My profile - good background but low GMAT - Target French schools

Question

Hey,

Here is my profile:

-Bachelor's degree in a TOP 10 European business school with a decent GPA (top 20%)
-Studied in the US and France for high school - also MUN 
-Part of a very big finance association - organized case competitions in the US
-Two Investment banking internships in Shanghai 
-Decent amount of recommendation letters (2 academics and 2 pro) - but I guess this doesn't matter much 
-Speak fluent English and French, decent in Spanish and Chinese (I'm French citizen btw) - My plan is also to take a one year intensive Chinese class in China after my Master's degree. I don't know if I should mention this as it's just a plan..

HOWEVER
-GMAT score: 580...

So, I'm planning to go back to France for my Master's and I would like to know if I have my chances for ESSEC or ESCP MiM... I definitely don't have my chances for HEC with this GMAT score, and I'm not even sure I do for ESSEC... 
A friend of mine, with a similar international background, got accepted to ESCP (through Joint a school in France) with the same GMAT score so maybe I have my chances...
Honestly, I think my background is ok because I'm French and have a very international background, which is what French business schools are looking for. BUT my GMAT score is just too bad... I think i can ace the interview because I am good at job interviews/public speaking, however will I even get to the interview round?

Just what are your thoughts?

PS: My plan B is Rotterdam School of Management Master's in Finance and Investment - I'm already accepted. That's a solid back up plan, but as I maybe want to start my career in France, I think I should go for a French school.

Thanks

MiMEssay · Answer

Hey laoban , you are on the right track. For a career in France, it is ideal to go for a top French School. Yes, the GMAT is on the lower end for the top 5 French schools, however the rest of your profile is strong (International experience, work ex, languages). Now, as far as compensating for the GMAT is concerned it is possible but subjective. We have had clients who got into top schools with a sub-par GMAT/GRE (308 GRE into ESSEC, 640 GMAT into LBS,etc) - But again it heavily depends upon the strategy you are using to compensate for your GMAT. I will share some strategies that we used to help clients with profile weaknesses get into top schools, this may give you a direction on how to work on your own strategy. Here's the link : https://www.mim-essay.com/client-stories-3/?gfc P.S. Of course if you need any help, we are just a ping away. You can reach out to us on the page or reply here as well

laoban · Answer

Thanks for the reply. 
I was thinking maybe I can take the in-house test that is made by ESCP for students that did not take the GMAT or GRE. From what I saw, it looks pretty easy (i mean easier than GMAT). 
Also, for ESCP, the test score only accounts for 10% of your total applicant score... so I guess it isn't too much

kiran120680 · Answer

At lease you should have 600 gmat score. i thin you can try 20 marks extra. when i tried to apply few schools in france, they requested min 600 gmat score

MiMEssay · Answer

Yes, that is an option as well. If you don't want to go for GMAT/GRE, you can take up the Internal ESCP test which is conducted on their campus. They accept CAT Scores as well - For ESCP a 98%tile plus score is considered to be competitive.
Nonetheless, I would suggest not to downplay the GMAT/Internal test weight-age. Being round 2, about 25% of spots will already be filled in, however and so it is ideal to try for a high score (660+ if you are aiming for GMAT)

My profile - good background but low GMAT - Target French schools

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