Profile Eval - Same GMAT on re-take + strategy on Re-app

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Hello!

Below are a few bullets on my background (slightly detailed because I have a unique circumstance and new to BTG) -

- 30 year old Male - Originally from India, graduated from UNC Chappel Hill in 2005 with 3.72
- Moved to Boston after college - been with PWC in their Strategy Consulting Group for 7.5 Years (HI-B visa) since
- Some international travel for projects but not extended stay in any country
- Obtained my CFA and CPA
- Volunteer with UNICEF (Bombay Office) where I began as an intern for almost 10 years - approx 50-100 hours annual effort every year since 2003
- Taken the GMAT several times (7) with highest score = 670 (Quant - 76%, Verbal 70%) taken a month ago. Note that I took the GMAT 8 months ago and also got 670 (Quant - 67%, Verbal 81%). I started my journey with a very low score of 590 but have improved each time I took the exam (except the last time :)
- I do not plan to re-take the GMAT because of health related reasons (upcoming surgery)
- I applied to a few schools in the second round last year - Fuqua (waitlisted - no admit), Cornell (waitlisted-no admit), Tuck (denied) and LBS (denied) but I knew there was a chance I would not get in, esp bec of low quant
- I got promoted to Senior Manager this year - very few % of people get promoted this early at PWC
- I want to get into Investment Management post MBA (same career goal as last year) though I am also thinking about Corp. Strategy
- I plan to apply this Fall and really hope to get in - no cushion like last year. Also not looking at Exec MBA, just Full-time

So, I have 3 questions for you - would appreciate if you answer all 3.

1) For the schools that I have not applied to, I plan on submitting my "new" (same overall score with different breakout) GMAT score - which is a better balance between quant and verbal - but should I send new score to Fuqua, LBS and Cornell? I don't know if they perceive my effort as positive or negative given how many times I have taken and no score improvement. Additionally, I could take a calculus class from UC berkely extension if I don't re-send my updated score to show effort because I had weak quant last time i.e. 67%?

2) I want to apply to (in priority) Fuqua - early action, Ross (second round), INSEAD (Dec. round), Kellog (first round), LBS (first round) Cornell (first round) and possibly one back-up school such as a Georgetown (second round). What are my realistic chances?

3) How can you help me / what SPECIFIC pointers do you have? if you prefer to email - its [email protected]

Thanks!
Mohan
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by Heidi Granner » Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:32 am
Mohan,

Thanks for your post. It sounds like your MBA journey has been a long one - I wish you all the best this year.

Happy to respond to your questions:

1. For your reapplicant schools, you are likely better off going ahead and submitting the updated score. It will show your determination towards gaining an MBA and improved perception of your quantitative abilities. And since you were already at 6 tests I don't think adding one more will significantly hurt your candidacy. Plus, depending on how the question is worded, you might need to report it anyway.

2. I believe your candidacy will be strongest with 5 Round 1 applications. Consultants have a significant disadvantage in Round 2 since most of their peer applicants apply Round 1. Cornell, Fuqua, and Ross are excellent 'target' schools where your chances would be roughly 1 in 3 if you develop high-quality application materials. INSEAD and Kellogg would fall more squarely in the "reach" bucket and between the two your chances are likely stronger at INSEAD (US work experience more attractive, lower average GMAT score). For a 5th school for Round 1 I do suggest a school such as Darden, Anderson, McCombs, Tepper, Kegan-Flagler, or McDonough.

3. A couple specific suggestions:
-I'm not convinced your investment management career goals line up well with your school choices and quantitative GMAT score. An industry-specific corporate strategy career goals path would likely be more effective.
-Be sure to think about how your experience is differentiated from other consultant applicants. For example, do you have people or project management experience? Have you been involved in business development?

Given your experience last year and the competitiveness of the consultant profile, it will be critical to reevaluate your application strategy this year. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for a free detailed profile evaluation.

Best,
Heidi