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Top Mgmt Consulting Exp, Top Schools & Grades, But 690GM

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Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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Top Mgmt Consulting Exp, Top Schools & Grades, But 690GM

by xyz21 » Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:52 am
Dear Admission Consultants,

I am targeting a top 10 school.

My background:

* Undergrad (India): #1 engineering university in India, graduated at top of the class with 9.3/10. Active participation in cultural activities in college.

* MS (US): At a top 3 ranked program in my field of engineering (Overall, Top 10 US School). Perfect GPA (4/4). Board member of department's student group.

* 4 years of consulting experience: 3 years at a top 5 strategy consulting, 1 year at boutique consulting, currently working in Industry (Fortune 100). Ranked above peers in assessments

* Can get strong recommendations (pretty sure)

* Took GMAT twice and got 680, 690 (46Q, 38V) -- weakest point :(

Based on what I read for similar profiles, I think I have a shot at top 10 but given the following:

(1) poor economy and increased number of applicants
(2) belonging to the infamous Indian pool (how the heck are all Indians cracking 740+ :))

..would my GMAT score hurt my chances for admission in a top 10 school for Fall 2010?

I do have a good story: came from a relatively poor background in India and had to struggle a lot to get to where I am today. But I am thinking probably most of the applicants would have a good story and my application would get killed due to my GMAT score.

Should I take GMAT again or should I run with 690 for a couple of R1 applications that I wanted to target?

Thanks so much for your input!!
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by Scottie@VeritasPrep » Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:22 pm
While it would be nice to have a GMAT score in the 700+ range, your score is solid and will not take your application out of consideration. However, as you seem to already know, the key is to differentiate yourself from a pool of similar applicants. It is great that you are already thinking of your "story". Throughout the application process, you will have many opportunities to talk about yourself so be sure to also include any unique skills/interests as well as a thorough explanation of your short and long-term goals. If your goals are tied to a life experience then be sure to mention it.

So in a nutshell, the GMAT score is not the only component of the MBA application. Yours is well within the 80% range of the top programs. Your challenge now is to make the Ad com feel as if they know you from reading your essays and want to learn more about you via interviews. Therefore, you need to write thoughtful, focused and interesting essays and request LORs from individuals who know you well and can discuss your past accomplishments as well as your future goals.
Scottie Winslow | Admissions Consultant |
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Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Jun 14, 2008 8:51 pm

Thanks

by xyz21 » Tue Aug 18, 2009 12:43 pm
Scottie,

Thanks a lot for your feedback. I guess I will go ahead and apply to 2-3 schools in R1 and take GMAT again in a month.

Is 3 time too much? Would AdCom frown upon that?

Thanks!
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