New to the GMAT world

Question

Hello 
I have recenlty completed my bachelor in technology degree from a decent college
my past academic records:

10th: 87%
12th: 78%
b.Tech: 76.8%

I am currently placed in Tata Consultancy Services and am waiting for my joining which is 3 months from now

extra curricular activities: 
Working in an NGO from the grass root level since last 3 years where i have managed a number of events and was a member of core team leading a group of 100+ volunteers. 
Actively participated in various college events and activities.
I am a freelance article writer.

I am planing to go for GMAT and score well
as the score is valid for 5 years, I am thinking of going with my job for next 2-3 years( to gain some work experience) then use my GMAT score to apply for B-schools

Please tell me whether it is a good decision and what should be my GMAT score to target some of the top b-schools

Rock750 · Answer

Hi,

In my opinion, it's a pretty good idea to prepare for the GMAT whilst gaining some years of experience and it will also help you know what you wanna do once you get your mba through reading posts here and there and staying engaged with the process of admissions/ schools ...

Back to your concern, i think that none can help you simply because none knows what will be a good score in 2, 3 or 4 years. My advice is go for the GMAT without any barrier in mind and use all the potential you have to score the maximum you can but keep looking at schools's profile schools if u wanna get idea about what schools want.

manish109 · Answer

Thank you for the answer.
So should I appear for GMAT now (after 3 months of preparation) or should I just prepare now and appear for the exam once i have the required work experience??

Rock750 · Answer

Well, i'd say do not go for the test unless scores of your mock tests reflect your target one. After that, if you get a good score then work on other components such as getting promotions at work volunteering, learning new languages or something that can enhance your application. By the time, you will have a solid application and simultaneously have three or four years of exp..

GMATPill · Answer

At GMAT Pill, we'd recommend you take your GMAT soon (perhaps now) before you gain your work experience. It's very difficult to balance taking the exam while doing well at work, all at the same time. Further, you'll have to do a number of things on top of work -- GMAT, networking for recommendations, and time to ponder your application essays.

And remember, your score is valid for 5 years. Read this GMAT Pill  article  for more details.

As for top business schools -- it depends on what you mean by "top". Many of the top tier business schools will require a score of at least 650. Certainly the averages for the top scores are over 700, but if you want to even have a shot at the top schools + 2nd tier top schools, a 650 score is a good target at the low end.

Bschool admission is getting very competitive. So keep in mind, a higher GMAT score will always help (try out the GMAT Pill videos -- there are free RC videos on the site, look for them). But you'll also need to balance it with a good professional background that sets you apart from others.

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