mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 19 Apr 2018
Posts: 222
Given Kudos: 0
Re: Profile evaluation request- Thank you in advance
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01 Dec 2021, 00:13
The application process is truly holistic, and committees will look at your stats (GPA and GMAT), work experience, and extracurriculars.
Your GPA of 68% seems to be about the average or perhaps a bit below the average of your target schools, so hopefully you will compensate for that with a strong GMAT. If you score in the high 600s as you suggest, that should be around the average of your target schools. Also, I know you are under a tight timeline, but if possible take the GMAT a second time as well. You have nothing to lose since schools will only look at your highest score. And even a slight increase can boost your profile. You may still want to illustrate to the schools that you have the academic ability to succeed in the classroom. You could showcase your quant ability in your resume, and your recommenders could do the same in their recommendations.
I think that your work experience will be crucial in differentiating you from other candidates, especially those in your demographic. It is good that you have international work experience, so definitely emphasize that as well as your leadership experiences in your different roles.
Similarly with regard to extracurriculars, hopefully you can discuss some leadership and initiative you have undertaken in activities outside of work too.
If you continue to strengthen your profile, you do have a chance at some of these schools, but they are competitive, and for that reason, I suggest apply to several schools, including reach, target and safety. You could also consider ISB, and if you are willing to go to Europe, there are great programs there, for example, in Spain. I also encourage you to consider one-year MBA programs – many of which are in Europe – as they tend to have slightly older applicants like yourself.
Good luck!