Low GMAT but relative high GPA: help??

Question

I am currently a third year Accounting & Finance student at a top university in the UK, and I'm about to apply for masters for intake 2016.

The problem is that I expect to get a low GMAT, around 500, but currently have a GPA of 3.4/4. I expect it to be 3.6+ when I graduate in the Spring 2016. I am thinking of applying for Masters in Business Administration (not MBA)/MSc Finance in Scandinavia, particularly Copenhagen Business School (which doesn't require a GMAT), NHH Norwegian School of Economics, BI Norwegian Business School and Stockholm School of Economics. NHH requires a 600 GMAT and BI doesn't necessary require a high GMAT, but the admission office said that a high GPA can offset a low GMAT. While the average of the GMAT at SSE is 679 for the MSc Finance.

I also have no relevant work experience or anything special about my profile. Is there anything I can do to get accepted to these schools? 
Or should I take a year's break?

Also, how does the accepting works at masters? Do most graduate schools have enrolling admissions or do they start evaluate the applications after the deadline? I haven't yet taken the GMAT, as it is scheduled at 21th December.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

If you are going for an MBA, you should get work experience before applying. Most business schools like some work experience before accepting applicants for an MBA, whereas masters programs in finance or economics do not necessarily require experience. Look at these stats for further details https://www.cbs.dk/files/cbs.dk/copenhag ... e-2015.pdf Also given your GMAT practice scores, I don't recommend applying anywhere that will look at a GMAT. A score that low will raise red flags. Have you considered different study strategies or tutoring? Send me an email if you wish to discuss further. scott@personalmbacoach.com I just wouldn't want to see a good GPA be lessened with a GMAT that is out of the range of acceptable scores. Good luck! Best, Scott

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

A lot of your questions are really school specific with each school having a somewhat different policy. Generally for MBA programs you will want to get some work experience not just to meet school preferences but also for your own career clarity. Working and figuring our your likes and dislikes and strengths and weaknesses is a huge part of the deal. Also, thinking about what you will actually bring to the table is another important factor.

Now on to the GMAT, if a GMAT is not required the school will focus more on your undergrad record. For those that do require a GMAT your expected score is pretty low and I am not sure too many schools who would be excited to see that. Even the averages at some of your target schools are well above that. Even if the school takes into account your GPA, not sure you can apply with any confidence given how low your GMAT is expected to be. I would take your time and not rush the process and get your profile in order before applying unless you go the non-MBA masters route

mqdn · Answer

I am looking to apply for MSc not MBA. But I guess the requirements for the GMAT are pretty much the same. 
Would you recommend me to take a year off, just to improve my GMAT instead of rushing it?

mqdn · Answer

Also, what do you guys think I should do?

Stockholm School of Economics' deadline is at 15 January, which is very soon. However, NHH and BI's deadlines are in 1 and 15 March. Do you think I should not apply to SSE and reschedule my appointment to February so I have more time to revise or try my best at 21st December?

Many thanks

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

If you do not feel you are ready to take the GMAT reschedule for a time when you are ready. For someone as young as you are there really is no need to rush the process here, especially since you can apply to some other programs in March

mqdn · Answer

Many thanks for your opinion. I am considering rescheduling it now. As I don't think I will get into a SSE at all, with such a bad profile. So there's no point in rushing for that particular school.

On the webpage it says that the score report will sent to schools within 20 days of the examination. Is this true in most cases? 
If I take the test at the 16th of February and the deadline is at 15 March. Do you think the score report will be sent in time for the deadline?

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Yes, the score will get to them in time. Also, most schools will allow you to self-report your score at the time of submission and then will ask you for the official copy once admitted

MBAbot · Answer

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Low GMAT but relative high GPA: help??

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