue MSBA, Boston Questrom MSBA, UC Davis MSBA, Washington Foster MSBA, George Washington MSBA, Arizona State University MSBA


  1. With a GMAT Focus score of 575, where do I realistically stand for MSBA admits in the US?
  2. Which 2–3 universities from my Dream and Competitive lists should I prioritize, where my chances are higher with strong SOP/LORs?
  3. Any other US/Canada schools I should consider where my profile is a good fit for scholarships?
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