Second attempt to GMAT complete.. Requesting a Profile evaluation

Question

Hello everyone,

I am an Indian applicant, working as an IT Professional. I appeared for my GMAT recently and now I am interested in applying for colleges, however I am confused if my profile is strong enough or not.

Total Exp : 6+ years in IT
GMAT 1: (Last year in Oct) : 610 (Q48, V28)
GMAT 2: 650 ( Q46, V34)
CGPA : 6.5/10

I am interested in pursuing an MBA in Finance and want to apply for one of the top colleges for this, not necessarily in US, It could be elsewhere as well.
I was actually targeting for a 700+ score, but ended up with 650. I am interested in colleges like Wharton, Kellogg, INSEAD, ISB or NYU.

The stats for these colleges show a high median GMAT of 700+, though the mid 80% range does include 650+ scores.

Does it make sense if I still apply for the last cycle of these colleges which is ending pretty soon in April 2016.

If not these, then which are the colleges that I can apply to with my current profile.

Thanks.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Thanks for your post. While it is good that you improved to 650, you really need to score higher in order to be competitive at any of the schools you listed. There are many different reasons the schools accept applicants with lower GMAT scores, but unfortunately you come from a very competitive demographic group so you would be expected to do a lot better. I would also recommend waiting to apply in round one this fall rather than submit a late application at this point based on your stats. With your current score, you can target schools like Indiana Kelley, USC Marshall, Imperial College London and similar schools ranked 25-30. Reach out if you want to talk about how I can help you with your applications and walk you through the process. Scott@personalmbacoach.com Good luck! Best, Scott

guptaneha · Answer

Thanks Scott for your inputs.
Can good essays cover up for the drawbacks in my profile ?

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

A strong set of essays will certainly help overcome weaker areas of your application, but not completely. You will still be judged against others who have a strong application with top scores. This is why I suggest targeting lower ranked schools and schools across a spectrum (reach, target and safety).

Best,
Scott

Best,
Scott

PaulBodine · Answer

guptaneha, You may only have a chance at ISB with your 650. In R3 there are fewer places left and as an Indian applicant you will be facing the toughest odds of any applicant pool, so the other schools don't look realistic. I would look at schools such as Ohio State, Maryland Smith, Wisconsin, Penn State, Texas A&M, Purdue or Illinois with perhaps some 'reach' schools added in, such as USC. Alternatively, I would wait until R1 this fall so you can raise your score and give yourself the best odds. --Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School, www.admitify.com/outcomes

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

You're going to have to really improve your GMAT to be competitive at the schools listed above. These are some of the top schools so you want to make sure you're aiming to hit or exceed the average score. Keep in mind a strong story and essays will be necessary since you are coming from a very competitive applicant pool. Also I would definitely not apply R3, focus on improving your profile for R1 and taking aim then

Second attempt to GMAT complete.. Requesting a Profile evaluation

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