Hi and thank you for your inquiry.

To answer your questions...

1. Schools compare applicants based on undergraduate GPA. They will take the Masters into account, especially as it offsets your lower quant GMAT and slightly lower undergrad grades, but they compare applicants across undergraduate grades. That being said, I recommend you write the optional essay to highlight for them your very strong masters GPA, emphasizing your math grades. I don't think think that will end up being a barrier for you especially if you can pull up the GMAT (see q. 4)

2. Yes, use the optional essay to do that

3. INSEAD is a very tough school. If you pull up the GMAT you may be competitive there; their average GMAT is around 700. NUS is a lower ranked school but accepts fewer than 10% of its applicants. Your GMAT is right at their average, but if you pull it up that could be a differentiator for you. I think you'll be a competitive candidate at both, although you didn't give me a full profile (nature of your work and leadership experience, community involvement, etc.)

4. Yes. Your Quant % is really pretty low; if you can pull it up even 10 percentage points I think that will strengthen your profile, and if you've only taken it once there's really no downside to trying again.

Best,
Erin

Hi Erin,

I am also on a similar boat...My GMAT score is 720 (M-46, V-44) AWA 4.5...I have masters (Software engineering) with 9/10 CGPA and undergraduate with little above 7/10 CGPA.

My maths grades in undergraduate and post graduate are above average. In my previous attempt of GMAT I have scored 610 (49 M and 25 V).

I am little concerned about my Maths score going down by 3 points and also with AWA score. I have 5.5 years of IT experience with good progression and average extra curricular activities( award for innovation, debates etc).

I am also targeting NUS, NTU, ISB for 2011 admission. Please suggest shall I consider retaking or work toward creating a stronger application...Does my previous Maths score, grade and extra curricular activities will help me to create a competitive application.

Thank
Singhag

Hi -
Can you provide me with your Q/V percentiles (not raw score)?
Thanks,
Erin

Thank you for your response Erin.

My V 44-94% and Q 46-76%.

Regards
Singhag

Hi -

Your 720 GMAT score is strong.

A score of 700 with 80th percentile on Q and V is the benchmark for success and you are above this on V and only slightly below on Q. Given this, combined with your quantitative academic background in engineering and above average scores while in school, I think you are in good shape in terms of showing the ad com that you are capable of handling the academic rigor of an MBA program.

Best of luck.
Erin