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AjChakravarthy
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Profile Evaluation & School selection Updated on: 13 Aug 2015, 07:04
Originally posted by AjChakravarthy on 06 Aug 2015, 10:58.
Last edited by AjChakravarthy on 13 Aug 2015, 07:04, edited 1 time in total.
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Hi, would really appreciate your view on my profiles and school selection.


GMAT Scores:
• First Attempt: 500 (Q27, V18) - Just not my day
• Second Attempt: 610 (Q37, V37) - I didn't use the right material, didn't focus on OG
• Third Attempt: 670 (Q46,V36) - Self prep

GPA:
So I did my graduation from a no name college and with a low GPA (Bachelor of Science). Basically it will not help me showcase my academic ability. Am relying only on GMAT scores for that.

Work experience:
I have consistently performed well at work and have received very good performance reviews. I am confident of getting very good recommendations from my boss, clients and peers.


Career Goal:
Looking for career progression in a marketing role or an advisory role in a consultancy.
Though I have been working in the area of marketing and strategy for quite some time, I have no professional qualification in this area and this the gap I want to bridge. I know my career as a strategic marketer will not go far without an MBA.

Target Schools and Average GMAT Scores:(I may not apply to all schools; Have mentioned the GMAT Average and the 80% Average)

1. Kellogg (Northwestern): 714, 660-760
2. Fuqua (Duke): 697, 620-760
3. Ross (Michigan): 704, 650-750
4. Darden (UVA): 699, 640-750
5. McCombs (University of Texas - Austin): 684, 620-730
6. Johnson (Cornell): 687, 620-740
7. Kelley (Indiana): 664, 620-740
8. NUS (National University of Singapore): 667
9. NTU (Nanyang Technological University): 665, 610-720
10. Indian School of Business: 712, 670-750
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mbaMissionJenK
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Profile Evaluation & School selection 10 Aug 2015, 18:54
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Hi,

So it sounds like your work experience is fairly strong, with leadership roles and marketing background,, and it's good that you've been recognized and received awards as mentioned, but your grades are weak (by your own comment), and your GMAT is below the average at the schools mentioned generally. You are a bit more experienced than average for these full time programs, so it will be important that you show why you need the degree, and why NOW. Your school list makes sense for the most part given your marketing interests; in terms of admissions, it could be tougher at Kellogg and Duke and ISB, and probably Darden, than the others for you. You may wish to narrow it down more so that you don't sacrifice the QUALITY of your applications just for QUANTITY... think about 3-4 schools per round generally. Let us know how we can help further, and good luck to you.
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AjChakravarthy
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Profile Evaluation & School selection 11 Aug 2015, 10:35
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mbaMissionJenK
Hi,

So it sounds like your work experience is fairly strong, with leadership roles and marketing background,, and it's good that you've been recognized and received awards as mentioned, but your grades are weak (by your own comment), and your GMAT is below the average at the schools mentioned generally. You are a bit more experienced than average for these full time programs, so it will be important that you show why you need the degree, and why NOW. Your school list makes sense for the most part given your marketing interests; in terms of admissions, it could be tougher at Kellogg and Duke and ISB, and probably Darden, than the others for you. You may wish to narrow it down more so that you don't sacrifice the QUALITY of your applications just for QUANTITY... think about 3-4 schools per round generally. Let us know how we can help further, and good luck to you.
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Hi,

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Yes, i felt my earlier list a bit too ambitious so i have revised my target list to:
1. McCombs (University of Texas - Austin): 684, 620-730
2. Kelley (Indiana): 664, 620-740
3. NUS (National University of Singapore): 667
4. NTU (Nanyang Technological University): 665, 610-720
5. Indian School of Business: 712, 670-750
6. IIM Bangalore (Executive MBA) 700,
7. IIM A (Executive MBA)
8. Tepper 687, 624 - 740
9. Kenan-Flagler 710 (Median), 640 - 750

I am considering retaking the GMAT to improve my chances. I have been thinking through the critical questions such as why MBA, Why now, career goals etc.. I am confident of justifying these.

However, i am still trying to understand how much weight-age the GMAT scores have? Will it really be a deal breaker?

Regards,
Aj
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Profile Evaluation & School selection 12 Aug 2015, 08:40
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Hi there,

That sounds like a more realistic school list (though still fairly long, fyi). In terms of the GMAT overall... I wouldn't say your score is a 'deal breaker' so to speak at the schools on your list especially; but it's always possible that they just have SO many applicants who also have strong profiles AND they have GMAT scores higher than their average etc, so they have to make cuts somewhere. Standing out with your essays and recommendations and potentially interviews can certainly help! Since you've already taken the test 3 times I wouldn't push you to take it again. If you REALLY wish to, the policy recently changed where you can view your score before cancelling, and your cancellation does not show up on your score report anymore, just fyi. Good luck and keep us posted!
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AjChakravarthy
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Profile Evaluation & School selection 12 Aug 2015, 09:24
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Hi there,

That sounds like a more realistic school list (though still fairly long, fyi). In terms of the GMAT overall... I wouldn't say your score is a 'deal breaker' so to speak at the schools on your list especially; but it's always possible that they just have SO many applicants who also have strong profiles AND they have GMAT scores higher than their average etc, so they have to make cuts somewhere. Standing out with your essays and recommendations and potentially interviews can certainly help! Since you've already taken the test 3 times I wouldn't push you to take it again. If you REALLY wish to, the policy recently changed where you can view your score before cancelling, and your cancellation does not show up on your score report anymore, just fyi. Good luck and keep us posted!
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Oh that new policy update is so helpful in making a decision. Thanks a lot for that update.

I am retaking the GMAT to improve my chances.

Your inputs really helped me make a decision. Thanks again :)

Regards,
Aj