The Application Process

Hello,
i want to apply for a Masters in business in France ( sorry i know this forum about MBA but i need help), some of the programs i want to apply to, give the application with good GMAT score a competitive advantage and my test is in 12- March, but i wouldn't get a good score by than ( my current score is terrible) so i thought i would postponed the test for 5 weeks to be in 16-April, but people always says the soonest the better to guarantee a place, so do you think i should submit in March with a bad GMAT score or study and get a good GMAT and submit in April? and is April a late time to apply? is really my chances decrease with time ?

Hi,
Which schools you are applying to - are you talking about INSEAD and HEC? Others?

Top schools will require a strong GMAT score so I definitely would not apply if you have a low score. What is low exactly and what percentiles in quant and verbal? April is generally late for most schools but it really depends on the school - some still offer lots of places in the later rounds unlike the US schools.

Either way, it's sounding to me like you need to spend more time on the GMAT. What about postponing until the next entry?

i want to apply to HEC , ESSEC , ESCP & others. how to know if April is late for the schools i want to apply to?
the next entry is next year, i can't wait till next year.

Azizakaria wrote:i want to apply to HEC , ESSEC , ESCP & others. how to know if April is late for the schools i want to apply to?
the next entry is next year, i can't wait till next year.

You are looking at late April as a benchmark. For instance, HEC is April 21st. It will make it harder to apply in the last round, but depending on how attractive your profile is, it could still work out. If you want a profile evaluation or if you would like to discuss how I can help you with your applications, send me a note: [email protected]

Best,
Scott

Yes I agree with Scott. I would look at all the schools deadlines so HEC's next one is April 1, May 1 and June 1 whereas ESSEC's final ones are March 1 and May 1. Look at your other schools' deadlines and plan your gmat test accordingly. I would apply with a strong gmat score so would give yourself some time to study and not rush the application process. I would suggest postponing your application until the May deadlines and write in mid April sometime - also leaving lots of time for the application essays etc. It also really depends on the rest of your profile - work experience, leadership, hobbies/interests etc - they are all looking for well rounded candidates so sometimes a great profile can outweigh a lower gmat score.

If you'd like some more guidance, feel free to reach out to us at Fortuna anytime.

Good luck

In most cases, better to apply later with a stronger application. The extend to which you can improve your GMAT score and better develop your essays could justify waiting for the later rounds.

Wish you all the best!

Hey Azizakaria,

I have to agree with some of the previous posts. Getting a higher score would certainly be a better option but your increase has to be significant. But also, keep in mind that the GMAT is not the end-all in this process.
Most schools require you to fill comprehensive applications and it definitely takes some time to brainstorm all your achievements and narrowing it down to the ones the schools are looking for. You also need to ensure that you inform your recommenders well in advance to submit the LORs for you.

Having said that, here are the deadlines for the schools you are targeting:
HEC Paris - Spring Session Deadline: 3rd March
Summer Session Deadline: 21st April
Please note that you can apply for HEC and ESCP as part of one application via SAI (Services des Admissions Internationales)
SAI is a combined application for 5 schools including HEC and ESCP. There are no disadvantages of applying through SAI as far as we've seen. But it saves costs since separate applications cost more. Also, the process merely forwards your application to the schools and the school makes the final decisions.
SAI - Summer Session Deadline: 13th April
ESSEC - Round 4 Deadline: 11th April
Please note that ESSEC requires you to send physical copies of your application and LOR via post which will take additional time.

Since you are short on time, consider working on improving specific aspects of your application side-by-side along with your GMAT preparation.

You can also get a free evaluation of your profile at https://www.mim-essay.com/

The evaluation will help you understand your chances at the schools and also provide you with an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of your profile. Use this to work on improving weaker aspects of your application and solidifying your strengths (Achieving is one thing, framing it correctly in the application is another thing). We also provide useful tips to tackling the essays and composing your application to stand a good chance.
MiM-Essay is an organization that focuses specifically on MiM Programmes since MBA is the more popular market. We target a niche set of applicants and if you like our free evaluation and reviews of schools, you can avail our other services to help along with your application.

Good Luck on your GMAT and applications.