Need advise ... (with 690)

Question

Hi, 

Let me ask for some advice from you guys .... my GMAT score is 690 (Q49, V35) .... with this kind of score, do you think I can expect a call from any A-class schools? 

I am Indian, my Engg CPA is not that impressive. Am having around 10years of work experience in the Software industry (with 5+ yrs abroad experience - US & UK). Started my career in a multinational software company, and kept on moving up the ladder all throughout. Yearly appraisals have always been good, and got several awards in the companies that I worked for. Filed a few Patents also. Extra-curricular ... so so kind.

Before my GMAT, I was aspiring for the top-tier schools (my dream list: Kellogg, Harvard, Chicago, Wharton, Columbia & Carnegie-Mellon), but afterwards I am kinda doubtful with the screwed up 75 percentile in the Verbal score..... 

Maybe I have to reconsider the idea of leaving my job & going for 2yrs full-time program. Unless I can enter in one of the top-tier schools, probably it won't make much sense to sacrifice my 2yrs' salary & take a loan, that too with 10yrs of experience.... what do you say? Maybe I need to explore more on Executive MBA ... 

Do you suggest retaking the GMAT & see if I can get around 730+?

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks!

pelihu · Answer

I think your message shows you have a pretty good feel for where you stand. Given your demographic, 690 is pretty low. I think you can rule out Harvard entirely. Your own assessment that your work record is not that impressive probably puts you out of contention for Wharton & Chicago. Kellogg loves extracurricular activities, especially the charitable kind, and your own report is that you are so-so in this area; chances are extremely slim here.

So that leaves Columbia and Tepper. Columbia has a record of favoring high GMAT scores, and again, yours is low given your demographic and this level of school. I think you might have a shot a Tepper, based on the limited info you've provided, but it's hard to say how good your chances actually are.

You've also hit on another major issue. With 10 years of work experience, you are at the very high end of what schools will consider for age and experience. Older admitted students for the most part either have other advanced degrees (MD, JD) or spent time in the military. At this stage of your career, most places will try to push you to an executive program.

I think there's something else you might consider. You listed 5 ultra-elite schools and 1 near-elite. You left out elite schools altogether. I think your chances with the ultra-elites are almost zero, but you might have a shot at some of the elites.

sevenvaio · Answer

Thanks a lot for your detailed analysis.

I know I am a bit aged for that with 10yrs of experience, but bcos of some constraints in the personal front, couldn't go for it before. 
Somebody was telling me that a 690 with 10yrs (& with family, kids etc) is a good combination, and there is no point in going for a retake. 

More so my work experience is above ordinary. It was not like a "typical Indian IT" kind. I have 2 US patents under my name & that might count some weight .... 

My extra-curricular involves university level Cricket & some serioud mountaineering at the Himalayas. Also I was a student leader in Engg. Not sure if these would count, but I need to do some research where would I stand among the competition with all these. But I agree with you, I probably don't stand a chance in the ultra-elites.

Thanks for your input anyway ..... will contact again for advices.

best regards.

baer · Answer

If you have a dynamite plan for developing those patents into a business, I'd say you have a chance at any school. H/S/W of course being long shots, thought they are for everyone. A 690 really won't keep you out, though it won't get you in. Good luck and work on your essays, communicating what you want to do clearly will be your ticket.

sevenvaio · Answer

That's great advice .... thank you ... let me follow those.

emoryhopeful · Answer

I think you'd have a shot at some of the top schools, but 690 is a little below average at those schools. I say that if you could study for 1 month and concentrate strictly on raising your verbal score into the 40 range, your score will rise significantly. Then, you would have a much better chance at the top schools.

That's just my opinion.

sevenvaio · Answer

Thanks emoryhopeful for the advice. I am thinking in those lines too.
Regds.

Need advise ... (with 690)

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards