620 for LBS?

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khan_raj: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:28 am; Thanked: 1 times

by khan_raj » Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:37 pm

Hi Stacy,
I just had my GMAT today and scored 620, i was scoring in the 680's during my practice so was a bit dissapointed with the result, not sure what happened today, i think i lost my focus in the last 25 mts, the last time i took CAT(10 years ago) - GRE i scored in the 90th percentile. Can you please comment on my chances for Executive MBA at LBS?

Background:
30 yr, currently VP at number 2 IB, 7 years experience(1 year in start up(6 people), 2 year in a small firm(100), 4 year in current company(50k people), 6 years in NY and 1 year in London now, Masters in Computer Science from SUNY, UG GPA :3.7 (India), MS GPA :3.57 (SUNY)

This is what LBS says : The Admissions Committee expects a strong candidate to gain a score of at least 600, with at least 50 in the quantitative and verbal percentiles. The average GMAT score for Executive MBA classes is usually between 650 and 665.

I havent started my essays yet, they have rolling admit April 12, 4th may , 7th june, Iam planning to apply by the 4th may. Should i concentrate my efforts on retaking GMAT or on essays for the 4th may.
Thanks

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:37 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Mar 17, 2010 6:27 am

Dear khan_raj,

If retaking the GMAT means you will sacrifice the quality of your essays, then I think you need to focus on your essays at this point. The GMAT is not more important and it appears your 620 does put you in range, albeit below the average. For an executive program, your essays are a significant piece of your application, along with your work experience, career goals, and rationale for going to business school. If you feel you have time to retake the GMAT and put in the effort needed for an outstanding set of essays, then do both---but don't sacrifice your essays at this point. That's just my 2 cents...

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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khan_raj: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:28 am; Thanked: 1 times

by khan_raj » Wed Mar 17, 2010 1:16 pm

Thanks Lisa.

I am planning to take the GMAT again, but Iam going to give more focus on the essays. Iam not worried about the GMAT anymore, and I believe I may be able to score better this time as most of the stress is gone and I have nothing to loose by taking the exam again.

Thanks,
Raj

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