MBAPrepCoach wrote:
sdlife you have some truly amazing shiz going on and I'm very impressed with how you package things and presented yourself. This will definitely separate you from a lot of the competition in and of itself but I just don't think you're going to get your full day in court without having at least a GMAT that meets the average. Indians with an IT background should not be hoping for miracles. I hate to put you in that bucket but you're going to have competition and they are quite likely to have far better test scores. I like that you have Tuck on your list of schools because they look beyond that particular classification.
I'd recommend that you take advantage of Round 1 early action rounds for Darden and Duke with your current score. Definitely take advantage of the self-initiated interviews.
Maybe you're probably hoping for something a little bit higher ranked but Cornell is still an exceptional program, great network and they have good recruitment for Bain. And your GMAT is in line... I mean still I generally like to see at least 20 points over the average for even the best Indian applicants not 10.
If you can find a way for folks to be understanding at work it would be great for you to continue to make forward steps on the GMAT in parallel, and make sure to mix up your strategies, don't do the try harder do better strategy that never seems to work. Get a tutor join a group study situation Etc. Be efficient. I used to tutor GMAT for 18 years and the best piece of advice I can give you is to get up an hour earlier every day so that you're giving the best of yourself and not the rest of yourself.
Here's a critical piece of information. MBB only accepts 720 if you are from a top 20 school and 710 if you're from a top 10 school and as we both know it's unlikely you'll get into a top 10 school with a 710 so your career positioning will need to be more or centered around tier 2 or corporate strategy. There's more on the line for the GMAT so just the applications unfortunately.
In the optional area indicates for those two applications that you will be retaking the exam. And then cram like the dickens but make sure to give yourself two months to work on the apps for some of these other schools.
I'm not sure if it's off the table, European programs, but I think LBS might be a good addition it can also be a two-year program strong in consulting and also they will be more interested in someone like yourself who was a little bit on the older side. Your GMAT is in line with what they would want. This could be a way to leverage your international experience. Cambridge is also a good school for consulting and that might also be something to include on the round one roster.
In a nutshell I think that you should take advantage of the early action deadlines apply to realistic school choices and work on the GMAT after you've submitted some solid applications for some good schools but not dreams schools potentially.
Because the fact of the matter is that a better test score is a little bit of a black box and I don't want you to be chasing your tail and squandering your time. As an Indian you do need to have your applications in early and I do think that if things work out for you to apply to other schools in round two fabulous but let's be realistic instead of optimistic here.
https://mbaprepcoach.com Hi
MBAPrepCoach! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.
1) For now, I am not considering the European programs. I agree with you that the GMAT is on the lower side and will most likely be a deal breaker. But, if I am able to get a GMAT of 750/760, do you think I have a decent shot at Kellogg/Tuck/Fuqua? I know Wharton and Booth will be really tough. Kellogg is my top choice and is probably the highest ranked among the three.
Yes, I do feel you would have a shot, but I think that squandering your time chasing after a score that you might not get is self sabotage (unless you are OK with next year.) The real truth is that you will get a tremendous amount of value from any top 20 program. I urge you to follow my advice on Darden; it is non-binding, and Duke would also be wise. Early action and self initiated interviews are ways to greatly improve your chances.
2) Also, I keep getting mixed opinions on R1 vs R2. Is Round 2 really tough to get in for an Indian applicant?
It is far preferred to submit in Round 1 (hence my advice) and your changes are better, BUT if you have a low GMAT and a crappy application, Round 1 is just a means of getting rejected quickly.
3) One last thing, do you think if I spend the next month fully focused on GMAT, then would 1 month be sufficient for a good application for 3 schools?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. First of all who knows what will happen on the GMAT no matter what your actions? Also you need at last 2 months to do applications properly (research yourself, your goals and the schools.)
So AGAIN.....YOU HAVE MY ADVICE...do what you can in the present moment and parallel your GMAT efforts, is my opinion.
I liked the idea of early decisions for both Fuqua and Darden. I visited both the schools earlier this year and loved them. I will definitely think it through and see if I can make it work.
Thanks again for all your inputs. I appreciate it.
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Updated on: 17 Mar 2020, 14:26
