Profile Eval - Advice Needed

Question

I need advice from the gmatclub community...

I do not know if I should apply round 1 with a below average gmat score or hold off till round two with the intention of bringing up my gmat score. If I apply round 1, I will most likely not break a 650. If I apply round 2, I foresee myself being able to obtain a 680. Gmat has been really tough for me. I have been studying for 9 months, invested thousands of dollars in Manhattan's in person classes and 1-1 tutoring. It has been a journey especially considering the fact that I scored a 450 on my first practice exam.

Also, you should know that I am only applying to one school - LBS. I am content with the fact that if I don't get in this year I will reapply next year. However, there is still a heightened sense of pressure since I am putting all my eggs in one basket.

With all that said, here is a bit about my profile:
Age: 26
Years of work experience by time of Fall 2021 matriculation: 4 years
Current occupation: Boeing Human Resources leadership development program which has put my on assignment for a year in Sao Paulo and Bangalore 
Undergrad school: Foster Business School UW
Undergrad degree: Business Administration focus in HR 
Undergrad GPA: 3.77
Extracurriculars: President for two clubs in college and scholarship recipient

What should I do? Round 1 or round 2? Any and all advice is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

UPDATE 23-Aug
GRE score = 324 (85th percentile quant and 82nd percentile verbal)

MananS4G · Answer

Hi  LaurenGol 
You have a good profile (international exposure of running HR in a complex environ such as India, good brand in Boeing, etc) and are not from the overrepresented consulting and financial services' applicant pool (~60% of applicants) for LBS. Hence, diversity to your advantage!
However, among other factors, your current GMAT score, # years of experience and age are all below the LBS average. Hence, it would be prudent to at least wait till R2 to improve your GMAT to 680+ to have a better chance. In any case, you should apply this year. The economy would improve and get back on track from mid-2021 and you want to equipped with all the skills you need through an MBA to excel when the economy bounces back!

Hope this helps.

All the best!

-
Manan

Logo · Answer

Thanks so much for the reply Manan. To confirm, you’re vote is round 2?

Posted from my mobile device

MananS4G · Answer

A resounding yes!

madzaka · Answer

With this profile and a good essay, you will get to the interview for sure. 
The main point is if you would be able to express yourself and your goals well and connect everything you are talking about. I say Round 1 is ok but be well prepared for the interview either way. You need to wow people with smooth-talking and connected past experiences with current and future plans and connect your thoughts well

Logo · Answer

Madzaka - thanks so much for sharing your perspective.

I don't want to assume, so just to confirm, you think my chances of being admitted round 1 will be higher than round 2, which is why it might not matter that my gmat score will be a bit lower round 1 compared to round 2?

madzaka · Answer

Yes, I think the fact that it is Round 1 will give you a better opportunity and a higher chance for a university scholarship. Extra 20-30 points on GMAT is meaningless because the whole package is more important. Don't concentrate on one thing but concentrate on what you have to offer as a person as a prospect and as a future leader.

nightblade354 · Answer

Hi Lauren,

Your situation is a tricky one. If you are not 100% committed to going to school this year, I'd recommend taking some pressure off of yourself and studying for as long as you can. You can see your chances of getting into a school here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/what-are-my- ... 09854.html. And while we do not have a round filter, you can get a sense of what a 650 vs. a 680+ will get you.

Also, please consider what a rejection may look like. You may feel prepared to accept it now, but having that come in the mail and knowing that you are stuck for another year in your job can be truly deflating - and not just for your studying habits, but for your career as well.

I hope this helps, and please reach out if you have any further questions.

Logo · Answer

Hi Nightblade - I appreciate your opinion and candor.

To confirm, you’re recommending I hold off till round 2 in order to get my gmat score up?

Posted from my mobile device

nightblade354 · Answer

I am saying that you should wait to get a score that can get you into the school that you want to go to; in this case LBS.

Logo · Answer

Thanks all for weighing in. Please pass this thread along to anyone you think would have an opinion.

Logo · Answer

Hi All - I took GRE today and got a 324 (85th percentile quant and 82nd percentile verbal).

Will this score improve my candidacy? If so, am I safe to go for round 1?

nightblade354 · Answer

Schools look at the GRE differently. I would speak to a consultant about this and get their professional thoughts on the matter. See here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/ Good job the on the GRE score! Posted from my mobile device

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