Profile Evaluation- Female, 32yrs old

Hi Aparna,

Thank you very much for your note. Overall, I think your targeting MBS is appropriate. A one-year program with an average age of 30 aligns well with the circumstances you've described (as opposed to, say, a two-year program with an average age of 27 or 28, as you might find with many full-time U.S. programs).

MBS's GMAT score ticked up from the high 600s to 705 with its most recent class, so your 670 puts you a little behind the curve there. It would be great if you are able to improve your score in the next exam sitting. More points always helps, especially if you feel like you left some points on the table last time!

As with any application, articulating a specific, coherent rationale for "why MBA" and "why now" will be very important. That will be of heightened importance for you given you already have 14 years of work experience (quite a bit more than the program's stated average of 5.6 years). You'll really want to spell out your case.

I'm not sure what touch points you've had with the program, but I'd likewise make sure that you're doing your research, have very specific knowledge of the program and its elements, and are implicitly showing them interest. They'll often provide you with some off-the-cuff thoughts on your candidacy, too.

As for the consulting plans, I'd be less concerned about the GMAT element and more focused on figuring out what your entry point would be. Would you want or willing to be an "associate" at these firms at this stage of your career? How have others with your level of experience transitioned into these firms after pursuing at MBA, specifically coming from MBS. I'd try to connect with people in the position(s) you're pursuing.

(While they might not explicitly ask about your GMAT, a higher GMAT could help in that it sometimes comes up and/or can be used as a rough barometer of comparison between candidates. It could also help you the further up the consulting firm hierarchy you go. At 700+ your score would be something you could stand pretty tall with as you go through the recruiting and interview process with these firms.)

Best Regards,
Greg