Profile Evaluation, Marine Corps Combat Arms Officer

Hi there,

First of all, thank you for your service! And bravo on getting started with the MBA application process early. That will definitely play to your advantage over the upcoming months.

So here’s how I see your GMAT score. Your school list includes quite a range, which is great, but I’d love to know if you have your heart set on HBS/MIT/Kellogg/LBS or if you’re just looking to get into the “best” program you can. If you’re aiming for those top 10 schools, you’re going to want to re-take the GMAT and aim for at least a 20-30 point improvement. Why? Because your GPA is on the lower side for those schools (and a high GMAT can help mitigate that) and you’re starting early so you have time to improve. It’s not that a killer story & essays won’t still get you noticed by a top 10 adcom with your current profile – it very well could – but if you have the opportunity to improve your GMAT and increase those chances, why not do it? Just make sure to dedicate time to some additional studying and preparation so you make the re-take count. On the other hand, if you’d be really happy with McCombs or Georgetown and those top 10 programs are just ‘hail marys” for you, then I see less of a reason to retake it. So it all depends on what programs you’re set on and also what you’re looking to do professionally after business school. Consulting firms, for example, use your GMAT score in the hiring decision (especially at schools with grade non-disclosure) so you’ll want to aim higher than a 700 if you’re hoping for MBB offers.

I hope that helps! I’m happy to chat further if you have other questions about the application process, translating your military experience into “business” language, etc. I know the MBA mindset is a tough transition from active duty so feel free to reach out – melody@vantagepointadmissions.com

Best of luck to you!

Kindly,
Melody