Ask mbaMission

Hi Mohan,

Thanks for sharing your profile information. You have some strong points in your profile, including:

-strong GPA
-extensive US and also international experiences
-solid PWC experience and the recent promotion
-extensive volunteering experiences if you can describe well and passionately
-CFA/CPA

A few potential challenges or q's...

-The GMAT challenges as you've described, BUT getting the 76th percentile in quant this last time is a lot better in terms of showing you can handle the program (and your GPA shows that too, especially if in a quant major). However a 670 does theoretically 'bring down the average' slightly at some of those programs, which means the rest of your application must be outstanding!

-You'll have higher-than-average years of work experience; doesn't have to be an issue BUT you'll want to ensure you are very clear and specific with your short and long-term post-MBA goals and WHY you need this MBA at this point in your career

-Very generally, at schools that get so many applications, it's important to stand out in some way from the crowd of applicants... so you'll need to work on, what is it about YOU that they should remember and offer an acceptance to you for?? What is unique, what will you bring to the class?

In terms of your q's...

1) Yes I'd list new score; keep in mind all scores are shown on the report but schools take the highest, and yes the higher quant is preferable. IF you are able to take a quant class and score well, if you have the time, it would only be another plus.

2) Just very roughly making judgements based upon the info you provided, without the benefit of reading your application essays (which can make or break an application!!), I'd say you should have decent chances at Fuqua, Ross, Georgetown. The others are more reach-schools. Kellogg probably being the biggest challenge, arguably, or tied with LBS.

3) You can make a brief, mature statement about why you feel that your true academic ability is not fully indicated within that GMAT score, if desired; don't need to make a big focus of it.

4) In terms of specific pointers, I think I've provided some in the above, and it's hard to give much more without more information...

Dig deep and brainstorm on what makes YOU unique... b-school admissions decisions are made holistically... it's not just based on grades or facts or stats, but on a holistic picture of the applicant and what they'll contribute to the program, who they are as a person. That is primarily evidenced through your ESSAYS, fyi!! (And interview if you get to that point.) Elements you need to convey in your application for a chance at a top rated program include:
-what past experiences and skills will benefit you in the classroom, and later in your career
-what key traits and experiences make you UNIQUE; basically, 'why YOU??' vs other applicants
-why you want the MBA, with clear short term and long term post-MBA goals
-why NOW
-why that specific school is right for you

If you lack any of the above components, you risk that another well or similarly-qualified applicant who includes all of those, will wind up getting accepted over you!

For more q&a and profile feedback, we do offer a 30 minute free consult... if you are interested in that option, you can register at https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php.

Wishing you the best!

Hi there--
Bummer about the IR. It is another small negative, BUT the IR is definitely not the focus in the application or even GMAT assessment at this point in time. It's still fairly new and the admissions committees are feeling it out and learning how best to use it; the focus is still on the primary score. Hope that helps!

I would! Higher quant is a plus.