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vdawg5: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:09 am

by vdawg5 » Sun Sep 06, 2009 12:02 pm

Hi,

I was wondering if I could get some feedback. I just took the GMAT yesterday and am quite disappointed with the score - I got a 600 (36Q, 36V). I did pretty terribly on the math and am planning on retaking it in about a month.

Here's some basic info about myself:

American - 24 years old

graduated from UC Berkeley - GPA 3.3-3.4

I've been working full time as a software engineer for 2 years (since graduation.)

I am planning on applying to business schools very soon(mostly in Europe) but I'm afraid my low GMAT score will hinder my chances of getting accepted. And 2 years is not that much experience compared to some of the other applicants.

What do you think my chances are of getting into a good school? I'm really not sure I can improve my GMAT score drastically, although I will do my best. What score do you think I should get to have a reasonable chance of getting accepted at one of the better business schools?

Thanks in advance

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Sun Sep 06, 2009 12:02 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 » Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:40 am

Dear vdawg5,

You are right in your assessment that applicants to EU business schools tend to have more than 2-3 years experience. However, that is not to say that you are at a disadvantage with 2-3 years. It depends on the quality of the experience during that time. As for your GMAT score, where you need to be depends on the schools you are considering. To be in range with your GMAT score, you need to be in the mid-50% range for the school. While it is still possible to be admitted if your GMAT is below that range, the rest of your application would have to be quite compelling. For the best competitive position on the GMAT, you want to be at or above the average.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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