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Need your help... should I apply or not

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GMAT Score:650

Need your help... should I apply or not

by png12345 » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:02 am
Hi Stacy,

Can you evaluate my profile and let me know what to do...

1. B.Tech in Chemical Engineering with 66 percent from Kanpur University, Also did a 2 year non-degree course in Arabic Language from American University in Cairo 3.8 GPA from 4.00
2. GMAT-650 (Q-50, V-28), TOEFL- 105
3. A civil servant with the Government of India... have done 2 year stint with Indian Embassy in the West Asia. Participated in evacuation operations of Indians in Cyprus... during 2006 Lebanon war.
4. Traveled a number of countries in West Asia, Write blogs and travelogues, am into analysis of international affairs, counseling, some community service
5. Awards- Letter of Appreciation from Indian Embassy in Cyprus, Stood first in Village studies module of training for administrators.
6. I love to backpack.... backpacked all over India, and large parts of West Asia,

Now my target schools are HBS, Stanford, Yale and Said in that order...

I am not in a position to re-write the GMAT for now.... may be next year and in next attempt....

I wonder if it would be foolhardy to apply to these colleges.... frankly... I dont have a lot of money to spare... and mere applying to these Univs entail a cost of over 1000 USD... I am in two minds....

Can you please suggest

Thanks and Regards
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:09 pm
Dear png12345,

Honestly, I do not think you will be admitted to those schools with your current profile. I could be wrong and the only way to know is to apply. But I don't think your GMAT is strong enough given your GPA and work experience. I do think your work experience is interesting and can be leveraged to distinguish you from other applicants. But you are also in the subset of applicants from India, and it is very hard for an applicant in this subset with a GMAT less than a 700 to receive admission to one of the four programs you list.

I would suggest you wait to apply and in the next 1-2 years build up your work experience with plenty of leadership opportunities. Likewise, you need to increase your GMAT score at least 30, preferably 50+ points.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by png12345 » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:07 pm
Thanks Lisa,

I actually wanted a candid advice... and really appreciate it


Regards

Pranav
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Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
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by png12345 » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:17 pm
Hi Lisa....

I thought I might ask a few more questions...

I had not mentioned in my previous messages... but I have an experience of well over 6 years in the Government and 2.5 years in the private sector.... (and not just 2 year or so that I mentioned in the earlier messages)

I have had a experiences in media (worked for the public broadcaster in India).... culture (worked as cultural attache in Cairo)...

I think I have a interesting CV....

Also I have strong social entrepreneurial ambitions.... which again may stand out...

I agree that my GMAT is too low...but is it true that all these colleges shortlist people based on GMAT scores based on nationalities ....

I mean it may not be a very scientific method of doing so...

Would any of these school bother to look beyond my GMAT score... do they really mean it when they say.... "GMAT is just one part of the application and we view every application in totality"...

More over If I had to select just two of the four colleges HBS, Yale, Oxford Said, Stanford.... which one should I go for...

There is one additional college I am interested in that IESE Barcelona.... what about that school...

Please suggest

Regards
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:41 am
Dear Pranav,

You will be measured up against the overall applicant pool as well as a subset of other applicants from India. These schools generally admit a low percentage of the applicant pool and an even lower percentage of Indian applicants. While they do take into account your overall application, it will be difficult for you to gain a seat in the class over someone with a similar profile and a higher GMAT. You might consider programs with average GMAT scores closer to 650 as your chances might be better there.

Good luck,
Lisa
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