pls evaluate

Question

Age 31, male
Nationality - indian
gmat score - 650
strong academics

Experience - 10 yrs , leadership experience , financial services - business development, leadership experience of 7/8 yrs.

My Question - should i apply in third round/second round of this year or wait one more year to apply in 1st round.?

Targets schools

Kellog - one year program mba , stern, emory, booth, ulca, cornell
insead , lbs, oxford , cambridge

please guide.

thanks

mbaMissionBrianE · Answer

Hello mbastar123, thanks for your question.

Given that you come from an overrepresented demographic in the MBA applicant pool, and one that scores disproportionately high on the GMAT, I would try to improve your GMAT score for top programs.

Given your extensive experience, have you considered executive programs?

Best of luck,
Brian

mbastar123 · Answer

Thanks for your reply.

I would be comfortable for executive mba - full time program that can provide me job assistance.

The reason i require placement assistance is that i do not have strong professional network outside india, and it will be difficult to find a job post executive mba in country other than india just on the basis of my own network

pls suggest

mbaMissionBrianE · Answer

Hello mbastar123, thanks for your question.

I think an executive program might be a better fit.

In targeting suitable schools, a good place to start would be to compile a list of programs that have a mean or median GMAT score close to yours. You should be competitive here. My rule of thumb is that if your GMAT score falls within the middle 80% range at a school, you have a shot. Otherwise, it could be an uphill battle.

I tend to avoid telling candidates where to apply simply because it’s an intensely personal choice that you should make. You will know best which program has:
• Resources that best meets your career needs
• A culture that resonates with your personal style
• Students whom you respect, can relate to, and have fun with!

I encourage all applicants to pound the pavement and talk to students and alumni from your target programs to find the best fit. It’s not easy, I know, but the effort will be worth it in the end, I assure you.

Best of luck,
Brian

mbastar123 · Answer

Hi,

thanks for your reply till now,

If i re-take and score 700, will it make difference ? , i mean can i apply in the first round with 700 to some of top 15 US schools or you think i should actually drop my idea for top 15 b-schools considering my age ?

I would appreciate and welcome honestly

, i believe your frank reply will help me channel my efforts in the right way.

thakns

, i believe your frank reply will help me channel my efforts in the right way. thakns

mbaMissionBrianE · Answer

I think scoring a 700 on the GMAT would make you a more attractive candidtate, certainly, but even then you would face a stiff competition from your demographic for admission into top 15 programs. So, scoring a 700 might be just the first phase of gaining admission into those schools. I think they still might be a reach.

I hope this helps,
Brian

I hope this helps,
Brian

pls evaluate

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