Ask Veritas Prep Admissions Consulting

Hi,

I am a Vietnamese with 2 years of experience in Banking and intend to apply to US top 30 in Fall 2013. However, I decide to take the GMAT in the middle of March 2011, as I have been preparing for it over the last 2 months.

I took Veritas Online Essential Course in Dec 2010, and I am currently attending to Live Online Course, which will end at 5th March 2011. My questions are:

1. As the instructor recommended, I took 2 CATs : one GMAT Simulator of Veritas - 670 (V30, Q51) and one GMAT Prep1 - 690 (V31, Q51). Am I to hasty to book the test date in the middle of March as I'm heading for a 700+? I mean with my current level plus some improvements after the course, can I stand a chance of getting over 700?

2. I am changing my career next month, so I think that hardly do I have time to study GMAT again. That's why I intend to take it in March. In 2012 the new GMAT will be released. It is two years from now until I start my application. Will B-School accept my score at that time, or have any discrimination toward those who have taken GMAT years before? (GMAT, as I know, is valid for 5 years)

3. My new career is a financial Analyst at a Golf Course and Resort Project (Real Estate), at the time of applying , I'll get about 4 years of exp, of which, 2 are in real estate. Does a Real Estate background give me any advantages/disadvantages over other candidates? And how about my overall chance at that time - 4y exp - GMAT 700+ - Real Estate - Vietnamese Male - GPA 6.8/10 (with last-2-year GPA 7.5/10) from a top rank University in Vietnam - ECs : normal at University.

Thanks.

It is great to see someone thinking so far ahead! You ask many good questions but there aren't really right or wrong answers. Your Q score is fantastic for your practice tests, it is absolutely possible that you will score 700+ in March. And, remember, if you don't like your score, you can always take the test again next year (schools only look at your top score - just don't have the score sent automatically). There isn't a preference for someone who took it one year ago versus two years ago (although when you are pushing 5 years, I often counsel to take it again!).

As for your question about RE, it will make your application a little more unique (from other IB only candidates) but it is really the quality of the experience and your record of success that matters (not the industry). I'd focus on being successful, taking initiative, taking on leadership experiences and forging a strong relationship with the people who will write your LORs.

And, you will want a story as to why you left banking after two years and only stayed in the RE analyst job for 2 years - make sure all of this fits in to your future goals, etc.

good luck!