Last visit was: 20 Nov 2025, 02:08 It is currently 20 Nov 2025, 02:08
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
sid_darth5
Joined: 26 Feb 2024
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 5
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 5
Kudos: 16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
Archit3110
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 18 Aug 2017
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 8,422
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 243
Status:You learn more from failure than from success.
Location: India
Concentration: Sustainability, Marketing
GMAT Focus 1: 545 Q79 V79 DI73
GMAT Focus 2: 645 Q83 V82 DI81
GPA: 4
WE:Marketing (Energy)
GMAT Focus 2: 645 Q83 V82 DI81
Posts: 8,422
Kudos: 4,982
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
sid_darth5
Joined: 26 Feb 2024
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 5
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 5
Kudos: 16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
dee1pug1
Joined: 30 Dec 2022
Last visit: 20 Nov 2025
Posts: 404
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 56
Posts: 404
Kudos: 327
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Think again about your choices (MSc. vs MBA) and decision-making process. If you pursue MSc. in 2025, then it is highly unlikely that you will pursue MBA soon. By the time you gain a few years of work experience post-MSc. and get prepped up for MBA, your work experience would have crossed the sweet spot of not just M7 but maybe T25.
The typical class profiles declared by schools are a good start. As an Indian male, take it that you need to be above the averages—GPA AND GMAT. These are hygiene factors for shortlisting. The 'holistic' claim comes after this only.
User avatar
TheRedPen
User avatar
The Red Pen Representative
Joined: 18 Jan 2021
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 638
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 7
Location: India
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
Posts: 638
Kudos: 85
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
sid_darth5
Hey guys, going to get straight into it:

Age: 24M Indian

GMAT FE: 625 (83 %ile) ~ 680-690 standard edition

Work Experience: 3 years upon joining the program (Jul 2022 - Present) at a boutique institutional broking firm catering to A-list FII clients. Started off as an analyst and then took up additional responsibilities of dealing and sales.

Bachelors: 7.44/10 CGPA (B.A. Economics and Finance | 2019-2022) - A very average private university in India.

I will probably write the gmat again but was wondering what schools I can send this 625 score to? MBA and MSc. Finance is what I was looking at mainly. Considered the MSc. Finance at LSE and also quite curious about my chances at Columbia and Booth (Masters in finance programs there too) because for sure wont get into an MBA at a M7 with this score.
Hi sid_darth5,

Given your GMAT score of 625, while respectable, it might be challenging to gain admission to the most selective programs like Columbia and Booth (especially for their highly competitive Masters in Finance programs).

However, your work experience at a boutique institutional broking firm is a significant strength.

With your current score, you can focus on Indian business schools such as ISB and other European international schools. You hold a strong position for masters across leading European schools. However, we'll help you finalise the list once we understand your requirements and goals.

Key Considerations:

Retake the GMAT: As mentioned earlier, retaking the GMAT and aiming for a score above 700 is highly recommended to significantly improve your chances at top-tier programs.
Focus on your Application: Craft compelling essays that highlight your unique experiences, career goals, and fit with the program. Secure strong letters of recommendation.
Explore Scholarships: Research scholarship opportunities at your target schools to make the program more affordable.

Feel free to schedule a free call with our experts to discuss your profile and narrow down on the roadmap ahead. You can also connect directly with our experts via call at +91 7780769732.
User avatar
MG4MBACrystalBall
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 969
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 969
Kudos: 160
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
sid_darth5, targeting the 2025 intake or 2026?
User avatar
MBAandBeyond
User avatar
MBA and Beyond Consulting
Joined: 13 Jul 2020
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 4,427
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 166
Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
Affiliations: INSEAD and Harvard
Location: Singapore
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,427
Kudos: 927
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
sid_darth5
Hey guys, going to get straight into it:

Age: 24M Indian

GMAT FE: 625 (83 %ile) ~ 680-690 standard edition

Work Experience: 3 years upon joining the program (Jul 2022 - Present) at a boutique institutional broking firm catering to A-list FII clients. Started off as an analyst and then took up additional responsibilities of dealing and sales.

Bachelors: 7.44/10 CGPA (B.A. Economics and Finance | 2019-2022) - A very average private university in India.

I will probably write the gmat again but was wondering what schools I can send this 625 score to? MBA and MSc. Finance is what I was looking at mainly. Considered the MSc. Finance at LSE and also quite curious about my chances at Columbia and Booth (Masters in finance programs there too) because for sure wont get into an MBA at a M7 with this score.
Hi sid_darth5 , I hope you are doing well!

With a GMAT score of 625 and 3 years of work experience in institutional broking, your profile may be a challenge for top MBA programs at M7 schools, as their average GMAT scores are typically higher. However, your experience with A-list clients and career growth in a specialized role is a strong asset. Given your interests in MSc Finance, you still have competitive options. Programs you mentioned LSE, Columbia, and Booth offer Masters in Finance, but your chances would improve with a higher GMAT score. Additionally, you could explore European schools such as ESSEC and HEC Paris, which tend to be more flexible with GMAT scores and value work experience. Retaking the GMAT would strengthen your profile for these programs, but even without it, there maybe still good options for both MBA and MSc Finance paths. Good luck!

“Join Our Exclusive Webinar!"
User avatar
sid_darth5
Joined: 26 Feb 2024
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 5
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 5
Kudos: 16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi Manish,

Been a couple of days since the post and the update is that I have decided that I want an MBA from an M7. Avg work ex there is 5 years so ideally 2026 (4 yrs work ex) and if need be then 2027. Will use this time wisely to build my profile further and get a 700+ gmat score. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
MG4MBACrystalBall
sid_darth5, targeting the 2025 intake or 2026?