R2 with better GMAT vs. R1 with 710 - India - Non IT Male

Question

Hi guys,

Need advice - I recently gave GMAT and got a 710.

Profile - Indian, Male, Non-IT, Private Equity

The dilemma lies between going R1 with this score or doing R2.

Thoughts?

Admissionado · Answer

maegor361 :

There are several factors to consider.

Where are you applying or considering applying? Would you be using the time between R1 and R2 to study for the GMAT? If so, how confident are you that you could improve your score?

Do you need scholarship money? Even if not, is that a primary consideration for you?

How far along are you in applications? How many schools are you targeting?

These are important questions to help us understand the decision. The hunch is that you should wait until R2, but that's without answers to these inquiries.

maegor361 · Answer

Thanks for the reply. Answering your questions - 
I will be using my time between R1 and R2 to improve my GMAT. So in my mocks I was comfortably scoring v40-v45 but on test day it has come out to be v38. I am hoping to bridge this gap (also q49 consistently).

On scholarships - I think getting scholarship would certainly be helpful but it will not be a decision factor for me.

I would say I had created a v3 for apps for HSW and CBS, Booth (these are my target schools).

Admissionado · Answer

maegor361 :

If those are your target schools, it's definitely worth it to focus on the GMAT and try to bump up your score at least 20 points. A score of 710 is still solid (and you won't be filtered out based on that alone), but those are schools with little to no room for error. If you have the option to improve a component of your profile this is late in the game, it's something you have to consider.

The only one school you may need to consider applying to somewhat earlier is Columbia given it's rolling admissions policy. Waiting until the normal R2 timeline will put you at a disadvantage.

Do you have any sense for when you might retake the GMAT? I wouldn't wait too long after R1 deadlines pass.

-Admissionado

maegor361 · Answer

Yes. I was planning to take it in 1 or 1.5 months from now to be seriously sure about where I land on GMAT. 
Also, for CBS would it make sense to give Executive Assessment, given that I still might be able to give it and probably get a good score? Does having an EA puts one at a disadvantage against candidates with GMAT, specially for overrepresented pool like mine? I am asking this as realistically I think EA would be my only chance of presenting a decent application in ED for CBS.

Admissionado · Answer

maegor361 :

The EA isn't really appropriate for a candidate such as you. It's typically geared for those applying to EMBA programs. You can take it, but it won't be given serious consideration. It certainly isn't a disadvantage.

I would see how you do on the GMAT in 1-1.5 months from now. In the interim, prioritize your actual CBS application. Get everything in order so that when you get your GMAT results you can apply immediately thereafter. You have a 710 as is, so you should be fine for CBS anyways. You only stand to gain from retaking the test.

The 1-1.5 months "delay" isn't that big of a deal with CBS (plus you need time to actually write the essays, secure letters of recommendation, fill in the application, etc.) You start to get into a trickier situation if you want until typical R2 deadlines for CBS, so just keep the foot on the gas pedal.

-Admissionado

maegor361 · Answer

Sorry I was actually mulling over giving an EA and say getting a 165+ score and only showing that in the application for CBS FT as they accept it. You think it will be a disadvantage?

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

maegor361:
Quite aligned with the detailed and earlier responses to your questions.
EA is not going to be as much of an advantage as a 710 is.

Hope that helps. Connect and Ping on LinkedIn for a free session

bb · Answer

I have seen a number of folks apply and get in in R2 though of course R1 is ideal if you have your ducks in a row. Your background is strong but unfortunately you would need to bump your GMAT to be competition in the Top 10 or even Top 20.... You can also check perhaps you can find a resume twin here for what you are considering (but likely you will see pretty high scores) https://gmatclub.com/mbaappstore (search for India to filter out the India only applicants and see here they got in and which scores they had) You can also try the Decision Tracker and play with filters

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi, maegor361 , Thank you for your post First, I would say you did a decent job scoring a 710 on your GMAT. However, being from an overrepresented pool, a lot of things come into play while deciding your candidature to top B-schools. Hence if possible, I would suggest you share your entire profile for a proper free evaluation by our team of expert consultants. Furthermore, to help candidates like you, we are hosting a special coffee session this Saturday about R1 vs. R2 to understand the ideal round to apply (your timing can’t be more right)! MBA from top Schools like CBS, Booth, and especially HWS requires you to have strong academics, a global outlook, the ability to work in multicultural teams, and pragmatic career goals. Hence, If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances to your target MBA programs; feel free to book a free session with us at your convenience. Webinar- R1 vs. R2: ideal-round to apply alongside gmat prep Cheers! Neha Hadke Strategy Manager, MBA and Beyond Testimonials Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Its my opinion that you would be better off getting a strong score on the EA than 1) applying with a GMAT below the class average or 2) waiting or R2. however your app needs to be great to compensate for not pulling the GMAT wagon (schools rely on Indians and Asians for this sadly). For your profile I dont think a 710 is going to get you real far (but I dont know your profile outside of Indian male). At least this way you can get some apps in and get feedback on them and if no interviews, in October you can focus on upping the GMAT for R2. But I would take advantage of R1 via EA and waivers because time advantage (early round/R1) is material.

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi  maegor361 ,

Hope this finds you well.

Considering you are targetting some top-notch programs, it only makes sense that you retake the GMAT and apply in R2. A 710 will not give you your best chance.

All the best!

maegor361 · Answer

Thanks for feedback. As an update I have a 163 on EA and have applications mostly ready to submit for ED Columbia FT. Should I go forward now or wait for R2 with GMAT (given it is pretty late in ED round as well)

R2 with better GMAT vs. R1 with 710 - India - Non IT Male

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