Proflie
Work Experience: 5-6 years in Canada, function: IT, industry: aviation
Background: Asian that immigrated to Canada 10 years ago
Did not use any admission consulting services
GMAT Preparation: 640 -> 680 -> 720 within 4 months
The first time I took my test, I wasn't prepared at all. I would not recommend taking an actual test just to test your ability because this is what I did, I only did one mock test and took the GMAT, got 640.
I was not happy with my score at all because I would like to get into BSchools with scholarships. I understand that my weakness is verbal. I subscribed to several magazines (The Economist, ...), I find it extremely useful, to pump up my vocab in a short period of time. I susbcribed to
Magoosh and practiced the verbal questions every day. After two more attempts, I finally got a score that I'm satisfied with (720).
School application
My main goal is to switch to management consulting or tech companies. I applied to INSEAD first and was waitlisted. I always have an interest to work in the U.K. After spending some more time researching schools and talking to schools representatives, I decided that I actually want to study in the U.K. I rejected INSEAD's offer later after being admitted from the waitlist with scholarship (10K EURO), and applied to Cambridge Judge and LBS.
I received interview invitations from both Judge and LBS in round 1, but did not get an offer from LBS at the end which I felt a bit disappointed. After visiting Cambridge, I fell in love with the campus and felt much more connected with the other applicants that I met during the interview day. I received an offer from Judge with scholarship. I am excited and can't wait to start the programme in the coming Sept. Although there are many uncertanties given the current siituation, I am staying optimistic. I think some changes from the pandemic will not be reverted back, it is a good time to test our ability, and especially our adaptability.
When I shared with some of my friends that I chose Judge over INSEAD, some were shocked. But I believe that your own personal feeling / intuition towards the school really matters. Of course, school ranking and career outcomes are improtant. But after all, it is a big personal investment and a long break from work, I decided to choose a place that helps me better understand the country that I aim to work in and connect with locals.
Any advice?
I would recommend that you do a thorough school research, talk to people, list the factors that matter to you the most , prioritize them to make a good decision.