Advice Needed on this score - GMAT Score 640, AWA 5.5

Question

Hi Members,

I am from india

I gave my GMAT test on 11th of August 2010 and got a score of 640.

My target colleges were

1. ISB
2. INSEAD 
3. LBS
4. Chicago Booth
5. University of california, Berkeley
6. Nanyang Business School, Singapore
7. NUS, Singapore

I would like the members to advice, whether i stand any chance for the above mentioned colleges?

If not then what all good colleges i would stand some chance or should i retake the test?

PLEASE ADVICE !!!!

My Profile:

5+ years IT work experience (ERP), with a US Based MNC
B.Tech Computer Science
Participated in school and college level activities, won a white paper contest !!

akaydee · Answer

hi sachinrelan, Have a look at the following link. It might give you an idea of the typical scores required by some of the business schools mentioned in your post. https://www.topmba.com/mba-rankings

Accepted.com · Answer

Your GMAT is not competitive at schools 1-5,and I would advise you not to apply to these programs. While slightly below average for 6-7, it's not so low that I would advise you not to apply. I can probably suggest schools if you tell me what you want to do after your MBA.

If you want to improve your chances of acceptance and you believe you can raise your score, than I strongly encourage you to retake the  GMAT .

Best,
Linda

sachinrelan · Answer

Thanks Linda I am very grateful to you for the post, it would be kind of you if you can share more information with me about the schools where I would stand a chance of acceptance and are good enough for a 5 years experience guy like me.

My plan is that as per your suggestion i would definitely apply to school number 6 and 7 (Nanyang and NUS) as mentioned in the above list in the first round and simultaneously would be preparing to retake GMAT so that i can apply to the colleges 1 to 5(ISB, LBS, INSEAD, Chicago Booth, HAAS) as mentioned in the list in the second round.

But why i am asking for information about other schools is that i can apply with 640 score to them in their first round along with Nanyang and NUS and if i do not get a good score in my GMAT retake then at least i have something in my hand.

Eagerly waiting for your response !!

Thanks and Regards,
Sachin

Accepted.com · Answer

You're most welcome, but what do you want to do after you MBA?

Best,
Linda

sachinrelan · Answer

Hi Linda..Trust you are doing well..!

To be frank i not so very sure what i would like to do after MBA,

but right now i feel something in  "Marketing, Finance or Consulting"  excites me.

lest my mind changes in between.

Thanks and Regards,
Sachin

sushan23 · Answer

Hi

I'm in a similar scenario - just wrote my gmat got a score of 640. Don't know if I'll be able to improve on that score if I write again. Haven't received my AWA scores yet.
I've done my BE in Computer Science and chose to switch streams after that and joined an advertising firm here in India.
Experience: 2+ years as a Planner in advertising.

Initially intended to apply to:
INSEAD
ISB - Hyderabad
SP Jain
NUS
NTU

I know now that INSEAD, is DEFINITELY out of the range of this score now. Possibly the others too. Intend to pursue an MBA in Marketing.

I'd initially considered McCombs - but excluded it realistically after seeing my practice test scores.. Do you think it's worth trying for McCombs?

Would anyone here have any information about where I could apply?
Will check out the links posted.

Thanks.

Accepted.com · Answer

One piece of advice I can give you is to narrow your goal. That is an expression of interest, not a goal.

I'm sorry, but I really don't have enough information to advise you. Look for programs with average GMATs at matriculation closer to yours in the locations where you would like to live for at least a couple of years, if not longer. Check out their placement record. If you are interested in international business, check out Darla Moore (U of South Carolina) and Thunderbird.

Best,
Linda

What do you want to do with your MBA?

sushan23 · Answer

Post my MBA, I'd like to get into brand management.
FMCG ideally.

Accepted.com · Answer

You might want to consider Indiana Kelley and Vanderbilt.

Best,
Linda

maximus76 · Answer

Hi Linda,
I am from Chicago area, with almost 10 yrs of experience in software planning and development. 
I got a 640 and was planning to apply for part time program in Booth and Kellogs. I heard from my colleagues and friends that though the average score is around 680 in these schools; they have seen people with a score of 640 getting admission. I was planning to concentrate on my application/essays rather than on retaking GMAT.
What do you suggest? Do you think I stand a chance?
I am planning to get into Consulting.

Accepted.com · Answer

While a few people may get in with a 640, there numbers are declining. They may be from under-represented minorities and/or have stellar qualifications including good grades in college.

If you think you can raise your  GMAT , I recommend retaking it.

Best,
Linda

PTChick · Answer

Hi Linda,
 I am a 26 y/o female that would like to apply to Booth's PT program by 12/31:

I received a 640 and AWA 6 on the gmat

I would like to take the GMAT again to raise my score but I do not have time before 12/31. The reason I am trying to apply by 12/31 is so that I can use a 'Pass it Along' coupon that I received from a friend / current PT student that will expire. I've heard these application coupons help tremendously in the admissions process?

I have 3.2 GPA in Accounting from a Top 25 school
Very Good EC's Post-college: Hold elected positions on two junior boards (4+ extensive years of service at each), incredibly strong EC's in college
Very Strong Career Growth: Promoted twice in 4 yrs (At Big 4 / currently a Finance Manager at Fortune 20)
In addition to the coupon, I have two character references from Booth Alum

With my GMAT score being lower - is the rest enough to get me in? Should I let the coupon expire and just re-take the GMAT?

Accepted.com · Answer

I don't think these coupons have much "influence" in evaluating a candidate's application, especially for a part-time program which tends to be more local. I certainly don't believe they will carry as much weight as the GMAT.

I think it makes more sense to retake the GMAT and apply with a more competitive score.

Best,
Linda

jeet1984 · Answer

Hi,

I have a GMAT score of 640. And doesnt know yet how my AWA have faired. Im interested in doing Management in Information Technology systems. Can someone suggest colleges which i can apply with the current GMAT score.

ravstime · Answer

Hi,

I have a worse case.
I gave GMAT 3 months ago and scored 640. Yesterday, I gave GMAT again and my score got worse - 580. 
I want to apply at  NUS, Nanyang, HKUST .
Just wanted to know whether these schools will take my previous score or they will take the average of 2 scores?

Pls. help...

Accepted.com · Answer

I'm not positive, but I believe that all 3 schools officially use the highest score (they will see both scores), but you may need to check directly with them.

Best,
Linda

nadeemkamal · Answer

Hi Linda,
I have one question? if someone seeks a consulting career after his MBA, does the Gmat score matter, keeping in mind the candidate is already in B-school (ex. Insead or Darden) with a score of 640/680.

Accepted.com · Answer

My understanding is that some of the elite consulting firms use the GMAT as an initial screening tool and 700 is the cut-off.

Best,
Linda

nadeemkamal · Answer

ThanQ Linda.

Advice Needed on this score - GMAT Score 640, AWA 5.5

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