Last visit was: 18 Nov 2025, 16:45 It is currently 18 Nov 2025, 16:45
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
riteshbindal
Joined: 01 Sep 2009
Last visit: 01 Jun 2010
Posts: 23
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 3
Posts: 23
Kudos: 357
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
ISBtarget
Joined: 24 Aug 2009
Last visit: 01 Oct 2013
Posts: 127
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 46
Posts: 127
Kudos: 373
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
ISBtarget
Joined: 24 Aug 2009
Last visit: 01 Oct 2013
Posts: 127
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 46
Posts: 127
Kudos: 373
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear riteshbindal,

The GMAT score is good. The acads is weak. But both are clubbed in together while gauging the analytical ability of a candidate. So the GMAT score can offset the below average acads with the help from the recos, where there has to be a mention of your superb analytical abilities.

Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear ISBTarget,

You have a good profile for both ISB and Saiid, Oxford. But in order to do what you are planning to post MBA, ISB seems the best option as you want to incubate your venture inn India. The network you make there, the help and mentoring you get incubating your venture will be great.

The advantage in schools like Saiid is that the quality of international exposure is way better compared to any Indian B-school.

So, it's your call: Facilitation in venture incubation Vs. International exposure.


Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
avatar
coachboom
Joined: 22 Oct 2009
Last visit: 14 Jan 2010
Posts: 1
Posts: 1
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi ThinkISB,

Just want to get some feedback on my profile.

I am in the process of finishing my application and hope to submit it by Nov 25th.

I took the GMAT a couple of times. About 2 years back I got 710 ( 36 V , 50Q) and a couple of weeks back I got 710 again ( 38 V, 49 Q). My main goal was to improve my Verbal score, but the Quant score suffered a little due to not paying much attention to that section during my preparation.

I came to the US for my undergrad in 1998 and got my B.S in Mathematics (started out in CS but transferred later) from UT Austin (Top 10 University). My undergrad GPA was very low. I then did my MS in Mathematics with a 3.5 GPA from an Average University.
I have 3 years of work experience, mostly in the Pharmaceutical Industry, working as a Statistical Analyst in Clinical Trials and in Customer Business Development.
I have worked as a Point of Contact in the US for our IT outsourcing business in India which started during my Undergraduate years and is still continuing. This was also in the Medical Field.

That is a general overview of my profile. Really appreciate your feedback.Thank You.
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear Coachboom,

The information that you have furnished is very limited. But I feel there is a disconnect in the profile and you have quite a good amount of explaining to do.
1. Why shift to Mathematics from CS?
2. Why did you go to an average univ after an under graduation from UT Austin? Generally it is the other way round.


I don't have enough information to comment on your work experience and extra-curriculars. However, a positive thing is that you have looked to specialize in a sector and have shown a career growth.


Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
avatar
agourav
Joined: 14 Nov 2008
Last visit: 07 Feb 2014
Posts: 24
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 24
Kudos: 69
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kindly do an evaluation of my profile

1. 10th - 89.2%
2. 12th - 76.5%
3. B.E Marine from Jadavpur University - 72.8% (IIT-JEE 2002 AIR-2227)
4. 6 months work-ex in a steel firm
5. 2 years and 8 months work ex in a leading petroleum company of India filled with innovation and diverse stuff.
6. CFA LII candidate ( CFA Institute, USA)
7 PRM candidate (PRMIA)
8. good extra curricular activities throughout school and college including being the Placement cell member, Senior Cadet Captain and Cultural Committee member.
9. Most Innovative Idea Award by a noble laureate at IIT-KGP in 2006
10. Involved in voluntary education initiatives for the under-privileged and also at de-addiction camp.
11. Completed CFM.
12. GMAT 640.

Should I go ahead with apping or retake the GMAT?
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear agourav,

You have a good diversity in your profile. But the GMAT score is very low. Considering that you come from an engineering background and that too from a Tier 1 institute the adcom would want your GMAT score to be in the range of 700 and I'm sure you can do that easily.

Hence I would advice you to retake the GMAT.

Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
avatar
agourav
Joined: 14 Nov 2008
Last visit: 07 Feb 2014
Posts: 24
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 24
Kudos: 69
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
my GMAT breakup is 50Q, 26V...this was a huge setback for me considering that the gmatpreps that I took I scored 730 and 750. I dont know what went wrong yesterday ( I took the test yesterday ).

But since i dont have enough time for retaking the test, is it possible to somehow convince the adcome to overlook it.

I'm basically from Bharat Petroleum( Refinery SBU and in Operations/Maintenance of India's longest Multi-product cross country pipeline).

I have created a scenario prediction model for predicting the product tank behavior for very efficient management of product interfaces which has resulted in very low slop generation ( savings for the company ) and is now replicated in other locations as well.

I have a unique experience of dealing with angry villagers, Police and DM when at one location the pipeline leaked and I came out good with enhanced reputation for the company.

I want to get into equity research/ consulting. Wont my exposure to diverse industries help me in this regard.

There are other experiences too which are unique in themselves. Please suggest the way to go forward as the deadline is fast approaching.
User avatar
bigoyal
Joined: 03 Jun 2009
Last visit: 08 Jul 2011
Posts: 577
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 56
Location: New Delhi
Concentration: IT Consultancy
WE 1: 5.5 yrs in IT
Posts: 577
Kudos: 2,394
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
agourav
But since i dont have enough time for retaking the test, is it possible to somehow convince the adcome to overlook it.

:roll: wish so!! Btw you got a very good profile.
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear agourav,

It cannot be done that way. Let me tell you that except for the GMAT you will be able to fulfill ISB's admission criteria. But then again you have about 3.4 years of experience, which is lower than the average.

It would be difficult to convince the adcom that the qualities of your work experiences are so great that they would in fact offset your GMAT and lower number of years of work ex.

When you apply you will be compared with a student from a similar tier 1 engineering college, not an arts graduate, who has to compete with candidates with lower scores. Hence, I fear that you application has a greater chance of getting rejected.

I trust you don't mind me being frank.

Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
avatar
kyugi
Joined: 18 Aug 2009
Last visit: 02 Jan 2010
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 4
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear thinkisb,

I was planning on retaking the GMAT to improve my score, but someone told me that if u re-take gmat within six months of yr first attempt the average score will be taken by the bschool.

Could u clarify the same, I had taken the test this august and was planning to re-take in jan
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear kyugi,

Different schools have a different take on this. As far as ISB is concerned, your highest score is taken regardless of the duration between and frequency of the tests.

Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
User avatar
ISBtarget
Joined: 24 Aug 2009
Last visit: 01 Oct 2013
Posts: 127
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 46
Posts: 127
Kudos: 373
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
thinkISB
Dear ISBTarget,

You have a good profile for both ISB and Saiid, Oxford. But in order to do what you are planning to post MBA, ISB seems the best option as you want to incubate your venture inn India. The network you make there, the help and mentoring you get incubating your venture will be great.

The advantage in schools like Saiid is that the quality of international exposure is way better compared to any Indian B-school.

So, it's your call: Facilitation in venture incubation Vs. International exposure.


Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222

Hi ThinkISB

I took my gmat and scored badly 660. I am planning to retake in Jan however this wont help my ISB apps.

I have written the optional essay talking about my analytical and problem solving skills and how i stayed competitive in my engineering competing with top 100 candidates of my state.I got this info in both of my recos.I am from one of the top technical university in India, scored 99% in my engineering admission exams and ranked 64 state wide....I guess this may all add some value highlighting...

I think my post MBA goal to be a social entrepreneur, strong extra curricular and quality experience in service industry may be an advantage.....but no clue how this low GMAT score may be viewed by ISB.


any suggestions/thoughts from expert like you will be most helpful
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear ISBTarget,

The score is low. You can however give it a try. The other areas are good. Whether it can offaset the low GMAT is still a question. But there is a chance.

Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
User avatar
chauhan2011
Joined: 15 Dec 2009
Last visit: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 48
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 8
Posts: 48
Kudos: 9
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi ThinkISB,

Thanks for all you information here.

Can i please give you trouble to give a look to my profile below and
advice me if i am any good to think of a top B schools in UK and ISB?? specially ISB?


Nationality : Indian.
Planning for 2011 batch

QUALIFICATION (Dont know how to put % into GPA)
---------------
1. MCA (Master Degree in Computer Application) : 3 year frofessional course from GITAM college in VIZAG
got 65%
2. PGMCA (Post graduate diploma in Computer application) a professonal course i
did along with Degree and got 94%
4 OCP (Oracle certified Professional web developer) Professioal certification from
Oracle , got 95%
5 OCA (Oracle certified Associate dsatabase administrator) Professioal certification
from Oracle 95%

WORK EXP
---------
6.5 Years in IT.Worked for 2 years in india and 4.5 years in UK.
Working for Biggest vehicle leasing company in UK on behalf of my empyoer (An Indian MNC)

CAREER PROGRESSION
-------------------
In span of 6.5 years covered and played the below role.

Trainee -> Programmer -> Senior Programmer -> Business change Owner -> Solution Architect-> Onsite coordinator -> Lead Functional Expert -> Module leader.

Played roles in team work and grooming and leading resources.
Work involved very stong analytical skills and handling critical business issue.
For example analyzing and fixing system for around £36 million and stuff.

Got 2 awards and also was top 20 employee of the year in my company which is an MNC.

RECOMMENDATION
----------------
Will get solid recommendation letter form my Employer and Clients

GMAT SCORE :
-------------
Not yet given but hoping to crack a 660-680 score if not more.

Extra curricular/Charity : (Not sure if this is importatn but thought to mention)
-----------------------
charity sponsors, financing a child in India for his education.
Enjoy Reading,movies Intellectual discussions, cooking, Yoga, gym
Have a good sense of humour and Gel well with people.

Do i stand a chance ? Or what colleges should i aim for then ? what score will put me in lead.

Please advice.
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear chauhan2011,

Here is a cursory review of your profile;

Acads and Aptitude: It is decent enough. Although the under graduate score is weak, it has a good post graduate score to offset it. But mind that they are not from top tier institutes. Hence you have to have a 700+ GMAT score.

Work experience: It has followed a beautiful career progression. It shows maturity and is complemented with awards. Your essays should portray it well. It's good.

Your experience in the U.K makes you a fit for the U.K. B-schools as well. Although you may know about it let me tell you that there you have to be a lot more proactive about a job after MBA.

Extra curriculars: Make it a point to devote time to some activities apart from the money you give for good causes.

Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
User avatar
chauhan2011
Joined: 15 Dec 2009
Last visit: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 48
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 8
Posts: 48
Kudos: 9
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
ThinikISB, thanks a lot.
Your advice is very profound.

Just to add, i have not mentioned my undergraduate degree.
I already have a Postgraduate 3 years degree (MCA, Master in Computer application)

The other two are the a postgraduate diploma and two certifications.
The postgraduate degree is not very sound but then it is very hard to score in Masters degree in technical field.

Will sure put more time to charity work then just money that was very wise of you to say so.

I am currently at 600 score in practice tests i gave without prep, not sure it is possible to improve 100 points to reach 700+ target but i would try my best.

Also just to be more clear, could you elaborate about being proactive for Job in UK market post MBA please ?

Many thanks
User avatar
thinkadmit
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Last visit: 26 Apr 2013
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 240
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear chauhan2011,

You can definitely improve a 100 points. 600 is a good score w/o preparation. The GMAT is one of the easiest competitive exams as it has a fixed structure. You can crack it with practice.

B Schools in the U.K. and for that matter any other B School except the Indian ones have a very different perspective towards placements. They generally do not have placement weeks or months. The career advancement offices invite companies for talks and that's it. You have to follow up if you are interested. The good companies will not collect CV s from the placement offices, shortlist candidates and interview them..something very different from the scene in India. Hence, you should start looking for potential employers very early on. Generally in the U.K. the term breaks are the time for students for these things.

Regards,
ThinkISB.
https://www.thinkisb.com
Engage->Educate->Enable
Providing end to end guidance for ISB admissions
Link: https://www.thinkisb.com
Email: contact@thinkisb.com
Blog: https://www.thinkisb.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thinkisb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000279267586
Phone: +91 9010917222/ 9010918222
   1   2   3   4   5   6   7