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Nov 1909:00 AM PST
-10:00 AM PST
What’s in it for you- Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with Jenifer Turtschnow, CEO ARINGO. Come with your details prepared and ARINGO will share insights! Pre-MBA Role/Industry, YOE, Exam Score, C/GPA, ECs Post-MBA Role/ Industry & School List.
Nov 1910:00 AM EST
-01:00 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs.
Nov 1911:00 AM PST
-12:00 PM PST
Round 2 is here — and it’s your chance to make your MBA dream happen! Join GMAT Club’s LIVE discussion with two top experts from The Red Pen, Gunjan Jhunjhunwala and Natasha Mankikar, as we break down everything you need to know- Nov 12
01:00 PM EST
-11:59 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs. - Nov 18
11:00 AM PST
-12:00 PM PST
Join us in a live GMAT practice session and solve 30 challenging GMAT questions with other test takers in timed conditions, covering GMAT Quant, Data Sufficiency, Data Insights, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning questions. 
Nov 2010:00 AM EST
-10:30 AM EST
If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
Nov 2009:00 PM IST
-10:00 PM IST
Join our free expert-led Essay Workshops to discover how to choose impactful stories, highlight your core values, and align your background with each school’s distinct culture, making every word truly count.
Nov 2108:30 AM EST
-09:15 AM EST
Get the inside scoop on what makes Emory’s Goizueta Business School great, learn how you can present a strong MBA application, and connect with an Admissions Director to get your questions answered.
Nov 2109:30 PM IST
-10:30 PM IST
Learn how to craft powerful, authentic essays by mastering the 3 “WHYs” every top MBA program looks for: Why MBA, Why Now, and Why This School.
Nov 2408:00 PM PST
-09:00 PM PST
Inquire for a free profile evaluation and guarantee statement for possible admits and scholarships!
11 Jun 2025, 01:29
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“Can I make it to a top B-school with a low GMAT score?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself that, this story is for you. Aaris, an AVP in the travel industry with 8.5 years of experience, turned his profile around, not by retaking the GMAT, but by owning his story, aligning his goals, and applying strategically. This article is a roadmap for anyone doubting their chances.
Ever felt like your GMAT score might hold you back from your dream B-schools? This story will change your perspective. In this candid conversation, Aaris shares how he overcame the odds, redefined his strategy, and turned his experience into his greatest asset, with the right guidance and storytelling.
Why did you decide to do an MBA, and why now?
I’d reached a point where I had strong technical depth, but I needed to broaden my business perspective. I wanted to transition into roles that focused more on strategy, innovation, and the global market—areas I hadn’t been exposed to enough. That’s where the MBA came in. But I also knew I was starting this journey with a GMAT score of 625, which made me anxious. Still, I believed the right story and the right schools could make a difference.
What challenges did you face during your MBA application, and how did you navigate them?
When I decided to pursue an MBA, I knew it would be a challenging but necessary step to propel my career forward. Despite 8.5 years of solid work experience, my GMAT score was not as high as I had hoped, which made me anxious about my chances.
Adding to the uncertainty, geopolitical issues in the US during my application season forced me to pivot my focus towards safer options in the UK and Europe. This required recalibrating my school list and strategy, but MBA and Beyond’s expert guidance helped me navigate these shifting priorities without losing sight of my goals. Their structured approach turned my profile into a compelling story that top schools couldn’t ignore.
What, according to you, made the difference in your application?
Going into the application process, I was anxious; there’s always that fear of how top schools will view your profile on paper. But I quickly realized I needed to focus on what I could control. I couldn’t change my score, but I could shape my story. That became my strategy: doubling down on my strengths, my solid work experience, leadership exposure, and a clear vision for my post-MBA goals.
With MBA and Beyond, I was able to identify and frame these strengths through the right anecdotes that showed growth, ambition, and impact. I didn’t let the numbers define me—instead, we made sure the rest of my application told the story that metrics couldn’t
How did you approach your Essays and Story?
I didn’t want to just list achievements—I wanted the admissions committee to understand who I am and why I want this MBA now. I focused on career progression, moments of leadership, challenges I overcame, and the bigger picture of where I’m headed. MBA & Beyond was instrumental in helping me find and refine those stories
Interview Calls & Final Admit
Despite my GMAT, I received an ESADE interview and ultimately an admit from Alliance Manchester. I believe what helped me stand out was the clarity of my goals, maturity of experience, and a personal story that was both honest and forward-looking. I chose Alliance Manchester because of its strong focus on digital transformation and consulting, which directly aligns with my post-MBA career plans.
How was your ESADE interview experience?
The ESADE interview was in-depth but very focused on fit and motivation. MBA & Beyond helped me prepare thoroughly—we did multiple mock sessions, worked on crafting sharp and authentic responses, and ensured I was articulating my goals clearly. That preparation made all the difference.
How Did This Happen?
MBA & Beyond’s process was highly methodical and efficient. It started with a detailed Welcome Form that helped me organize my experiences and achievements. Their Mirror Portal was invaluable in helping me collect and reflect on my experiences in a structured way. Next came a strategy call where we worked on shaping my overall story, focusing on clarity, purpose, and impact. This strategic narrative helped me stand out even with a GMAT score of 625, which is below average for many top programs.
They helped me by:
They ensured my application aligned well with my background and my future ambitions. Thanks to this strong, focused approach, I received admission from Alliance Manchester Business School and an interview call from ESADE, which was a huge confidence boost.
Any key lessons you’d like to share with fellow applicants?
One major insight was realizing that the GMAT is only one metric. A strong, well-articulated story rooted in professional experience and clarity of goals can still resonate with top B-schools. Another critical decision was choosing schools based on fit, not just ranking.
Advice for Applicants with Lower GMAT Scores
If you have a lower score, focus on what you do have: strong experience, leadership skills, and personal clarity. Build a narrative that ties it all together. Schools are looking for future leaders, not just test-takers.
Any recommendations for MBA aspirants?
If you’re serious about an MBA but unsure about your profile, MBA & Beyond can make all the difference. Their team was sharp, strategic, and incredibly supportive throughout. I always felt heard, never rushed, and that’s rare. I can confidently say they helped me achieve what once felt uncertain.
~ Aaris Kalra
Check out the Testimonial here...
If you’ve ever asked yourself that, this story is for you. Aaris, an AVP in the travel industry with 8.5 years of experience, turned his profile around, not by retaking the GMAT, but by owning his story, aligning his goals, and applying strategically. This article is a roadmap for anyone doubting their chances.
Ever felt like your GMAT score might hold you back from your dream B-schools? This story will change your perspective. In this candid conversation, Aaris shares how he overcame the odds, redefined his strategy, and turned his experience into his greatest asset, with the right guidance and storytelling.
Why did you decide to do an MBA, and why now?
I’d reached a point where I had strong technical depth, but I needed to broaden my business perspective. I wanted to transition into roles that focused more on strategy, innovation, and the global market—areas I hadn’t been exposed to enough. That’s where the MBA came in. But I also knew I was starting this journey with a GMAT score of 625, which made me anxious. Still, I believed the right story and the right schools could make a difference.
What challenges did you face during your MBA application, and how did you navigate them?
When I decided to pursue an MBA, I knew it would be a challenging but necessary step to propel my career forward. Despite 8.5 years of solid work experience, my GMAT score was not as high as I had hoped, which made me anxious about my chances.
Adding to the uncertainty, geopolitical issues in the US during my application season forced me to pivot my focus towards safer options in the UK and Europe. This required recalibrating my school list and strategy, but MBA and Beyond’s expert guidance helped me navigate these shifting priorities without losing sight of my goals. Their structured approach turned my profile into a compelling story that top schools couldn’t ignore.
What, according to you, made the difference in your application?
Going into the application process, I was anxious; there’s always that fear of how top schools will view your profile on paper. But I quickly realized I needed to focus on what I could control. I couldn’t change my score, but I could shape my story. That became my strategy: doubling down on my strengths, my solid work experience, leadership exposure, and a clear vision for my post-MBA goals.
With MBA and Beyond, I was able to identify and frame these strengths through the right anecdotes that showed growth, ambition, and impact. I didn’t let the numbers define me—instead, we made sure the rest of my application told the story that metrics couldn’t
How did you approach your Essays and Story?
I didn’t want to just list achievements—I wanted the admissions committee to understand who I am and why I want this MBA now. I focused on career progression, moments of leadership, challenges I overcame, and the bigger picture of where I’m headed. MBA & Beyond was instrumental in helping me find and refine those stories
Interview Calls & Final Admit
- Interview Received From: ESADE and Manchester
- School Accepted: Alliance Manchester Business School
Despite my GMAT, I received an ESADE interview and ultimately an admit from Alliance Manchester. I believe what helped me stand out was the clarity of my goals, maturity of experience, and a personal story that was both honest and forward-looking. I chose Alliance Manchester because of its strong focus on digital transformation and consulting, which directly aligns with my post-MBA career plans.
How was your ESADE interview experience?
The ESADE interview was in-depth but very focused on fit and motivation. MBA & Beyond helped me prepare thoroughly—we did multiple mock sessions, worked on crafting sharp and authentic responses, and ensured I was articulating my goals clearly. That preparation made all the difference.
How Did This Happen?
MBA & Beyond’s process was highly methodical and efficient. It started with a detailed Welcome Form that helped me organize my experiences and achievements. Their Mirror Portal was invaluable in helping me collect and reflect on my experiences in a structured way. Next came a strategy call where we worked on shaping my overall story, focusing on clarity, purpose, and impact. This strategic narrative helped me stand out even with a GMAT score of 625, which is below average for many top programs.
They helped me by:
- Providing a structured, step-by-step process to collect and refine my content
- Offering expert feedback that sharpened my essays and application narrative
- Helping me identify the best anecdotes to highlight my strengths and career aspirations
- Strategically guiding me to apply to schools that were the best fit for my profile and goals
They ensured my application aligned well with my background and my future ambitions. Thanks to this strong, focused approach, I received admission from Alliance Manchester Business School and an interview call from ESADE, which was a huge confidence boost.
Any key lessons you’d like to share with fellow applicants?
One major insight was realizing that the GMAT is only one metric. A strong, well-articulated story rooted in professional experience and clarity of goals can still resonate with top B-schools. Another critical decision was choosing schools based on fit, not just ranking.
Advice for Applicants with Lower GMAT Scores
If you have a lower score, focus on what you do have: strong experience, leadership skills, and personal clarity. Build a narrative that ties it all together. Schools are looking for future leaders, not just test-takers.
Any recommendations for MBA aspirants?
If you’re serious about an MBA but unsure about your profile, MBA & Beyond can make all the difference. Their team was sharp, strategic, and incredibly supportive throughout. I always felt heard, never rushed, and that’s rare. I can confidently say they helped me achieve what once felt uncertain.
~ Aaris Kalra
Check out the Testimonial here...
