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sunnyd283: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 8; Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:48 pm; GMAT Score:710

by sunnyd283 » Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:18 pm

Hi,

I recently took the GMAT and got a 710 (48Q, 40V) and am considering whether I need to resit it or not given my background.

In summary: weak undergrad gpa (borderline 2:1/2:2) from oxford in a quantitative field which I think translates to 3.3 GPA, 4.0 GPA on Master's from LSE in International Relations, A's in 2 postgrad courses in financial modelling and international business from harvard.

Work experience: 2 years as M&A analyst at a top tier British investment bank with plenty of international exposure on different deals, 2 internships (asset management and equity research). Plans to do 1 more year of work experience with the World Bank in Washington.

Extra curricular: Founded a charity in India, sports, student societies, etc.

Aims: To eventually set up a microfinance fund alongside my existing healthcare charity.

I'm applying to HBS, Stanford, MIT, Wharton, Columbia and Yale for 2010 admission and would appreciate any insight/advice that you could offer. Specifically, should I resit the GMAT exam? I could probably bring up my score another 20 points - I'm concerned about my weaker undergraduate performance, so am wondering whether a 710 is enough to compensate.

Thank you.

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:18 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:26 am

Dear sunnyd283,

Unfortunately, this is a hard question to answer as so much depends on the rest of your application--particularly your essays, recommendations, and interviews. I think the 710 is within range and your 48 raw quant score is strong. I can understand your concern with regards to your undergraduate performance, but it is really not that low if the 3.3 translation is accurate. Additionally, you performed well in your master's program which, along with the GMAT, will mitigate the undergraduate performance. It certainly won't hurt to raise your GMAT score, but it is just unclear if that would really make the difference on the ultimate outcome. I think you just have to decide if you feel it is worth the expenditure of your resources to take the test again.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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sunnyd283: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 8; Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:48 pm; GMAT Score:710

Thanks

by sunnyd283 » Fri Jun 26, 2009 3:49 pm

Thanks for getting back to me. In a nutshell, I'm sure I can shine if I get through to the interview stage.

I'm fashioning myself a strong career rationale and am reviewing all literature on all the schools I'm applying to quite thoroughly. Therefore, once I've obtained necessary help and my essays are in pretty good shape - do you think I'd get called to interview stage?

My only concern is the weak undergrad GPA of 3.3. The Fulbright Commission and various other agencies equate a borderline 2.2/2.1 degree from Oxford as a 3.30 GPA. Assuming strong essays, career rationale and reasons for attending a specific school, I'm hoping that I can be called for interview. At that stage, I'm more confident - it's just circumventing the weak gpa.

My optional essay will explain mitigating circumstances for my finals results - straight A student throughout school and on (non-formally graded) coursework at oxford as an undergrad, top of my class at London School of Economics with a master's in International Relations and top 3% of my class in 2 harvard postgrad business classes.

I'll have 3 years of work exp by the time of prospective enrolment...2 in i-banking and 1 with the world bank. I'm applying with aims of social enterprise.

Thanks Lisa.

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