Profile Evaluation - GMAT 710, GPA 3.8, Top 5 MBA Targets

Hi,

Thanks for your post. Overall your profile looks quite solid. The one area you may wish to improve upon would be your GMAT score. You may wish to consider retaking it for a couple of reasons. The average GMAT score for Stanford is 720 and the average GMAT score for those with similar work experience is 720+. This small score increase could help boost your profile and make you a bit more competitive in the large applicant pool of those with financial services backgrounds.


Best,

Stacey

Stacey,

Thanks for the advice. I've heard that there is not a huge difference between a 710 and a 730 in the eyes of most admissions committees (ie., as long as you are at a certain level, say a 700, then you have a good chance). I have also heard that a very impressive score, such as 770, could make a difference. However, I don't think that it is likely that I bump my score up to that level. So I'm weighing the tradeoff between taking more time to study for the GMAT to maybe get my score up to a 730 vs. spending more time on essays and other parts of the applications. Would be curious to hear your thoughts, and please correct me if any of my assumptions above are not accurate.

Thanks!

Hi Dexter,

I would agree with you about the GMAT and the difference between a 710 and a 730 being marginal, however, I do think it's fair to say that if it came down to you and another candidate with a similar background and profile who had a 730, the adcom may very well choose to admit the candidate with 730. All other things being equal, a higher GMAT will usually prevail.

However, if you don't feel quite strongly that you can indeed improve your score significantly enough to make a difference, then it is better for you to spend your time and energy on your essays. Selecting unique topics that will help you stand out in the applicant pool and make you memorable to the adcom will go a long way in gaining admission.

Best,

Stacey

Electrical Engineer, Jadavpur University, Class of 2006, 8.04/10
July 2006 to July 2010 - PwC India, ERP Advisory (6 Months in PwC UK)
Aug 2010 onwards - Deloitte India, Risk Assurance

How acceptable is the profile for a global top 10 B Schools?

Also what kind of scores (I know its 800) I should aim for to get a decent chance?

Many thanks.
Arun

Hi,

Based on the limited information you provide, your profile is acceptable/on target for US MBA programs. Aim to get a minimum of 700 on your GMAT - ideally a 720+ in order to competitive with your peers at top programs.

Best,

Stacey