Profile Evaluation - Retake GMAT or Not

Question

Profile

Gender: Male
Age: 27
Nationality: Canadian
Minority: No
GPA: 78% (83% in Final Year)
Degree: Chemical Engineering
Years of Professional Experience: 5 
Official Score #1: 650 (42Q, 37V, 4IR, 5AWA)
Official Score #2 (three weeks later): 640 (47Q, 32V, 5IR, 5.5AWA)

Desired Canadian Schools: Rotman, Ivey
Desired American Schools: Tuck, Cornell, Stern

I should first say that I am not overly joyful about my GMAT scores. Over the 6 practice CAT's I took (purchased through the GMAC website) I averaged approximately 690. This is still lower than the average for my desired US schools, but I felt it wasn't too far off and that there was the potential of doing slightly better than the average. However, things didn't go as planned and I received a score of 650 on my first attempt. The two areas that struck me the most were my Quant and IR scores (they ranged around 47-49 Q and 6-7 IR on my practice tests). So I decided to retake the test again knowing that I could improve in those areas. Again, I was disappointed in my second score of 640. This time, my Verbal score dropped far below what I was expecting but all other areas had improved. Had I been able to maintain my Verbal score from my first attempt, I would have met my target of 690.

Feeling I be deterred and lacking a bit confidence to write it again, I'm not sure what I should do. I talked to Ivey's admission staff and they suggested just applying with my score and potentially rewrite the test, if all went well, after being accepted for potential scholarships and improving my chances of getting in. I asked similar questions at Rotman, but they were much more vague. With my current scores though I stand little chance getting into any of the American schools.

What would you suggest? Knowing that I do not wish to come back to my current employer, I was thinking of resigning early during the application process in order to focus more on them and rewrite the test with 100% of my focus (my current position demands long hours and some weekends). Do you think that'd look poor on my application if I am no longer employed? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Regards,

Joel

Admissionado · Answer

Joel, Good to hear from you and I see your dilemma. So first thing: Do NOT quit juuuust to rewrite the test. Being unemployed without a good reason will not help your application. If you have a good reason though (say you have a plan to travel the world, or join Peace Corps, or whatever) then you can quit and take a 1-2 months buffer to do the GMAT. Next, I think your difficulty is that you are mixing the job strategy thing, with the MBA strategy thing. I get the sense that you don't really like your job (correct me if I'm wrong) and you want to leave. Okay, fine. But GMAT and MBA is another thing. What I can say is this: If you want to give a shot to Canadian schools and that would make you happy, I think you could try with your current GMAT. Things will be harder of course. On the other hand, my personal advice would be: If you are confident that you can get at least 30 points more on the GMAT, apply only with your best possible score, even if it takes you another year.I mean if you can hit a 700, it can be a game changer!! Which of course leaves you with your other "problem": What to do about your job? Do you stick it out for a year? Maybe look for a new job? (and take time between jobs to do the GMAT?) or join a volunteer program, or travel the world

Or whatever else you want to do! (Although from an MBA perspective, a better job with more leadership would be the way to go) I hope these thoughts help, and if you have any other thoughts or questions, just drop a line! Best, JF

WannabeTitan · Answer

I am in the same dilemma so please evaluate my profile too.

Profile 
Gender: Male
Age: 30
Nationality: Indian
Minority: No
GPA: 73.8% in Graduation
Degree: Computer Science Engineering
Years of Professional Experience: 7.1 years 
Official Score #1: 680 (49Q, 37V, 4.5AWA) - given in 2012
Official Score #2 (three weeks later): 660 (49Q, 33V, 5AWA) - 2013

Desired Course: Executive / Full Time MBA
Desired B-Schools: Rotman, Schulick, McGill, Geaorge Washington University, INSEAD France, Kellog,, HKUST, HEC Paris, CEIBS, Stern, ISB, CMU
Desired Profile: Consultant (Business/Strategic)

I practiced over couple of months for my first attempt but definitely didnt grasp the verbal concepts completely. With half-baked understanding rushed into GMAT to end up scoring only 680, though was scoring in the range of 680-710 during the practice mock-ups. I knew my strengths and weakness prior to exam but my casual attitude didn't let me iron out the pressing issues. Being heart-broken with the score, decided to re-attempt after some duration and gave another GMAT exam without much preparation. Lack of practice and busy office schedule ended up me scoring even lower - 660.

Without wasting any more time of next attempt, I started with the application process and must admit I impressed with the applications I wrote to the ambitious colleges (ones on the higher side of my GMAT score - 700+ ones). Got interview calls from Rotterdam, HKU, McGill, HKUST, George Washington and CEIBS. Was planning to apply for Rotman and Schulick but stopped short of applying of fast approaching deadlines. Despite a poor run at interviews, was able to crack Rotterdam and McGill. I couldnt join either as wasn't certain to risk studying in Europe due to financial crisis (in 2012) for former, and couldn't cover my expenses and have enough financial support for McGill.

Off late, I have this strong desire to re-attempt GMAT and score higher - at least 710+ and go for Executive MBA. I am not ruling out Full Time MBA, but based on my experience level, EMBA seems a better choice. The colleges I am primarily pursuing are ISB Hyderabad, INSEAD France to name a few. I have been working as Business Analyst/Consultant in Insurance (Healthcare domain) for past 7 years with renowned Indian MNCs and I taking a higher leap in management role seems an obvious way forward.

Please let me know your thoughts on:
1) Whether to re-attempt GMAT
2) What should I look for - EMBA or Full Time MBA
3) What roles should i aspire for post MBA.

Regards,
Amit Vashishtha

Admissionado · Answer

Hey Amit, Great to hear from you!!! Let me start by answering your questions: 1) Whether to re-attempt GMAT This one is hard to say. It depends on how much time you have, what might happen in the next year, and your real capacity to score higher. Firstoff, I'd highly suggest you have a look at this article which should be of great help to you: https://admissionado.com/mba/to-retake-o ... n=mba_blog 2) What should I look for - EMBA or Full Time MBA Full-time MBA. 30 is not that old. Although you will be closer to the average for European and Asian MBAs. But unless you are sponsored and/or ready to stay in management in the same company/industry, a full-time MBA is the better choice. 3) What roles should i aspire for post MBA. Haha! Good question! This you have to tell ME! I can't ell you what you want. Consulting? management? industry move? make a startup? join the family business? So many options. Its helpful if you have an idea of what you want to do first. Otherwise, from your school list, I think the following schools could be possible with your current GMAT: Rotman, Schulick, McGill, George Washington University, INSEAD France, HKUST, HEC Paris, CEIBS The others (mostly higher ranked US schools) will require about 40+ more points on the GMAT at least. Best, Jon

WannabeTitan · Answer

Thanks Jon.

An excellent pragmatic feedback I must say !!

I went through the link you gave for reference and have couple of things where would need an expert opinion.

1) Considering I already a score of 680, and based on my past experience with mocks, may end up scoring 20 - 30 more only (unless I surprise myself and end up scoring 750+). Does this 20-30 pointer would really make a difference in terms of the schools I am aspiring? I am definitely going for the Whartons, Stanford and LBS.

2) Boastfully I can say I have a strong profile, already working in Business administration stream and doing an MBA is a natural gradual move upwards. I had written some good essays which means I am not worried much from the profile front. Most importantly, I am looking for the Business Consulting roles (IT or Insurance) where I already have 7 years of experience. So, paraphrasing the above question - Would a 710/720 make significant impact in terms of getting shortlisted for interview? For sponsorship / scholarship I know it would for sure.

3) How much does a male candidate with age 30 - 32 find it difficult in terms getting job opportunities post MBA considering I am looking for next year MBA.. so would be close to 32 by the time MBA ends..

Admissionado · Answer

I will try and continue then with the excellent and pragmatic feedback

1. I don't want to "Rain on your parade" but I would not suggest applying to LBS, Wharton Stanford. You don't have the GPA, the school, the GMAT or the job that would make your profile competitive at these schools, Im afraid. I know it's likely not what you wanted to hear, but you will go up against IITers with 8.9 GPA and 770 on the GMAT who come from MBB consulting, and with that type of competition Top 10 schools will be out of range for you. Other than that, every bit helps! 30 points in 30 points!!! 2. Yes. Those aren't just 30 points, but 30 points which put you in or above the average at schools in the 10-30 range, and those 30 points can be VITAL. 3. It's a bit on the older side, but not totally out of range. Don't worry about it too much. Sooooo, I hope all this helps! Best, Jon

WannabeTitan · Answer

Thanks Jon. I kind of say enjoyi talking you via questions.. and I wanted to say "I am definitely "not" going for the Whartons.... " but missed the significant "not"

.. A big typo mistake for me. Thanks for replying back with details and insight. Your answers truly helps.

Admissionado · Answer

Great man! Good luck! If you need any personalized help, just drop us a line! https://admissionado.com/free-consultati ... n=mba_blog Best, Jon

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