Round 2 or round 3

Question

Hi,

I just did my GMAT for the first time today and got lower than I was expecting (630). I believe if I had the chance to do it the second time and apply in round 3, I would get a higher score (around 700). I think I have a really solid application and essays otherwise and stand out from the usual applicants as I do not have a traditional work experience or background.

I am unsure whether to risk it and apply in round 2 with my current GMAT score or wait, redo GMAT and apply in round 3 (with hopefully a higher score).

P.S I live somewhere where the next GMAT testing is end Jan so there is no option for me to redo it before round 2 deadline

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Hi Vedikajj, It is generally not recommended that people apply R3 without an extremely strong profile, including GMAT score. Most classes will be close to full and admission is going to be much more difficult, especially coming from a competitive demographic. Are you able to wait until R1 or R2 next year to apply to allow yourself the time and energy to focus on the GMAT and get above a 700? Regards, Personal MBA Coach www.personalmbacoach.com

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

vedikajj  confirming what Scott said - the acceptance rates for R3 are extremely low compared to other rounds for most schools 
If you are Indian or otherwise overrepresented this would be MBA application suicide. It is even for those not overrepresented but to a lesser degree. 
There are some deadlines coming up for European schools with January start such as INSEAD, HEC, IMD, Erasmus on Bocchoni. 
If you are interested in US schools then you will need to wait for R1 in September. Plenty of time to get a better score; if you are shooting for a top school you will need a 700+ and higher if you are overrepresented. Hope this helps!

vedikajj · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for your advice. I am going to apply r2 and if that doesn’t work out go for r1 in September. 
Thanks

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Earthandsky17 · Answer

Just to add, you can send a revised score up to a few days after submitting the applications as well. Hence, you may want to give GMAT an attempt after submitting your apps- that's if you feel confident for a better score.

vedikajj · Answer

Thanks!!

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VPGMAT · Answer

As others have suggested it will be better to give another GMAT and score around your target score of 700 at least. Even with a unique profile, the 630 GMAT isn't competitive, since I assume you are an Indian (over represented in top b school application). Every international b school has some % allocated for each country hence Indians with average higher GMAT scores usually fill up that percentage quickly.

vedikajj · Answer

Hi,
My passport is actually from New Zealand (and I have lived here since I was young) but I’m ethnically indian. Which will they look at? 
Thanks,

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VPGMAT · Answer

oh ok. This changes some things. Indians are not allowed dual nationality so technically you are a new Zealander.

I know some south Americans have been admitted into HEC at 650 score and 630 isn't that far away. New Zealand is another under represented country so you have a definite edge there.

Do you have your target schools?

Some of the European schools such as HEC and IMD provides feedback to candidate even before submitting your application. You can try it. The feedback is quick and honest. If you are planning for Europe, then you can definitely try for HEC Sep 2019 intake. IMD will be for 2020 for sure. Most of the European schools focus on the diversity , in terms of nationality, hence they should be able to provide you scholarship as well for adding to that diversity.

VPGMAT · Answer

MBAPrepCoach  can comment on INSEAD score for a newzealand native and best round for applying (R3/R4 for Sep 2019 intake or R1 for Jan 2020 intake).

vedikajj  , Since you are new to gmatclub,  MBAPrepCoach  is the go to person on gmatclub for INSEAD; I found her advice on INSEAD thread top notch.

vedikajj · Answer

Thanks for your advice

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