Profile evaluation for MSF programs

Hi everybody,

I have a big problem and I was hoping that some of you could help me.
I have graduated from a well regarded business undergrad program in Germany and ranked in the Top 20% (GPA roughly 3.3) but it seems like I cannot conquer the GMAT. I have already taken it three times (two times with no prep, during M&A internship) and my best score was a 580 (Q40 V29). The funny thing is that I have not scored under 600 in any of the official practice tests. I even bought the extra package and all my scores were above 630. But when it comes to test day I fail.
Anyways, now I have been looking at the GRE and did some questions and it looks like I can deal better with the verbal part because I read a lot and the math is easier.
I wanted to know which path you think makes more sense, apply with the GMAT or try the GRE and then apply?
I would consider my work experience to be solid: EB M&A, 2 MM M&A, Top 10 AM, founded my own company with 15k revenue in first year (not a lot I know) and I have further interviews lined up for one more internship before the MSF would start. BB (GS/MS/JPM), EB, Top Tier MM (HW/WB/Baird) Major European PE player and two big VC companies for German standards. Furthermore, I have already studied in the US at UCSD (two quarters) and NYU (summer school) and received GPA´s of 3.5 and 3.7, respectively.
The old list of my schools will sound unrealistic to you because of my very low GMAT but I will still list them:

MIT, CMC, UTA, Vandy, WUSTL, USC, BC, Ohio State, Nova, Duke.

I was hoping that some of you could add some programs that would match my profile better or if you think that I should still apply to some of the schools above.
I have already contacted TNA and he is very busy at the moment (he suggested Ohio State and Johns Hopkins) so I was hoping that some others could help me make that list a little longer.

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.

2 Comments
 

With your GMAT, it will be tough. A 650+ is typically needed to be competitive at most of the programs you listed. I do know that Vandy and a few other programs saw a decrease in their average GMAT, as they admitted several borderline retarded applicants this year. However, their averages are still higher than yours. But, if you have strong work experience, e.g. an M&A internship, you might have a shot. I would highly recommend that your standardized test scores, either the GRE or GMAT, be at least in the 80th percentile. A rigorous study regiment, maybe an hour or two a day for the next two months, should put you where you need to be.

 

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