Admissions Success Stories

Hi all,

I just took my first GMAT, got 47 (77th percentile) for quant and 25 (35th percentile) for verbal. Overall 600. Essays i got 6.0. I am thinking of schools like Schulich, Warwick, which are not the very top schools though cos i know i couldnt get a 700 score =P but is 600 too low for schulich or Warwick etc? I see from the Economist mag, these schools has average of mid 600+ scores. I am thinking of retaking however i do not have the time to study for feb gmat test dates.. Hoping to get in Sep 2011 which I understand it's pretty tight..

Anyone can advise if I really need to retake again? And , will the essay points compensate for my verbal?

THanks,

Whether your score is enough or not depends primarily on your profile. If you're profile is out of the ordinarily fantastic, even a 550 could get you in Stanford. If your profile is not great, even a 790 might not be enough.

The schools you mentioned have average GMAT scores in mid-600 as you said. Provided your application is good, you should have a great chance of getting in. Good Luck!!

AWA essays CANNOT be used as a substitute for verbal score.

What's the middle 80% range for those schools?

I don't know what to tell you. If you have wealth of work experience, I would apply. The problem with 600 score that you got is not as much a score it self, but the fact that the break down is uneven between quant and verbal sections. Business schools usually dont like uneven breakdowns.

I can't comment on Warwick, but for Schulich, I think 600 is enough. I got in with 610, but then my score breakdown was very balanced and I made sure to capitalize on other parts of application. I applied early, took the liberty of two weeks to write my essays, and made sure that I got the references I wanted...

Good Luck!

Hi!

THanks for the replies. I retake the GMAT a second time and I got a 560 instead. Very depressing I know.. esp the fact that I put in more time to study for the second time. Q44 V23. Even worse than first time as both Q and V dropped. AWA 5.5

I am starting to apply for schools and am wondering how should I explain my low verbal score in the essay. How do schools assess GMAT scores if there is more than 1 attempt?

I have the following points in my essay:
-the low verbal score does not reflect my verbal and written skills as I have a high AWA .
- I will take the TOEFL test if you think is required for you to accurately assess my lang skills.
-willing to take any preparatory course work in your school to improve verbal

Are the points above ok? Valid? Anything more to add?

Btw, do you hear ppl gettting low verbal yet high AWA? COmmon? I am not taking a third time as I do not have time or leave to study anymore.. Apparently Warwick did not reply when I asked abt the 80 percentile range..

Thanks!

My friend. I can understand you. Totally. I took the GMAT examination 3 times before reaching to my final score, 600. If i have anything to contribute to your problem as a solution that would be , take the GMAT for a third time. I know your first thought will be: hell NO, but remember that the best the school is, the more the shots that you will have in the future will be. And in this low expectations world and in this uncertain future, you really want to have more opportunities to advance and to show your skills!!I did it and i got in my first choice Honors MBA program! We have an expression here in Greece. Κου�άγιο φίλε. Meaning: Show courage my friend!!

Ben
Baruch College

Hello,

Believe in yourself and take the GMAT for a third time. But, but do this instead...a GMAT score of 600 is rather good, and with a well presented profile you can get far.

Here is what i would do if i was in your shoes now:(this is my opinion only)

Frist: Start working on your essay questions. These are the most important component of your application. People score high and low GMAT scores, have low and high GPA`s, have or have not amazing work experience... but what will certainly set you apart from the rest is you essays. Think, assess,and write something that is ABOUT YOU!
At the end BS want individuals that are different, smart and able to contribute to the class room.

Second: I will retake the GMAT a third time... that is only once you are ready with your essays and have really work hard on them. Re take the GMAT and see how much you score.. if it is higher than well done (smile).... and move to the next step and apply. If not then still (smile) and move to the next step and apply .. you will never know.

The reason why i am telling you this is because i have seen some friends of mine go to top BS in Europe and in the US and when i asked them about the application process ... all i mean all of them suggested that i focus on the essays. Some took a whole year to prepare for admission to a top Business schools.
I hope this help and remember. "Confidence in yourself" is a great asset that you need in BS.. if you lack this vital element then it is a shame!

All the Best

The recommendation here is easy: Study more and retake the test. You're limiting yourself with only a 600. Regardless of your current profile and application strength, improving your score 30-50 points is absolutely necessary. Becoming sidetracked on your actual applictation will put you further behind as you restart the studying process.

I would retake the test too. Take a diagnostic test and identify your weaknesses. Work on them. You can surely improve your score for at least 50 pt. Do not give up!

Hi there,

Have courage my friend.600 is not a bad score. it depends entirely on your profile is and what you aim to do and what you have done. Schools will generally look at your entire profile before deciding your candidature. GMAT is not the only decider there. If you can project your strengths effectively, negate your "supposed" GMAT weakness and offer a lot more to a prospective class and professors and to the school as a valuable future alum then you will be in good stead.

When I took my GMAT the first time i scored a 550. I was devastated. My background--I have a masters degree in Computer Science, a bachelor's in Computer Engineering and about 9 yrs work experience..a lot of which is international experience. I have extensive background working in government and Non government entities leveraging technologies. I also belong to a highly competitive demographic group. Long story short, I applied to Chicago Booth, Kellogg and DePaul since I wanted to be in the Chicago area only. I was rejected at both top schools. I did not give up and studied again for the GMAT and after 3 months of practice i landed with a score of 600. Again not your "supposed" range for either Booth or kellogg. But this time I wrote essays that demonstrated my strengths, things I had done, a clear path towards my goals and how I saw the schools help me achieve my goals. I clearly listed out how my education and experiences enrich my work, community and organization. I very clearly explained my strengths during the interview process. Well again long story short...I got accepted to Booth and Kellogg. I went with Kellogg since I felt my goals were better served by the education experience at Kellogg. I feel Schools dont necessary look for GMAT superstars. They look for people who have diverse experiences, good previous academics, a history of positive work experiences and very lucid thought process. You need to be able to offer the school something no one else does...It does help that you get a good gmat score but a very high gmat is no guarantee for success. It doesnt take extra-ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things..focus on your strengths, list out what makes you tick, what you are passionate about, what makes you get up in the morning and what makes you stay up at night. Again this is very individualistic and what I say may not apply to everyone..I had a good academic background, fantastic work experience, wrote essays that were from the heart,connected well with the schools to understand them and put that out in my application. Dont let GMAT be your be all and end all.Be yourself and prepare for success and failure and not let either affect your thought process. Success belongs to those who want it most. Best Wishes !

Hi Andromeda,
I understand that you had a good amount of exp (9yrs) which you said was fantastic. My question is that - can I apply to Northwestern with a score of 640 and with 4 years of experience in Telecom Industry. My role is of a Business Analyst. My EC is Good and I've also received awards and recognition in office as well.

My second and last question -- Did you write your essay without any professional help or you asked some counselor to refine the final content. Please help me with few tips. I am getting very nervous.

Hi Saketk..Sorry for the delayed response. Well at both Kellogg and Booth the adcom will want a diverse classroom with a good student mix. My advice to you would be to highlight your achievements,show how diverse your experiences have been and how these have helped you mature as a person. My experiences ranges from building telecom centers to building corporate banking sites to enhancing investment finance software to leveraging technology in nonprofits. I had also started a functioning company servicing a nonprofit. I was able to express that very clearly without making it sound like a CV. I did not use any consultants for my essays.You are an original, your experiences are your own, no one can say it better than you or provide inferences.I didnt see a need for a consultant. Ofcourse i reviewed my essays and had a friend tell me if it made sense. Dont fake anything-its not worth it and they will see through it in 20 seconds, the ad com wants to see you through your words and your personality. They see thousands of essays and this is what they do for a living. Be honest and show clearly where you have been and where you want to go and how your career goals intersect at the school. As far as your score is concerned, the answer is I dont know. No score is a guarantee. No score is a reject.It is the personality,aptitude,ec,experiences,background,previous academic endeavors, interview,your ability to connect at an emotional level in your essays and your gmat that will determine your candidature. Let me know if you have any more questions....best of luck !

andromeda_1 wrote:Hi there,

Have courage my friend.600 is not a bad score. it depends entirely on your profile is and what you aim to do and what you have done. Schools will generally look at your entire profile before deciding your candidature. GMAT is not the only decider there. If you can project your strengths effectively, negate your "supposed" GMAT weakness and offer a lot more to a prospective class and professors and to the school as a valuable future alum then you will be in good stead.

When I took my GMAT the first time i scored a 550. I was devastated. My background--I have a masters degree in Computer Science, a bachelor's in Computer Engineering and about 9 yrs work experience..a lot of which is international experience. I have extensive background working in government and Non government entities leveraging technologies. I also belong to a highly competitive demographic group. Long story short, I applied to Chicago Booth, Kellogg and DePaul since I wanted to be in the Chicago area only. I was rejected at both top schools. I did not give up and studied again for the GMAT and after 3 months of practice i landed with a score of 600. Again not your "supposed" range for either Booth or kellogg. But this time I wrote essays that demonstrated my strengths, things I had done, a clear path towards my goals and how I saw the schools help me achieve my goals. I clearly listed out how my education and experiences enrich my work, community and organization. I very clearly explained my strengths during the interview process. Well again long story short...I got accepted to Booth and Kellogg. I went with Kellogg since I felt my goals were better served by the education experience at Kellogg. I feel Schools dont necessary look for GMAT superstars. They look for people who have diverse experiences, good previous academics, a history of positive work experiences and very lucid thought process. You need to be able to offer the school something no one else does...It does help that you get a good gmat score but a very high gmat is no guarantee for success. It doesnt take extra-ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things..focus on your strengths, list out what makes you tick, what you are passionate about, what makes you get up in the morning and what makes you stay up at night. Again this is very individualistic and what I say may not apply to everyone..I had a good academic background, fantastic work experience, wrote essays that were from the heart,connected well with the schools to understand them and put that out in my application. Dont let GMAT be your be all and end all.Be yourself and prepare for success and failure and not let either affect your thought process. Success belongs to those who want it most. Best Wishes !

Very well said....and its motivating tooo.....

Thanks guys for your contributions here. I am retaking the GMAT for the third time. Gap of 14 months. I have read all the Maths Manhatten as usual and the Manhantten SC book and OG. The only extra work i prepared this third time is to try all the questions in the verbal review and bought the Manhatten practice tests online.

One qn: HOw do you usually time yourselves in gmat exam? i know for maths, its roughly less than 2 min per qn. How about verbal? I think i still need to strengthen my time management skills..

Thanks!

cheehim wrote:Thanks guys for your contributions here. I am retaking the GMAT for the third time. Gap of 14 months. I have read all the Maths Manhatten as usual and the Manhantten SC book and OG. The only extra work i prepared this third time is to try all the questions in the verbal review and bought the Manhatten practice tests online.

One qn: HOw do you usually time yourselves in gmat exam? i know for maths, its roughly less than 2 min per qn. How about verbal? I think i still need to strengthen my time management skills..

Thanks!

Yeah even I'd suggest pushing that Verbal score into the 30s. A lot of schools will take your highest Verbal and Quant from your various GMAT scores to evaluate you, so keep that option open. However I don't suggest going in with the mindset that is the last time you are writing it especially if you are find it tough to handle the stress of the test. I was in the position couple of months ago but thanks to great folks sharing their experiences I found light at the end of the tunnel. I suffered mostly from timing and anxiety issues so check out the link below where the expert replied to my posts with some insights:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/gmat-2-timin ... tml#460898

Hope that helps...