Should I go in for a GMAT Re-take ?

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Should I go in for a GMAT Re-take ?

by firenze369 » Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:03 pm
Dear Stacy,

GMAT
I took my GMAT a couple of days back (21st August) and got a 690 (Q49 V33). :oops: I havent yet recieved my AWA scores.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
I am from Mumbai, India. I have done my Mechanical Engineering from Mumbai University. My GPA is in the range of 3.5 - 4.
I do have a First Class throughout. I do not have an exact method for conversion.
I have 2 years of work-experience in IT (i know, it sounds cliched). Its a little more towards the technical side, but also has a bit of a managerial aspect involved.
However, I quit my job and i will be starting with an engineering company this week.
This was part of my syllabus, but i had an option to either do it in-house or with a company. I did the project with Tata Motors (India's largest automobile company).
I also had a 15 day training with another manufacturing company which was not part of my course syllabus.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

I have worked as the secretary and treasurer for the "Indian Society for Technical Education" in my college for 2 years. Organised various events.
I have also worked as the Event Co-ordinator for the "Society for Automotive Engineers" in my college for 1 year.
I know French (decent) and German (need to brush up a little), besides English, Hindi and Marathi.
I have played badminton at the district level and represented my junior college at competitions.
I have taken Capital Market exams with the India's National Stock Exchange.


THE PROBLEM

1. I have been told that my score is "not bad". But well, its not great either. I could have done way better. In my prep tests, i always got a verbal score of around 40-42. So i do not know if i should go in for a re-take.
2. I am not sure if my score is good enough to apply to the top ten B-Schools.
3. What happens if i get a score lower than the one I have now ?

This is a very rough idea about my situation.

Please help me out.
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by Lisa Anderson » Sat Aug 23, 2008 9:55 am
Dear firenze369,

First of all, a 690 is a great score. Many folks aspire to scoring at that level. The issue you face is that you are the most common profile in the global MBA applicant pool: male, IT, India. As a result, the competition for any top MBA program is fierce. These schools are highly selective no matter where you are from, but it is even tougher to gain admission as an international student from Asia. So, every piece of your application has to be outstanding.

With a 690 and only 2 years of work experience, you are on the low side for the top schools (although just barely below the averages). So you have two options:

1) Retake the exam and get your score up at least 20 points (more is better). A higher GMAT will put you in a more competitive position against the applicant pool. If you retake and do not score as well, it won't hurt you as schools only use your highest score in the evaluation. However, taking the test more than 3 times might hurt you as some schools frown on more than 3 attempts.

2) Apply with your current score and see what happens.

With either of these options, it is important you present a strong application package and distinguish yourself from the competition. I would also suggest you look at schools in the top 10-40 range. Many of these programs are strong and would welcome your application.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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