sgupta0827 wrote:
I have already taken GMAT 3 times. Now I am contemplating whether to apply or try one more time.
First time, I got dismal 560--prepared for about 2-3 months, without much diligence--attempted thinking that GMAT is not a very difficult test. I was thrown back comprehensively.
Second time, I got 590; I approached pretty much with the same thought process that since most of the people can get score in 2-3 months, I should be able to get it too. Since deadlines were approaching, I planned to attempt immediately after a month. I didn't realize that I will be able to hardly improve anything in a month.
Third time, took a break of 6 months. This time I did much more intense preparation and thus I could feel increase in the confidence level, too. I wasn't confident that I can get 700, but I wanted to take a chance, as again deadlines were approaching. Test went well, except few glitches in verbal. Since I was scoring from 34-38 in verbal in all the mocks, I thought I should get at least 34 in the real test. I got 650(Q49, V31). I have seen lot of people getting 670 with this break up. I don't know why I got 650. In fact, 800 score calculator also calculates it to 670. I know score can vary based on the break up. But I didn't know it could vary 20 points. One of my friends asked me to contact GMAC, but I don't think it's going to take me anywhere. Please let me know if it's worth the efforts.
With some more preparation, I think I should be able to score 700+, even though I could not score in last three attempts. I will, however, be wasting whole year. My question is that is it worth trying? Or can I get a decent college at 650 itself? Here are the details about my profile:
Experience: 9+ years in IT industry in two countries (Worked for various multinational reputed clients)
Personal Details: 31 years, male, Indian IT engineer, multilingual
Current Role: working as enterprise architect in US (This is more like a leadership role that requires me to work with business, execs and IT dept). Designing a software for management accounting, revenue accounting, and financial accounting.
Education: Undergrad(bachelor of technology) from India, from second tier college after IITs--NITs, with 78% and top 8 in the class.
Certification: CFA Level 1
References: I think I can get excellent references from senior managers who are handling teams of up to 50 people
Extra curricular: Nothing stellar, just few things here and there.
Target: Executive MBA with the focus on finance
Target schools: Mccombs, Darden, Cornell or above (International schools IIM, ISB, and NUS)
What am I looking for from MBA: In 2-3 words, exponential growth opportunity. I am looking to jump start my career. I should be able to land C level executive position, or at least senior manager level position that can provide me assurance and opportunity to move the ladder faster.
Looking for the following answers:
Which schools can I target at the score of 650 with my profile?
What are the realistic odds to get into a school with this profile?
Is it worth spending one more year than settling for not-so-great school?
I don't think it makes any sense to settle for colleges like UTD or similar with 9 years of experience and with the desires listed above. Does it?
I am fine with international school like NUS, as long as the fee is not too high, or the school allows me to work.
Cornell EMBA does not require the GMAT. You are in range for Darden and for McCombs a little above average. I don't think it makes sense for you to retake. You have a competitive profile for these EMBA programs.
Best,
Linda