Honest advice required - low GMAT score

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Honest advice required - low GMAT score

by stew123 » Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:38 pm
Good evening all,

I was wandering if someone could please offer some honest advice for an international applicant looking to apply to HBS for 2010 entry.

Stats
GPA: Converts to around 3.5
Pre MBA - Investment banker (3 years sales and trading)
Post MBA plans: Non-profit.
Extracurriculars: Extensive social and charity work/consistent leadership for 5 years
GMAT: 550 (retaking on 16 Jan)
Recommendations: Very strong,

Since being laid off from my job in Feb 2009, I set up my own non-profit organisation which has grown massively in the past year, into one the largest of its kind in my home country. I am particularly attracted to HBS because of its social enterprise programme.

I know the stumbling block is the GMAT. What I need to know is whether I have a fighting chance to gain admission if I don't get higher than 550.

I am applying for the second round deadline and would appreciate your thoughts.

Regards.
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:04 pm
Hello,

I can't say impossible because HBS has been known to accept people with GMATs in that range on rare occasions, but I would say it's highly, highly unlikely.

While HBS does have a great social enterprise program, more and more MBA programs have such offerings. I suggest researching lower ranked programs that have similar social enterprise programs and where your international background would bring a special diversity factor.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com