Harvard summa, McKinsey BA, gay female living in MENA region

Expert replies

ksadhah: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 15; Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 8:59 amFollowed by: 2 members

by ksadhah » Sun Oct 23, 2011 9:07 am

Hello,

I am applying to b school for round 2 and my major insecurity lies in my potential GMAT score.

Here's the rundown:

EDUCATION
- Summa cum laude from Harvard College (GPA 3.92), studied History
- Won award for best History senior thesis, best LatAm-related thesis, and Hoopes Prize for senior thesis
- Was President of the largest student group on campus for students interested in politics

WORK EXPERIENCE
- Business Analyst (and former summer BA) at McKinsey & Company in Dubai, distinctive (top 1%) performance rating in last review cycle
- Have served clients in all over the Middle East (including Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Israel) as well as in Mexico, London, India, and the US

PERSONAL BACKGROUND
- From Argentina and grew up all over Latin America
- Currently living in the Middle East out of Dubai
- Gay

The complication is I haven't taken my GMAT yet - I have it scheduled next week - but I've been getting scores of 660-690 and I know this does not measure up to my actual potential. Thoughts? Should I crunch myself studying or settle for a 660-690 and hope other facets of my application will speak for themselves?

Thanks!

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Sun Oct 23, 2011 9:07 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:45 am

Dear ksadhah,

While you have many positives in your profile, you do need to have a GMAT in your target schools' competitive range. For most top 20 programs, that would mean something over a 670/680. As you are aware, applications are evaluated holistically, so it is possible you could be admitted with a strong total package and a GMAT at 670. However, it is also possible you do not make a compelling enough case to be admitted with a below average GMAT. Regardless, you need to score the best possible score on your GMAT and target an appropriate mix of schools for your profile. If you have the time to really focus over the next week, then it is in your best interest to do so to try to get the highest score possible.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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