addi7 wrote:
Hi,
I am in the process of applying to the Round 2 and 3 of 2018 MBA session of several colleges but am having a hard time explaining my GMAT score. Though I am aiming at mid-tier schools I still want to tread carefully. Some of the applications do provide with a provisoin for an optional essay, but some do not.
I started preparing for my GMAT in July 2017 and booked the exam for November. My dad was diagnosed with Colon cancer in September and things got a bit topsy turvy. I decided to take the exam anyway as I felt somewhat confident, but that was not to be the case. I got a 610 and postponed my plans untill things soothed out a bit. My dad was operated a couple of weeks after my exam and about a month after the operation and subsequent checkups, he was on the path to recovery. I really feel that 2018 is the best time to start my MBA and working for an year more won't have any professional advantage. I booked another GMAT for January and had roughly 3 weeks to prepare. This time I scored a 650 and was over-whelmed by the Quant section which was way harder than I had seen anywhere.
Anyway, I am not here to crib about the difficulty of the Qaunt section, but I do feel that on any other day the results could have been different and about 680 would easily be achievable. But I can't afford to spend more time on GMAT: neither literally nor emotionally. I feel 650 is not that bad and that I should now focus on the applications.
So to reiterate my question: How should I mention my reasons for an average score of 650 in the essays(/optional eassy)? I don't want to make it sound like an excuse, but I want to emphasize that 2018 is the most appropraite session for me.
Thanks
Hi
addi7,
Thanks for writing in.
The answer to your question depends on the school in question. In case the average GMAT score of the school is higher than 650, you could showcase how your current score is not a true representation of your actual ability. You could focus on your analytical skills in the past and build a case for this. However, this answer needs to be framed in a way that it doesn't look like you are making an excuse.
Having said the above, R2 and R3 are not quite the ideal rounds for you to apply in. Quite frankly, things go a bit downhill from here and therefore it is strongly recommended that you retake the GMAT (especially because it is evident from your query that you could have done much better) and apply in R1 in the upcoming season
This will truly be your best chance.
Should you need any other assistance, please feel free to reach out.
All the best!
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Updated on: 28 Nov 2018, 01:24
