Request Profile Evaluation- Low GPA, 670 GMAT Score (Q46, v36)

Question

Hi,

Really appreciate an evaluation of my profile. I need to apply for the 2016 intake and planning to apply in R1 in all colleges.

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
My third attempt was completely through self prep. I owe my improvement only to GMAT Club. The forums and discussions really helped me a lot.

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

Really appreciate your inputs and suggestions. 
Welcome any school recommendations as well.

Regards, 
Aj

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Thanks for sharing your profile. You have a challenging profile with low GPA, program rigor, and GMAT score. Coupled with this you come from a very competitive applicant pool (Indian). However, you do have some nice, unique work experience for your applicant pool which should help you stand out a bit. You're going to really have to show the AdComm at your target schools why they should admit you over more qualified applicants on paper (aka higher GPA/GMAT).

Of the target list shared I would say schools 7-10 would give you the best chance of admission.

Hope this helps!

Of the target list shared I would say schools 7-10 would give you the best chance of admission.

Hope this helps!

AjChakravarthy · Answer

Thanks for the reply.

Do you suggest i retake the GMAT to improve the score?

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

if you believe you can score higher I believe a higher score would help you out especially given the above comments about your low GPA and your applicant pool. You want to aim for the school average or above if possible

AjChakravarthy · Answer

So the low GPA and Average GMAT score is the only weakness that you can see at this time?

Regards, 
Aj

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

From what is shared I would say yes. There was no mention of any meaningful extra-curricular activities I am assuming that these exist and just were not mentioned but this also a key areas most schools will assess you on but your major issues are your low GPA from low reputed school and below average GMAT score

AjChakravarthy · Answer

bryantmichaels · Answer

AJ--are you an American applicant or an international applicant?

AjChakravarthy · Answer

Hi, I am an international applicant, from India.

Regards, 
Aj

bryantmichaels · Answer

You may be aiming a bit high with several schools on your list considering the competitive nature of your application pool. For example, you'd probably find more success with UNC vs. Duke (Duke was named the #1 business school in the US last year by business week and has subsequently attracted the most competitive applicants from around the world). Kelley is a good choice--also check out Babson, Notre Dame, USC Marshall, Emory.

AjChakravarthy · Answer

Thanks for your reply. Yes i realized that my target schools are a bit ambitious so have changes the list to as below, in no particular order. 
Does this list seem more realistic?

McCombs (University of Texas - Austin): 684, 620-730
Kelley (Indiana): 664, 620-740
NUS (National University of Singapore): 667 
NTU (Nanyang Technological University): 665, 610-720
Indian School of Business: 712, 670-750
IIM Bangalore (Executive MBA) 700, 
IIM A (Executive MBA)
Tepper 687, 624 - 740
Kenan-Flagler 710 (Median), 640 - 750

I am also retaking the GMAT to improve my chances. This might mean that i may have to apply in Round 2 in some of the colleges.

Regards, 
Aj

bryantmichaels · Answer

Yes this list seems more in line with what I tend to see in the applicant pool based on your profile, but certainly if you get that GMAT up you can reevaluate.

AjChakravarthy · Answer

Thanks again for your inputs. It has certainly helped me see things in perspective

Regards, Aj

bryantmichaels · Answer

Our pleasure...let us know if you need help when the time comes.

Request Profile Evaluation- Low GPA, 670 GMAT Score (Q46, v36)

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