Profile evaluation please, 660

Question

I have given my GMAT once in June 2011. 660 and 5.0
I am an Indian and my work ex is of 3 years. I am working with a very well known and established MNC in risk management and shipping. 
I have completed my Bachelor in Marine engineering from a top Indian University with a CGPA of 9.39/10.
I had applied to only Rotterdam School of management but was rejected due to a low GMAT score.
I wish to do my MBA in operations/supply chain/shipping.
Any advice on choice of schools with my background will be helpful.
I plan to reattempt the GMAT next year if need be.

interviewbay · Answer

I dont think it should be difficult to get into RSM with 660 gmat score. Have you written good essays? I dont think the problem is with your GMAT. It could be with other areas of your application. You have a very good CGPA. Your good GPA will alleviate any fears about your academic capability. Indians have a high gmat average. So, it could be the reason. If I were you, I would retake gmat and apply to better schools. www.interviewbay.com - Get ready for the interview

vibsa · Answer

Thank you sir for the prompt reply.

I mention my low score as the cause of my elimination as the official mail from adcom from RSM said that my GMAT score was the reason I wasnt short listed. I believe my essays and recos were both strong.
Anyways I think the same, need to reappear for it. 
Btw could you suggest some good colleges that I can try with my score and profile for MBA in shipping/logistics?

bizschoolprep · Answer

Retake GMAT. Why to let just one factor spoil your application? You are from a demographic where average GMAT score are around 730s. Moreover, there is no downside for retake, may be other othan GMAT fee and prep time as almost every business school considers the best score.

Check  this link to know how to select your target business schools. Let your goals guide you where you want to study. Finally, your chances of getting admissions, like anyone else's, will depend on how you differentiate yourself from the rest of the applicants and how well you execute your applications.

If you want to discuss your personal profile, etc in detail, feel free to email/PM us. Good luck!

Ankur

vibsa · Answer

Hi Ankur
Thanks for the reply. 
Makes sense. GMAT reattempt is the only sensible thing to do.
Thanks for all the help. Will buzz you for further direction.

bizschoolprep · Answer

No problem. Glad to be of help. Good luck!

FutureWorks · Answer

Hi Vibsa,

Since you are aiming for top schools then a stronger gmat is desirable. However GMAT alone won’t determine your chances of admission; beyond the academics will also help you in determining your candidature and your work experience plays a vital role as well. In general most of the Indian applicants are from engineering background with a good 4-5 years of work experience. So you would need to differentiate yourself from others. Start thinking what makes you unique and what’s that ‘hook’ that will be key to your application. Make sure you follow the ‘show rather than tell’ principle so that the admissions committee could really understand your strengths and differentiating factors Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So you need to ensure that in 3 years of work experience you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for. This could still put in a strong set of essays for you.
There are various schools you can apply to going for a specific mba would restrict your options and going for a general mba will keep options in terms of school large for you. You should talk to people in your industry and the one you desire to go to on what will be a better move for you- a specialized mba or a general one.
Good luck

Profile evaluation please, 660

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