What are my chances for Round 2?

Question

Hi team! Hope you are doing well.

I gave my GMAT 2 weeks back, and scored a 750 (Quant 49, Verbal 42, IR 6, AWA 5.5; not happy with my quant score, so will be re-appearing for GMAT in 2 weeks). I have been working for the last 4.5 years in the largest FMCG (CPG) organisation in India, and have been one of the top performers here. I am aiming to do my second MBA (am holding my MBA from a Tier-I Indian B-School) to expand my cross-functional expertise. I have played Badminton competitively during my college days, and have held multiple positions of responsibilities (club leadership, Joint Secretary of the Alumni Relations Cell, captain of institute Badminton team). I am a Mental Health Champion in my current organisation, and also lead multiple work streams at a non-profit organisation that aims to provide free-of-cost coaching to meritorious, yet under-served students of my home state in India (to enable them to crack the competitive medical entrance examinations in India). My target schools are HBS, Wharton, GSB, Kellogg, Booth, Ross, Stern, LBS. What do you think my chances are in these colleges? Thanks in advance!

Admissionado · Answer

Smarak29 :

Thanks for reaching out to our community. You have a terrific profile with many tremendous assets.

HBS/GSB/Wharton are always going to be a stretch for candidates. I would say you will be given a look but I wouldn't count on them. Kellogg/Booth/LBS are also going to be tough, but they are definitely much more in your range. Ross/Stern feel like very attainable programs.

I feel good about your chances at Stern and Ross are strong, but you may want to have a couple of true safeties in there just in case. It's been a wacky couple of years and it's always wise to have sure things.

-Admissionado

MBADecoder · Answer

I'd say, take GMAT quickly if you feel you can get your score up a good deal, and then move on after that, whatever be the result. You should start working on your applications now- you have some highly competitive programs on your list and their applications are time taking.

In terms of your profile, it would be nice to know more on what you do at work, what are your responsibilities/ achievements? What are your career goals? Can you not achieve them without an MBA? (gaining cross-functional skills is not a very compelling reason, especially given the opportunity cost of an MBA). Perhaps, consider a one year MBA such as Kellogg/ Cornell? I know they recruit people like you- with CPG background + an MBA + high GMAT score (always a ++ for Indian applicants).

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  Smarak29

Thanks for the details.

Profile-wise, you look like a great fit for the top-notch programs. Besides, good to know that you are looking at re-attempting the GMAT. A spike in your score will definitely enhance your chances.

Having said the above, your target schools will be very keen on understanding your need for a second MBA especially since your first one was from a Tier 1 school in India. Therefore, do remember to answer this appropriately, linking the same to your future goals. To be honest, a lot will depend on how you answer this (not only what you will contribute to the school but also what you stand to gain from the class - many of who will be less experienced than you).

A set of compelling essays portraying clarity of career goals and the need for an MBA will definitely give you a strong chance at making it to some of your target schools.

All the best!

What are my chances for Round 2?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards