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sakshijn
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Need expert advise, target India and Singapore 1yr MBA 15 Nov 2014, 10:21
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Hi,
I am a software engineer, female, with 4+ yrs of work experience in leading IT MNCs in India. I recently re-took GMAT and my score summary is as follows:
2013 - 650 V31 Q48
2014 - 640 V28 Q49

My academics are as follows:
10th - 88% (I.C.S.E.)
12th - 84% (100 in Maths C.B.S.E.)
B.Tech - 76% (U.P.Tech university graduated in 2010)

I have been associated with extracurricular activities, mostly cultural and sports, in my previous organisations and my college. I have also been working on a technical project for the aid of my community from past 6 months or so.

My target B-schools are in India and Singapore (I am targeting at 1yr MBA only) :
1) ISB Hyderabad
2) NTU Singapore
3) NUS Singapore

I have yet not completed my 5yrs of work experience so I could not apply for IIM-A or IIM-B this year and I haven't applied for any b-school last year as well because I was targeting a higher GMAT score.

Please advise-
1) With a low GMAT score of 650/640 and with my current profile, is it advisable to apply for the above mentioned b-schools this year? Specially ISB as it's Round 2 deadline is approaching.
2) If not, then what value addition should I make to my profile and what GMAT score should I target at to apply next year?
3) Should I consider Great Lakes this year? I am not considering this option much as I am already earning very close to the average package offered at Great Lakes so I think it doesn't make sense to invest in this option.
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Need expert advise, target India and Singapore 1yr MBA 15 Nov 2014, 22:11
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You could apply for NTU and NUS as reaches if you are prepared for the fact that it may not work out. Because you are a female, you will have a better chance of getting in, not that your GMAT won't still hurt you a bit. ISB is probably not worth it for you given your overall profile. Would you be happy at NTU and NUS?

If you were to wait, you would want a 720+ GMAT ideally, though even breaking 700 helps you a lot. In addition, I would try to vary the job and job responsibilities a bit. Perhaps you go for a challenging promotion where your role changes and you have more leadership opportunity. Reach out with any other questions and good luck!
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Need expert advise, target India and Singapore 1yr MBA 18 Nov 2014, 00:48
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sakshijn
Hi,
I am a software engineer, female, with 4+ yrs of work experience in leading IT MNCs in India. I recently re-took GMAT and my score summary is as follows:
2013 - 650 V31 Q48
2014 - 640 V28 Q49

My academics are as follows:
10th - 88% (I.C.S.E.)
12th - 84% (100 in Maths C.B.S.E.)
B.Tech - 76% (U.P.Tech university graduated in 2010)

I have been associated with extracurricular activities, mostly cultural and sports, in my previous organisations and my college. I have also been working on a technical project for the aid of my community from past 6 months or so.

My target B-schools are in India and Singapore (I am targeting at 1yr MBA only) :
1) ISB Hyderabad
2) NTU Singapore
3) NUS Singapore

I have yet not completed my 5yrs of work experience so I could not apply for IIM-A or IIM-B this year and I haven't applied for any b-school last year as well because I was targeting a higher GMAT score.

Please advise-
1) With a low GMAT score of 650/640 and with my current profile, is it advisable to apply for the above mentioned b-schools this year? Specially ISB as it's Round 2 deadline is approaching.
2) If not, then what value addition should I make to my profile and what GMAT score should I target at to apply next year?
3) Should I consider Great Lakes this year? I am not considering this option much as I am already earning very close to the average package offered at Great Lakes so I think it doesn't make sense to invest in this option.
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Hi Sakshi,

I would strongly recommend that you apply to these three b-schools with a better GMAT score or apply to another set of b-schools where your GMAT is more competitive. Even if you apply to IIMB/A in the future, they would expect a better GMAT score. The competition is just too much for the Indians.

2. A GMAT around 700 always helps, so try to reach that range. B-schools value career progression and the career impact. Try to be at the helm of activities in your team- take additional responsibilities and learn new things along the way. Promotions are great to have, if you can ensure one for yourself. Also get involved in activities that speak to yoru personal development.

3. Applying to Great Lakes is a personal decision. If you think its not going to add much value to you in terms of education/ other opportunities/ post MBA job prospects, then don't apply there. This MBA education is most probably going to be the last time you will study, so you should try making it your best. If Glakes does not fit that bill, then wait another year and apply where you see a better fit.

Reach out to us if you want to discuss further.