Choosing final school - Low GMAT but unique background

Question

Hello,

I've already applied to four other schools, but I'd like a school that's in my range and is actually good. So here's what I'm looking for: entrepreneurship, somewhere on the East/West coasts, fairly good school.

Profile:

Background: Saudi Arabian male 25 years old. Small pool (Middle East and North Africa)

GMAT: 570 (V28, Q40)

GPA: 3.2 from a local university

Major: Computer Science

Experience: One year in an international telecommunications company. Two years working in IT at one of the best universities in the region.

For the last year, I've worked as a marketing director for a small company managing 3 people. We won several contracts, bringing in profit at the first year.

My biggest strength is knowledge of business in a cash-cow region.

My biggest weakness is my GMAT score, which is way out of range. What do you guys thing? Am I unique enough to be considered?

Last point is, I have a full scholarship from the government. So price is not an issue.

Please suggest schools that might be a good fit :?:

Last point is, I have a full scholarship from the government. So price is not an issue. Please suggest schools that might be a good fit :?:

domotron · Answer

Have you considered retaking the GMAT? If you can get it to say mid-600s then you will have a lot more options open.

ahmalj · Answer

I am retaking the GMAT but I'm really if I can break the 600 the next time.

I need a lot more prep to get around 650 or so. I'm reconsidering reapplying next year with an improved GMAT if I don't get in any of the schools I applied to.

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domotron · Answer

Which schools did you apply to?

The trouble is there are plenty of schools willing to take your money even with a low GMAT. The problem is whether they are worth attending and whether they will get you where you want to go in your career. You are relatively young so another year won't hurt.

ahmalj · Answer

I'm posting from my phone so please bear with me.

I looked at the ranges and applied to Babson, Indiana and Maryland. UCLA just because I can apply even though there's no chance I'll get accepted.

I'm definitely sold on Babson and Indiana but Maryland isn't really my priority.

I'm definitely returning to my country afterwards as it's my goal to get an MBA.

Any suggestions?

Posted from my mobile device

ahmalj · Answer

For some reason, I cannot edit my posts. But I have to ask the following:

When you're saying willing to take your money with low GMAT, you don't mean in the top 50, right?

Posted from my mobile device

domotron · Answer

I don't know a huge amount about the programs you mentioned but Babson and Kelley are perceived as solid programs I believe. If you get into those then great. However I would envisage that you're at the low end of their GMAT range. If you don't get in definitely study again for the GMAT, get a solid score and that should open more doors for you next year.

Forgive me but I'm not really that well versed in all of the top 50 schools. I am just cautioning the fact that some may admit you but you might find that it doesn't actually meet your expectations or help you fulfil your goals. You only get to do your MBA once so you definitely don't want buyers remorse!

ahmalj · Answer

Thank you Domotron.

I really appreciate your input.

I definitely am going a bit out of my range this year, but as you said I don't want to get buyer's remorse. And I'm particularly suspect to that!

I'll see what happens and then evaluate my options.

Posted from my mobile device

Choosing final school - Low GMAT but unique background

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