Waitlist advice

Question

Dear consultants,

I would very much appreciate your advice.
I got waitlisted at one program and my low GMAT test score is one of the main reason for it (as per feedback from the school).

Since I have no plan to retake GMAT due to time constraints, and I have fairly high EA score, would you advice if I can at least submit EA score for a school that only takes GMAT/GRE just to show my academic performance?

Thank you in advance!

MBAGuide · Answer

YNJ If the school has made it clear that they are uncertain about your low GMAT score, it's better you directly discuss with the school what they might consider as strong proof of your commitment to improving your academic standing. Back your high EA score with other proofs such as any academic trainings or courses you may have taken in the recent past. Ideally, applicants must recognise and address a gap in their academic skills or a low GMAT score at the time of applying and proactively take steps to remedy their quant (or verbal) skills. If you realize your GPA or GMAT/GRE is weak, with low marks in finance, economics, or math, or an uneven score, you should address the issues head-on by retaking the test. If you have the option to repeat a course at your alma mater or a reputable college, take it. Don't put all of your expectations in jumping the waitlist queue. If you are applying to multiple schools, we suggest that you apply to at least two of your preferred programs in the first round and schedule your first GMAT try three to five months before the first-round application deadline. This two- to three-month hiatus will allow you to recuperate and return with a GMAT retake schedule, if necessary. Quantitative scores are important, but a balanced score is required if you are pitching consulting goals. I have written extensively about convincing adcoms and waitlists on this forum. I hope these two links below will get you thinking and result in favorable outcomes. How Winning Candidates Convince Adcoms about Post-MBA Success : INSEAD (gmatclub.com) How to draft persuasive Waitlist Letters for getting the MBA admit : Darden (gmatclub.com) Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. We do not cap discussion hours. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer) Founder, MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn | WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

admitStreet · Answer

@YNJ - what was the Q/ V split of your GMAT score? If it's skewed, taking a supplemental exam can be considered: for example, if the Verbal split was particularly low, taking the IELTS/ TOEFL can help. If time constraint is your genuine/ primary challenge, I would suggest speaking to the AdCom - they might suggest alternatives. Showcasing your Quant/ Verbal abilities through your work-ex is another angle to alleviate concerns on the GMAT score, but I'm assuming this has already been done through essays. Feel free to reach out with your profile if you'd like to have a deeper chat. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | Schedule a free chat W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  YNJ ,

Thanks for writing in.

It is unlikely that the school will accept the EA score considering they have already mentioned the low GMAT as the main reason for putting you on the waitlist; however, if you have absolutely made up your mind about not retaking the GMAT, the only way out is to directly speak with the Admissions Committee, explaining your situation in a candid manner.

The outcome will depend on the school but this is the best that one can do.

All the best!

MBADecoder · Answer

HI YNJ, It depends upon the b-school in question and their flexibility on considering the EA score. EA is typically taken by older applicants, so the adcoms are likely going to factor this as well. Its best that you approach them as you will have to follow their specific rules for submission of further materials to enhance your chances off the waitlist. IMO, though, if you have been given feedback by the b-school regarding a particular weakness, then you should do what they require/expect from you at this stage- ofcourse, this dependes on how keen you are to convert that waitlist. It may be worth thinking that if you are not successful and decide to apply next year, then will your EA score be competitive/ accepted at your larget programs? If not, then you may as well attempt a GMAT or GRE retake now and submit a new score to this b-school. Namita Garg, Founder, MBA Decoder Email: contact@mbadecoder.com Profile evaluation: https://mbadecoder.com/services/free-pr ... valuation/

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