Focus on the GMAT vs Focus on the Application
I am applying on Round 2 to HBS, GSB, MIT and Wharton. I'm not going to business school if I don't get into those schools.
SHOULD I FOCUS MY ATTENTION ON MY GMAT AT THIS POINT? OR MY APPLICATIONS?
Here's my profile:
- GPA: 3.65 - Mechanical Engineering (Top 3 engineering school)
- 3 years of consulting at big 4 firm
- Worked in 7 different countries in Europe, North and South America. I speak 3 languages
- Started my own business about 1 year ago. (It was a result of my experiences, not just some gimmick)
- Extra-curricular: Heavy involvement on mentoring through all my life (high school, college, post-college)
- Very low GMAT: 600 (working on getting it up)
- US underrepresented minority
Although I have a very strong story to tell, I am a bit worried about my low GMAT.
The problem is that I have already been studying for the exam for 3+ months and I struggle with standardized testing. To be honest, I have had to overcome so many difficulties to be where I am... It bothers me that a test is keeping me from being a well-rounded, strong candidate.
Thank you for your comments guys!!
Focus on the GMAT.
There are enough underrepresented minorities applying to these top b-schools that that alone isn't going to really get adcoms to overlook a significantly lower than average GMAT.
Those who tend to get in with these kinds of low GMATs tend to be "application proof" - in that their overall raw profile is so unique, compelling, etc that the GMAT, application, etc has no bearing on the decision. Think certain kinds of pro athletes, semi-public figures (or with some renown), someone from a very well known family (who has money that the school wants), and so forth. Special situations, highly unusual circumstances, and not related to demographic profiles or personal narratives that can be told in a 500-1000 word essay.
Again, you don't need a monster GMAT to be in range, but you need at least a 660 at the absolute bare minimum, and a 700+ ideally, or else you're looking at a 65 yard field goal try (kicking cross winds) with your current GMAT.
It sucks that adcoms put so much emphasis on the GMAT these days, but that's the name of the game.
Not trying to sound discouraging, but that's the reality. Do whatever it takes to boost that GMAT. Whatever it takes.
Do you value the network or the business education itself? Do you think MBA outside of those 4 schools aren't worth it?
I'm asking because with R2 application your chance of getting accepted gets significantly lower and I think you should broaden your school choices. You may consider Darden/Michigan or other top 10-15 schools or apply R1 next year.
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