Need help with University shortlistings!

Question

Hey guys, I just attempted my GMAT Focus Edition this weekend and I needed some advice here on the channel regarding my next moves.

I scored a 72 Percentile on the GMAT Focus (595 score - It translates to a 650 equivalent on the classic GMAT). It was between 615-655 in my mocks but somehow it didn't work that well in the end. However, I don't want to overthink now.

Here's a bit about my background:

1. I am a 25-year-old Indian with a BTech. in Mechanical Engineering (Graduated in 2020) with a decent GPA.

2. As a University Extra Curricular I handled a team of 16 members for an international Aero Design competition in the US.

3. I have 2.5 years of Professional work experience in the field of Business Development and Operations - (1.5 years as an associate for an NYC based LLC startup and almost 1 year as a Category Manager for an Indian Unicorn Startup).

4. I also have a creative side to myself where I have an unpublished writing portfolio (Of poems).

5. I am looking to pursue a career in Marketing/ Product Management - My ideology here being that I am looking for a change as I feel that marketing as a field allows one to create a much bigger impact on the organization/industry. My operational background will bring a unique perspective to marketing, as I have the ability to understand and optimize processes.

With this in mind, I was hoping to understand where my applications stand at present:

1. Is it bold of me to apply for Indian universities like ISB given my moderate GMAT Score? Or is it worth giving a shot?

2. Should I apply for universities like NYU for programs abroad or aim lower?

3. In universities like Dartmouth (MEM) and Duke Fuqua where GMAT is optional/not required - Do I stand a chance?

Any other suggestions or clarifications are welcome!

divesh87 · Answer

Hi grawzzy I feel like you could benefit from our free profile evaluation. We ask you specific questions about your profile and based on the answers recommend schools to you to apply for. If interested in the same. Please visit our website and click on 'Request Free Profile Evaluation' and then do the needful. We'll be happy to help Best, Divesh Founder & Managing Consultant http://www.Top100MBA.Club Posted from my mobile device

MBAGuide · Answer

grawzzy Hope this finds you well My two cents- 1. Schools are still getting used to the GMAT focus. Each school will want to collect a range of benchmark scores before they can say definitively what score is appropriate for a given population and what is below expectations. But until then, schools will use sectional percentile scores as a reference for assessing your academic ability or readiness for the program. Unless you have something exceptional in your academic record, such as graduating from a prestigious undergrad or receiving a merit scholarship, I think you need that extra GMAT push to show that you deserve the last remaining spot at one of these schools. 2. I find your work experience interesting and see good opportunities to describe your motivation and area of interest. Evidence of steady progression would be a plus even though you only have ~2.5 years of experience.. Unpack your experience and build your stories in a way that makes it clear that you have gained much more practical experience, more experiential maturity, and more ability to contextualize business problems (specific to your area of work) by working on respective projects and closely with leadership at these companies. Formulate well-researched goals and explain your motivation for your future plans. Make sure you use your unique positioning to portray a strong leadership narrative. Thoroughly outline what type of roles you are seeking after the PGP and why. And yes, you will definitely be grilled in the interview and you will probably be presented with some case scenarios/case problems. These are the things I prepare my applicants for. All in all, a great profile, but with a low percentile, there's a very good chance you will not make it, although it does not hurt to apply. You can reapply, but reapplying may not hold the same allure to the adcom. In schools where GMAT is optional, you may be at a disadvantage if the school is ultra-competitive, and you cannot back your academic profile with a high GPA or exceptional analytical capabilities. So take that call with thorough consideration. For Duke, a 700 equivalent or 75th percentile would have been better. Feel free to seek professional advice Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Admissionado · Answer

grawzzy :

1. Is it bold of me to apply for Indian universities like ISB given my moderate GMAT Score? Or is it worth giving a shot?

A: You can and should try, but consider it a "reach" or "dream" school.

2. Should I apply for universities like NYU for programs abroad or aim lower?

A: NYU is very competitive, but yes, look for programs abroad. That will give you many more options if your list is appropriate scoped.

3. In universities like Dartmouth (MEM) and Duke Fuqua where GMAT is optional/not required - Do I stand a chance?

A: Yes, but not seeing the "wow" factor in your profile for such schools. There might be more to your background than you shared (which is common!), but based on the surface you probably need to aim lower.

Not that the GMAT is everything, but would you consider retaking the exam?

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  grawzzy ,

Hope this finds you well.

You must definitely retake the GMAT because even though your profile has its merits, your GMAT, in itself, is fairly low.

We wouldn't recommend applying without a GMAT score; it places all the emphasis on your profile and does not put you at any serious advantage.

Hope this helps.

All the best!

TheRedPen · Answer

"
Hello  grawzzy ,

Here's what I think. You need to do a free profile audit with us which can help us understand your cultural background, financial plans, long-term goals, interests, academic performance, and professional expertise. Basis this discussion, we'll know how important is your GMAT in sync with your profile for the schools you aspire to get into.

Our consultants hail from diverse backgrounds, including 15 of the top 20 global business schools, including Wharton, Columbia, INSEAD, HEC Paris, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson, Cornell Johnson, IESE Business School, and others. We combine our expertise and play off each other’s competencies to tailor our services to your requirements.

You can call us at +91 9820491179 or even  block a slot  with them to discuss this in detail.

At the heart of The Red Pen is our commitment to finding the ‘best-fit’ institution for every applicant. "

RetaketheGMAT · Answer

Hi grawzzy

Although it's only part of your application, I'd strongly recommend you consider retaking the GMAT.

While your score isn't bad, given you're part of the overrepresented category, you need a more standout GMAT score to push your application to the top.

The key thing is figuring out what critical gaps are holding your score back. Our diagnostic sessions often reveal that test taking skills are as big problem as conceptual knowledge. We can discuss in a private call if you're interested.

Let me know if you're interested by DM.

Arvind

3Storms · Answer

Hi grawzzy

Defining what is a reach, target and safe school requires a deeper look at your background. We can discuss in a free call if you're interested. At the very least, you'll get a clearer picture about where to focus your efforts and whether your GMAT score needs improvement to be competitive.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best

Vin

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