Is my gmat enough for IESE/other top bschools mba?

Question

My score: 655 
 
 Quant: 76 (40%) 
 Verbal: 87 (99%) 
 DI: 85 (99%)  
Quick background:  Colombian, CFA, 30 yo (31 by the time of mba start date), background on investment banking in Colombia and consulting in Spain (not mbb)

admitStreet · Answer

@sagoja - I'm curios, given your CFA background and IB/ consulting experience, what caused the low Quant score in GMAT? And is that something that you feel a retake can address? Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | Schedule a free chat W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

pintukr · Answer

That's a good score. Quant score may be covered through the GPA, in case possible..

All the Best.

MBAGuide · Answer

sagoja hope you are doing greatI was once told this by an INSEAD official (about the old gmat edition), so I think other EU schools would also follow a similar practice: For those from overrepresented populations, the 75th percentile is considered borderline elite. This score signals to the admissions committee that the applicant can handle the rigorous and analytical academic curriculum. For native English speakers, a high verbal score is viewed positively by admissions committees because it demonstrates a strong command of the language, which is consistent with the expectations of this population. For non-native English speakers, the verbal score is more likely to reflect their ability to participate in discussions in a truly global and diverse group at schools that place a high value on discussion-based pedagogy (like IESE, INSEAD, or others). However, a less-than-average GMAT verbal score should be balanced by a high Quant score. A low undergrad GPA should also be balanced by a high GMAT. Yours, I think, is a very interesting case, because your sectional scores are quite opposed to what is expected of non-native English speakers from Latin America. Your verbal percentile is very impressive and your quant score comes as a surprise given your analytical background. In these types of cases, the schools will look at other hints in your application (and LORs) that suggest your quant abilities are at the right levels, so make sure you give enough justification in the application that this is more of an anomaly and not true reflection of your skills. If the schools are convinced, they will evaluate your application as is, but if not, then you can expect them to reach out asking you to retake the GMAT. I honestly don't think you have much to worry here because you come from an underrepresented pool and yet you have a very strong profile otherwise CFA/IB/Consulting. You can go ahead and apply, but if you have certain reservations, reach out and present your case to an adcom member over a call. Get personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. Reapplying? Get a free ding analysis Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) Founder, MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Is my gmat enough for IESE/other top bschools mba?

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