Score - 680 -Q49 V34 - Which schools to apply

Question

Hi,
I gave my GMAT today and scored 680 (Q49 V34). Although i am disappointed with the score, is it advisable to apply for colleges with this score ? I have 6 year of experience and i am a non-iT Indian male. I aim to apply for Tepper, ISB and UNC. Please advice.

MBAGuide · Answer

Indrakumar95 The silver lining is that you have been able to hit a Q49 (~75th percentile). Anything below that would have set you back tremendously. Now if, in the end, it all boils down to statistics, then yes, your GMAT score will have a significant impact on the schools' decisions. I do not know how differentiated your profile is, but if it still falls into the Indian Male engineer category, I recommend a retake, at least for the US B Schools on your list (also because it will improve your chances of getting scholarships, making the investment of time well worth it). Of course, the schools will look beyond academics, the GMAT, the undergraduate pedigree, and the employer brand to judge your potential. But if there isn't much in these areas to help you stand out, the GMAT is certainly one area that you can control by working hard for the next attempt. Feel free to reach out for a candid discussion regarding applications strategy. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Businessconquerer · Answer

All three schools will be stretch given the score.
I may have to understand the profile a little better to make any suggestions. Could shed some light on that/?

Indrakumar95 · Answer

My Profile -

Schooling - CBSE - 95.4%
College - NIT Trichy, Mechanical Engineering. CGPA - 7.43
Work Experience - 6 years 
2 years as Assistant manager - Manufacturing in Pepsico
2 years as Assistant manager - Operations in ITC
2 years as Project manager - ITC

Currently doing a PG ( Online) in Product Management from Kelloggs.

I hope this helps

Businessconquerer · Answer

Based on your profile, I suggest applying to the following schools- Rice (Jones), Georgetown (MSB), UTD (Jindal), MSU (Broad), Notredame (Mendoza), WashU (Olin), ASU (Carey), A&M (Mays). Most likely should land you something in Round 1.

But I don't see you making it into the schools you mentioned based on the current profile and score, yet, may be I am missing some other important components and only going off the info I have. If you do plan a retake and get about 730, we can probably say something about ISB, Tepper.

Good luck. If you really want to have a conversation to dive deeper into this, schedule a call with me here-   Booking Calendar

Indrakumar95 · Answer

Thanks for the info. I will schedule a call with you

admitStreet · Answer

Indrakumar95 , some points from an initial review: 1. The academic scores, undergrad pedigree and GPA are fine. GMAT is a bit on the lower side: would suggest a retake if you are looking at T15 programs or ISB (ISB's average GMAT is 710). Keep in mind though that schools evaluate the profile holistically so if you are below-average in one of the dimensions (acads, CV, GMAT/ GRE, etc.), over-compensating for it across the other dimension(s) would help. 2. The professional arc is interesting and your association with brands such as PepsiCo & ITC position the profile well. Would like to understand more about your roles: the key achievements, challenges you faced, learnings (transferable skills) which can help in your journey during/ post MBA, to assess the overall strength. 3. Since you haven't mentioned post-MBA goal(s), I'm unable to recommend schools at this point. With a higher score, your target schools may work, but broadly speaking, with the current score/ profile and strong essays, and depending on your goals, targeting T20-30 (and perhaps some programs from T15-20) would be ideal. Hope this helps a bit. Feel free to reach out for a deeper chat. Regards, Arvind HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello Indrakumar95 , I hope you're doing well. Your educational journey, coupled with your diverse work history and your ongoing commitment to advancing your knowledge through a PG in Product Management, stands as a testament to your dedication and growth. With a GMAT score of 680 enhancing your already formidable profile, your aspirations for admission to esteemed institutions like the Tepper School of Business, Indian School of Business (ISB), and the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School are grounded in a solid foundation. Your unique combination of accomplishments and ongoing pursuit of excellence makes you a strong contender for these programs. Tepper School of Business: Your strong academic record and your role as a Project Manager at ITC align well with Tepper's focus on analytical and quantitative skills, and your GMAT Quantitative score (Q49) reinforces this. Your work experience in manufacturing, operations, and project management could demonstrate your ability to drive results and lead cross-functional teams. Your ongoing PG in Product Management showcases your commitment to learning and professional development. With a well-crafted application and essays that emphasize your unique experiences and future goals, you have a competitive chance at Tepper. Indian School of Business (ISB): Your strong academic background, combined with your managerial roles at Pepsico and ITC, showcases your leadership and operational skills. The ongoing PG in Product Management from Kellogg's adds an additional layer of expertise to your profile. ISB values diversity and leadership potential, and your experiences across different industries and functions can contribute to a well-rounded classroom environment. With thoughtful essays that convey your career progression, goals, and how you will contribute to ISB's community, you stand a good chance of getting admitted. University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School: Your experience as a Project Manager at ITC demonstrates your ability to manage complex projects and teams. The ongoing PG in Product Management from Kellogg's adds value by showcasing your commitment to skill enhancement. Kenan-Flagler values leadership and impact, and your roles at Pepsico, ITC, and your current pursuit of a PG align well with these values. Highlight your leadership roles and how you have made a difference in your organizations in your application essays. Given your multifaceted profile, extensive professional journey, robust academic grounding, and unwavering dedication to refining your skill set, it is highly recommended to pursue applications to these institutions with your GMAT score of 680. Remember, admission decisions extend beyond the confines of the GMAT score, as your achievements, experiential learning, and alignment with the program's ethos hold substantial weight in the decision-making process. To enhance your application, focus on crafting compelling essays that highlight your career journey, leadership roles, and how you intend to leverage the MBA to achieve your goals. Make sure your application reflects your passion, drive, and the unique perspective you bring to the table. If you have the opportunity to retake the GMAT and believe you can improve your score, it could further strengthen your application, but it's not a requirement for a competitive application. Good luck with your applications! We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools. Book a free profile evaluation call now! Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

Score - 680 -Q49 V34 - Which schools to apply

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