A Mediocre 650 on my GMAT :(

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A Mediocre 650 on my GMAT :(

by srinven » Tue Feb 08, 2011 2:28 pm
Hi,

I was hoping you can shed some light into the strength (or weaknesses) of my profile:
- I took my GMAT this past Saturday (02/05/10) & scored a mediocre 650 (Q:42; V:38). This was lower than my scores on the 8 mock tests (5 MGMAT CATs, 2 GMATPrep CATs & 1 Veritas Prep CAT); The scores were in the 670-710 range.
- I believe that I am capable of improving my Quant score (I was consistently hitting 47-49 in practice). But, improving that verbal score (without a lot of focused preparation) will be difficult.
- I belong to that most over-represented of categories: 32 year old Indian male working in the IT industry.
- I have an Indian undergraduate degree in Computer Science with a ~3.3 GPA.
- I have a Master's degree from IIT (Chicago) in Computer Science with a ~3.3 GPA.
- I have 8 years of experience (with a decent progression in title & responsibility) in the IT industry with most of it coming from the last 6 years spent at AT&T in Chicago.
- I am confident of getting outstanding recommendations from my managers (past & present).

With that said, I am aiming at part time programs in the Chicago area. I was originally (before the 650) aiming at the top 2 in my city: Kellogg & Booth (who isn't aiming for these, right ? :)). But, my GMAT score has probably taken me out of contention for these 2 schools. I am now looking at Depaul (Kellstadt), Loyola Chicago & Kelly Direct.
- What is your opinion on the 3 schools above?
- With my profile, what GMAT score do you think would give me a chance (even if very small) at Kellogg or Booth?
- What is your opinion of Kelley Direct? I am hearing varied reviews of the program. If its as highly valued as a regular Kelley MBA, then its a no-brainer. However, if its viewed in the same light as other online MBAs, then its a waste of money.
- Are there any other part programs (ones with either long-distance options or campuses in Chicago) that you would recommend?

Apologies for the rather long post. Thanks in advance for your reply & for your patience in reading this short story :).

-Sri.
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Sat Mar 12, 2011 2:03 pm
Hello,

Unfortunately I don't know how the Kelley Direct program is viewed. That factor is obviously more important if you are looking to change jobs down the road. If you are looking to advance within your current company, it may not be such an issue, as long as the program would give you the learning you need. I believe the other programs are solid, though obviously the reputation and quality of Kellogg and Chicago are tops. I think your GMAT score would make those schools reaches, but possibly reasonable reaches, not impossible ones. I wouldn't limit your applications to those schools, but it might make sense to apply to them as long as you also apply to some less competitive part-time programs in the area.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com