Dear PS,

While I think you have good work experience and a successful career, your GPA and GMAT are quite low for Kellogg or Chicago. The applicant pools for these schools are quite large, and the subset of applicants of from India is highly competitive with high GMAT/GPA.

If you really want to attend a program like these, I would recommend retaking your GMAT aiming for a score over 680 (preferably in the 700s). You can always apply with your current score and see what happens. However, if you are below the average on both GMAT and GPA, the rest of your application has to be compelling enough for them to want to give a seat to you over someone with higher numbers. Think about your profile and background, and then you should be able to choose the best course of action.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Parmita,

I actually (and respectfully) disagree with your options. In my opinion, your options are as follows:

1) Apply with your current score, but target schools with lower GMAT averages that might find your profile interesting. These would be smaller programs.

2) Retake the GMAT in mid to late September to increase your score and still apply to your target schools and maybe a few others that are not as competitive. You still have time to retake the GMAT and apply to enter in fall 2009. Being in the second round is not a negative nor does it put you at any disadvantage.

3) Wait to apply next year, not because of retaking the GMAT, but because you feel your application overall will be stronger. If you think you can enhance your work experience, showing career progression, and need the year to study for the GMAT, then it might be worth waiting.

Being a re-applicant is not a negative, but it is definitely not a strategy I would encourage.

Good luck,
Lisa