Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear all,

Yesterday I received my TOEFL score; unfortunately it was below my expectations: 106 (R 30, L 29, S 23, W 24). I underestimated the unpleasantness and the difficulty of talking into a recorder, I did not pace myself and did a mess in the speaking section, then I got nervous and underperformed in the writing section as well; no need to talk about it anyway, that's gone.

The score is above the minimum requirement for 3 of the MBAs programs to which I'm applying (HEC Paris, Cranfield SOM and SDA Bocconi in Milan), but below the threshold of my top-choice (Cambridge Judge which requires a 110). According to their admission policy, it's still possible to apply with a score between 100 and 109 (if you deem to be a strong canditate) and they might ask you either to retake and improve or to go through an internal assessment. I am looking for some honest suggestions on my dilemma:

- Should I retake the test and miss the next deadline (it's January the 9th and I won't be able to retake the exam until January), therefore losing the eligibility for some scholarships that I was targeting (available only to candidates who applied by the next deadline)?
- Should I apply anyway assuming that my candidature is strong enough (not so confident about it)? I'm a 30 years old Italian male with 730 GMAT (Q49 V41 AWA 5.5 IR 7); 3.8 GPA in my BA in Economics and 3.9 GPA in my MSC in Finance both from a small Italian University, 6 years work experience in consultancy (2 years in a Big 4) and banking (4 years in planning & control for the Investment banking division of the biggest Italian banking Group). My GMAT is above their average, but I may lack international exposure and career progression has not been spectacular so far (italian job market is in complete stalemate). How can that TOEFL score hamper my chances to be admitted (and also the chances to get a partial tution waiwer for which I'm potentially eligible given my GMAT and my GPA)?
- Should I forsake the idea of applying to Judge and concentrate on my other applications (maybe also considering other schools)?
To complete the picture, I'm planning to switch to Corporate Finance after my MBA diploma and I ruled out programs lasting more than 15 months (basically everything in the US) and the top programs in Europe (LBS, Insead, IMD, IESE) for financial reasons.

I sincerely thank everyone who will find the time to answer my post.

Pat