Weighing my options with a 640 Score

Question

Hi,

I recently gave my GMAT and managed a low score of 640 (Earlier attempt was 580, so obviously I have improved but I doubt this improvement makes a difference). I wanna apply this year for the 2016 batch in R1 however don't really know what to expect. What are the chances that I get into a good BSchool with the current score? What Bschools should I look at?

My Background: 
Work Ex: 6+ years with a Big Four Consulting Firm with ample foreign experience (courtesy work).
GMAT: QA47, VA32, IR7/ 640
College GPA's pretty low

So basically the only thing playing in my favour at the moment is the work ex.

MBADecoder · Answer

You will still have a shot at b-schools like Smith School of Business, USC Moore, Mason (William and Mary), Katz, Suny Buffalo, Queen's (Canada) - just to name a few. (This list is not exhaustive).

If retaking GMAT is not in your gameplan, apply to b-schools where your score will be competitive and submit an application that highlights your strengths.

MBADecoder · Answer

It may be a long shot with a low GPA, although you have not mentioned what that GPA is.

If this is the best score that you have, then apply. You have nothing to lose.

ISB does take in people with low GMAT scores, but you have to have something mind-blowing about you to be in that position.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Morpheuss,

A 640/Q47 is a solid score (it's just shy of the 80th percentile overall) and it is considerably better than a 580, so you should apply to any Schools that interest you. You have to remember that Business Schools look at your OVERALL application, so you need to show the proper qualifications AND present yourself properly.

Since you don't appear to know which Schools you'll be applying to, there's no real way to assess your 'chances.' Think about what you want an MBA to do for YOU, then research the various programs that 'match up' with your goals. You might need to retake the GMAT and you might even need to push your applications to Round 2, but for something as significant as an MBA, that level of adjustment is something that you have to be comfortable with.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

TheFloridian · Answer

You should look at the B schools where your stats are in-line with the averages, plus some b schools where your stats are slightly below average-- you may have a great interview/great essays.

KyleWiddison · Answer

Don't get discouraged by your score. Business schools by definition admit people below their average scores. If you are done trying to improve your GMAT score, work hard at the rest of your application. Get to know the schools that you want to attend and work hard at gaining admittance. Get an admissions consultant, talk to the admissions office, get to know alumni, etc. You can certainly get into a good school with that score. Just to add some real life examples, I worked with someone with a score not much higher than you (and a poor GPA) who was admitted to Stanford. I worked with someone else with a score well below you and a very similar background who is going to Columbia. Anything is possible...

KW

KW

Fielding · Answer

Use the 80% range, not the mean GMAT score to self-select out.

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Weighing my options with a 640 Score

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