Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear prasath,

You should retake your GMAT to try and improve your score at least 50 points to be competitive for UT-Austin, Boston University and Haas. While I do think your biomedical engineering and experience at GE Healthcare will help distinguish you from the other Indian engineers, the different industry sector is not enough to overcome below average GMAT and GPA. I would also encourage you to identify some other programs that match your career goals and whose GMAT averages are closer to your GMAT score.

Good luck,
Lisa

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Dear jewbagel,

While I do not have enough information on your profile or the schools you are considering, I do think you have the foundation for a competitive application. Your GMAT score does help to mitigate your GPA. It will also be important to convey the quality of the work experience you have gained and a solid rationale for getting your MBA. You should also identify 1-3 schools outside of the top 15 as alternative options.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear jewbagel,

If you think you can increase your GMAT score at least 20 points, then it might be worth a retake. A higher score never hurts. As for some courses, these will not boost your GPA as your GPA from college is done. Taking the courses can go to show your commitment to doing well in class and prepare your for business school though.

Regards,
Lisa

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Dear prasath,

Taking the GMAT 3 times does not negatively affect your applications and can go to show perseverance and commitment. If you feel you can increase your score, then it is worth a retake. An alternative transcript of quantitative coursework can also strengthen your application. Distance learning is acceptable and often these courses can be completed at a fast pace. I think you are at a crossroads and need to decide which is more important to you: attending a top 30 program or being in business school next fall. If it is the former, then you might consider waiting a year to have time to take some courses and prepare for a GMAT retake. If you want to be in business school next year, then I would suggest identifying some of the solid MBA programs that are a better match to your profile.

Regards,
Lisa

Dear jewbagel,

Congratulations on your new score! That is great! I think your GMAT/GPA plus three years of engineering experience will be a competitive profile when you apply to business school. Since admissions decisions are based on more than those numbers, it is hard to comment on your chances at any program without knowing more information. However, I think that you should not be discouraged from applying to any program if you have good recommendations, solid work experience showing progression, and a well-written set of essays conveying your rationale for business school. If you can put together a strong, overall package, then you should be competitive for a top 20 MBA program. As with any prospective MBA applicant, you want to have a mix of schools, so be sure to have some reach, some reasonable, and at least one safety school in your mix.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Nick,

A solid GMAT score will mitigate your GPA as well as a successful track record in your career. Business schools will mainly want to see evidence of quantitative aptitude so that the admissions committee will be confident you can handle the rigor the analytical and quantitative nature of the curriculum. Most schools offer an optional essay for you to explain any extenuating circumstances, so you might consider writing it on your situation during college in that you financed yoru education by working full-time while carrying a full-time number of credits. Additionally, the schools will be looking for a solid rationale from you on why you need an MBA in relation to your past experience and future career goals. So, the best things you can be doing right now are preparing for the GMAT, doing well in your job, and learning about business school/MBA careers so that you will put together a top-notch application.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear mak95,

Since business school admissions decisions are based on more than GMAT and GPA, it is hard to comment on how competitive you will be based on your post. With a 700+ GMAT, you will certainly be in a competitive range on that measure. Your GPA is probably a little below average for a top tier MBA program in the US, but that does not negate your chances if you have an otherwise strong application.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Lattefah84,

For the most accurate conversion, you can have your transcript evaluated by a credentialing service like World Evaluation Services or Global Credential Evaluators. These services do charge a fee, but their assessment is accepted by most schools so you would only have to have it done one time. They also offer translation services if your transcript is not in English.

Good luck,
Lisa