Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi Amy,

This is going to be a long one! I hope to find an answer here. I have seen quite a few questions discussed here, so I thought I could post my case as well and look forward to an answer. At the outset, I would like to thank you for the assistance!

I have taken my GMAT and I have received what I feel is only a 'so-so' score of 640. I admit that this falls within the range of scores that successful applicants to most top 20 B Schools have obtained. However, I have been speaking with a few people, and have been encountering mixed responses. Some people I have chatted with feel that this score is still good enough, considering my other aspects and that I should go ahead and apply, while some others feel that I should go for a retake of the GMAT to better the scores. I would like to know from you what your thoughts would be.

GMAT Score - I have a 640 score (6.0 on AWA, 78% Quants, 72% Verbals, overall 80%).

Work Experience - 7 years (in Indian Software Firm Infosys Technologies Limited); 3 of them in a leadership/managerial role; 1 year of International work experience in New York (while on deputation to work for American Express Bank, New York) and 1 month at Hong Kong.

Undergraduate GPA - 3.9 (University Second Rank holder, Bachelor Of Engineering, Electronics And Communications Engineering); graduated in 2000.

Social Work - Am a regular contributor towards various charity organisations around Chennai, India. Our family has also adopted a poor, destitute child and we are sponsoring his primary and secondary education.

Leadership Qualities - Have been Head of a number of councils and committees at Work, College and School, have performed important roles like being the Moderator of the Official Bulletin Board and the Chairman of Food Committee of Infosys Chennai, an organisation with close to 5000 people. I was the Culturals Secretary at Infosys Chennai for 2 years, the Secretary of the Old Students' Association of my High School (when I successfully organised State Level Cultural Competitions, Career Counselling Courses for High School Students, Eye Camps for the poor and needy, Technical Paper Presentation Contest for School Students and so on), etc.

Awards - Quite a few both at Office and at College and School. The latest was the Most Valuable Player Award in my Department of nearly 4000 employees.

Certifications - A couple of them while at Office.

Extra-Curriculars - I am an amateur writer (with a weekly magazine column to my name) and lyricist and singer (performing in an office band), I organise a lot of cultural events at Office and as part of the High School alumni network.

Would these be able to cover/compensate for the 'relatively lower' GMAT score of 640?

I am looking at an MBA for a career shift, from the IT industry to get into something like media (BBC, CNN, NDTV, etc), or HR, or Sales/Marketing. These happen to be my passion and I believe that I have reached a stage in life where I should pursue these passions, which would enable me to bring out my true potentials.

Or, should I plain take the GMAT again?

I just want to know if I would have better chances with a higher score or if I pass the screening restrictions already.

Any pointers from you would be highly helpful!

Am as confused as... I cannot even think of analogies.

Hoping to hear back from you soon.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Vijay

Hi Vijay,

You should absolutely retake the GMAT. It sounds like you have some great material for an application, but I'm sure you're aware that you are part of a demographic that is overrepresented in MBA applicant pools.

When you have a borderline score on the first try, and the opportunity to improve it, you should certainly take it. I think showing improvement on the GMAT, and the persistence to keep trying, can only help you. Manhattan GMAT offers great online classes, and I have seen clients improve substantially after using them.

Good luck!

Amy