Please could you assist

[psyborg]

Hi,

I need someone to please help me out as I am a little confused
I have taken the GMAT and scored a 560
I am working at JPMorgan Chse in India since the last one and a half year
I had applied to various schools such as CMU, UNC, UCLA, Univ of Austin -TX, Bostin University
However with the score I have got, there is a very very slight chance I can get it.
I have already started preparing for the GMAT and retaking the test on 31st Jan
I nearly completed my application for all the above schools
I wish to apply to Univ of Austin as their deadline is 2nd Feb, R3 deadline at CMU, R3 deadline at Boston(Or maybe R2 as I have mail ten to see if they would accept my incomplete application till my new score arrives)

However I plan to apply to Rochester and pay the application FEE for the second deadline i.e 5th Jan (very near)
Do you think it is a good idea to apply to Rochester with my score and the chances of me getting in with a 560. I am afraid I might not get in anywhere in R3 later.
Appreciate your assistance

Regards[/b]

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear psyborg,

I think you are in a tough spot as a 560 at any of those schools is quite low for an international applicant. Yes, round 3 is always tough because there are few seats left. However, I would think it would be better to apply round 3 with a stronger GMAT score than to apply round 2 with a 560. Your other alternative is to wait and apply for the next entry point which would give you more time to study for the GMAT and work on your applications.

Good luck,
Lisa

[psyborg]

Hi Lisa,

Thank you very much for your reply
I have put in some time and thought to what you have suggested and come up with the below schools that I can apply once I retake the Gmat by end of this month.
This might be too much to ask but what do you think of the below colleges considering the deadlines have not been missed yet.
Looking forward to your reply

1. Texas at Austin, University of - McCombs School of Business
Notes: Deadline not missed. Can retake GMAT and apply

2. Pennsylvania State University - Smeal College of Business
Notes: Deadline not missed. Can retake GMAT and apply

3. California at Davis, University of - Graduate School of Management
Notes: Final deadline, Scholarship Not Applicable
Will it be wise to apply??

4. Boston University - Boston
Notes: Final deadline in March
Will it be wise to apply??

5. South Carolina, University of - Moore School of Business
Notes: Deadline not missed. Can retake GMAT and apply

6. Rochester NY, University of - Simon Graduate School of Business
Notes: Final deadline, However this is a good school and in NY, good choice to consider?
Will it be wise to apply??

7. Temple University--Fox School of Business
Notes: Deadline not missed. Can retake GMAT and apply, I heard the job opportunities post MBA are not very good? Is this true?

8. Thunderbird School of Global Management
Notes: Deadline not missed. Can retake GMAT and apply, I heard the job opportunities post MBA are not very good? Is this true?

9. Case Western Reserve University--Weatherhead School of Management
Required GMAT: 611
Round 2 - January 15 Final Deadline- March 1

However, can I apply now for Round 2 January 15 deadline with current score I have : 560?

Or should I apply for Round 3 scholership final consideration deadline in March with a better score?

Prior Schools that I sent my scores to:

1. UCLA: A distant dream, this university will not consider R3 applicants with low work Exp
2. UNC: I was currently applying for R3, If I apply it will be R4, I don’t think R4 stands a chance
3. CMU: My dream school. I will be applying for R3 in March but again a distant dream. Will consider after new GMAT score.

[Lisa Anderson]

Since admissions decisions are based on more than a GMAT score, it is really hard to comment on your chances at any school. I can only comment on the competitiveness of your GMAT score. However, you are an international applicant and as such are competing for one of a few seats against all of the other international applicants. Because the competition is tougher, your GMAT score must be competitive for a school to have any real shot at admission. Ideally, you should score above the average as it is quite difficult to gain admission as an international student with a GMAT score below the average. Keeping that in mind, I think you should evaluate each of these schools closely to determine how realistic your chances are and how good a match they are for you. You might want to visit our sticky on school selection for additional tips.

Good luck,
Lisa

[psyborg]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your response. I think it is best to retake the GMAT and then make a decision based on my score.
I had another question regaarding a particular university
I have all the necessary application requirements for Boston university including esays, recommendations etc.
Would it be wise to apply to this university with a 560 in GMAT or my chances would be stronger if I apply in Round 3 with my new score. (assuming I would do well)
I have spent a lot of effort and time in preparing my essays for this university and the deadline is Jan 15th..
It would be great if you could advise
Thanks !

[Lisa Anderson]

Why don't you contact the admissions office and ask if you can update your GMAT score after you submit? It is possible they will allow you to submit with your current score and then update the score after you take the test. If BU prefers you submit after your next attempt, then I think it might be better to wait until round 3 with a higher score.

Good luck,
Lisa