mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 19 Apr 2018
Posts: 222
Given Kudos: 0
Re: Profile Review Request
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16 May 2023, 22:06
Hello and thanks for your post.
The application process is truly holistic, and committees will look at your stats (CGPA and GMAT), work experience, and extracurriculars.
Your CGPA is decent and your GMAT of 680 is also solid, though compared to others in your demographic, it is about the average. If you haven’t already, I suggest taking it up to 3-4 times. You have nothing to lose since schools will only look at your highest score. And even a slight increase can boost your profile. Therefore, to answer your question about which round to apply, I suggest waiting until you have a higher score, which would then be the January deadlines. I feel that a higher score is more important than applying in an earlier round. (Although if you can take the exam in September and still apply in Round 1, that would be ideal.) Regardless of your GMAT, 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, your recommenders could do the same in their recommendations, or you could even take a supplemental course such as stats or calculus.
It is hard to gauge your work experience without knowing your accomplishments and impact you have made there. It is nice to see that you have been promoted and that you have significant international experience, which is something on which to focus. It will also be important to explain why you want your MBA, and to also illustrate the skills you already have which are transferable. Be sure your story makes sense, and is realistic and specific.
Regarding extracurriculars, make sure to really emphasize your leadership roles you have taken on. Achieving a patent grant sounds impressive; that is one aspect of your profile on which you can elaborate.
If you continue to strengthen your profile, you do have a chance at some of these schools, though I suggest apply to several schools, including reach, target and safety. Hopefully they will see that you have a compelling story and are someone who will add value to the classroom and community.
Good luck!