Profile Evaluation Please - 660 GMAT

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Profile Evaluation Please - 660 GMAT

by rockfella5 » Tue May 18, 2010 7:16 pm
hi All,

I am planning for an MBA next fall and would like to know how good my chances are. I am a mechanical engineering graduate from a state run engineering college in India ( concerned about the low profile of my college). Graduated with upper first class and started working as a software engineer with a well known MNC in India. After a year, did my post graduation in engineering from Nanyang Tech, Singapore and changed careers back to product development in the mechanical engineering domain. Worked in China for a year for an MNC where my work revolved around designing and developing products for HP. Relocated back to Singapore and have been working in the product development arena for about 4 years now. My job role requires me to liaise with marketing and business development teams to generate project schedules for product development activities, oversee development activities and also work hands on with engineers and manufacturing plans to introduce new products. I also guide junior engineers in the complete product lifecycle development process.

I gave my GMAT thrice and only being able to get a max score of 660 (48 Q, 34 V, 5.5 AWA). I am worried about my score and would like to attempt a fourth time. I am not sure whether attempting more than 3 times will reflect badly on my candidature or not. I am an active volunteer for an NGO based in the US. My extra curricular activities after college are not quite prominent. While in college, I used to be an active member of science and sports clubs.


I want to remain in my present job domain but need a bit of a push to reach the next level in program management. I am considering both one year and two year MBA options and would like your feedback whether I stand a chance with the following schools -

TOP 2
1. Tuck
2. Wharton

Middle 3
3. Duke
4. UCLA
5. Columbia

Others

6. ISB
7. IIMA PGPX
8. SAID
9. MBS


Let me know how I can strengthen my application further. Waiting for your valuable feedback.


~ Dhruv
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri May 21, 2010 7:35 am
Dear Dhruv,

Honestly, I think it will be tough for you to gain admission to any of these schools with your current GMAT score and profile. You are from an overrepresented pool (Indian engineers) and your GMAT score is low relative to that pool. I think you need to consider broadening your school list to schools with GMAT averages more in the 650 or lower range. While taking the GMAT a fourth time will not be a negative, you should start to identify some programs that are not as highly competitive as the ones on your list if you want to increase your chances of being in business school next year. Your work experience is interesting and will be an asset for your application--be sure to highlight the managerial skills and leadership experiences you have.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by rockfella5 » Fri May 21, 2010 6:21 pm
Thanks Lisa for your reply. So what will be my chances be if I were to get around a 720 score in the GMAT. Do I get a shot at the schools listed before.

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by Lisa Anderson » Sat May 22, 2010 6:16 pm
A 720 will certainly make you more competitive for these schools, but a GMAT score is not the only nor the most important component of the application. You must also have a strong overall package that makes a compelling case for your admission and sets you apart from the competition. I think your list becomes more of a possibility at a 720, but still encourage you to broaden your list to include some safety options.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by rockfella5 » Sat May 22, 2010 6:30 pm
Thanks Lisa again for your reply. Could you suggest me some safety schools in the US and the European region that I should apply to.