Just took GMAT, Profile Evaluation

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Just took GMAT, Profile Evaluation

by marbus » Sun Nov 18, 2007 5:54 pm
Dear Amy or Stacey,

Just took my third GMAT, (35q, 42v) 640 - 78th% Overall. Feeling a bit discouraged and I am looking to put in my application. The schools I am aiming for are Insead, LBS, Oxford, Cambridge or comparable universities in the US.

My background is thus: Originally from Thailand, enlisted in the US Air Force for 4 years before completing a AB at the University of Chicago in philosophy and a MSc from London School of Economics in Economic History. I worked for 2 years after graduation before working at Accenture as a consulting, unemployed for a few months, then worked for a small hedge fund as an equities derivatives trade for about 6 months, then unemployed for a bit due to health issues, currently working at the Federal Reserves Bank in San Francisco. I am now 30 years old.

I feel like I am already doing or have done the type of work that I would do after the MBA, and the GMAT has been a big obstacle so far. Compared to my peers who are now in top MBA programs, I feel like I am as good if not better, but with my GMAT score, I just don't know if MBA is within my reach or not. I am thinking of applying to Insead anyway, but I was hoping to ask you whether this is realistic or not. It seems that I am the opposite of most Asian stereotype of strong quant and weak verbal which doesn't help much right now. On the practice test, I have scored from 620 to 710, but I am tired of the GMAT test so I am not planning to retake the test. I am hoping to hear your feedback or advice on how to proceed and where I should target since I have your it to be really useful for other posters here. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

VK
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by Amy » Mon Nov 19, 2007 3:59 pm
Hi VK,

I'm more concerned about the way you frame your past experiences than your GMAT score. One very important aspect in admissions is making your case for why you are an amazing candidate and why the school is going to help you realize your incredible potential.

Do you have a unifying thread or purpose through your work experience? What is your post MBA goal, and why do you need an MBA to get there? What was the why behind your choices and what were your turning points?

With only GMAT score to go on, I'd say that Oxford and Cambridge aren't unrealistic. I'm not sure what your GPA is - that contributes to your overall academic profile.

Good luck!

Amy
Amy
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by sampleresume » Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:39 pm
If you provide more information, people here will be able to comment on your admissions