GMAT 640 (Q46/V32)

[sam27]

Hi Stacy,

I wrote my GMAT on Sept 10 and did not do so well. I got a score of 640 (Q46,V32). My Masters in engineering ( from a good US state university) GPA is 3.67 and my undergrad in engineering (from a school in India) GPA is 3.0. I have work experience of ~ 5 years in power industry (non-IT). I am originally from India and have been working in the US for a power company for 5 years.I have the following questions for you:

1) Do I have a shot at top 10 B schools?

2) Is it true that B-Schools group applications based on country of origin while make admission decision? What I mean is when I apply, would my application be compared to other applicants from India or my application would be considered and reviewed based on its own strengths and weaknesses.

3) Should I go ahead and apply in 1st round or consider rewritting GMAT in late november and try applying in 2nd round with possibility of getting better GMAT score in my 3rd GMAT attempt ( I wrote GMAT in 2007 and got 590 and my second attempt score was 640).

For some reason, I dont seem to do well in Verbal and do not perform well under timed pressure conditions. I used KAPLAN Online for GMAT preparation. I scored 690 in both GMAT PREP 1 and 2 tests while I was preparing for the exam.

Please let me know what you think.
Thanks
Sam

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Sam,

You have an outside chance at a top 10 with your current profile. I think it will be hard to stand out in the applicant pool for these schools, but it is not impossible. Yes, you will be evaluated on your own strengths and weaknesses, but also in relation to other engineers from India. Schools want a diverse population in their classes, so they do not want a large number of students from one country, or from one industry, or with the same degree. If you want to have a better chance at a top 10, then you should consider taking the GMAT again and apply in R2. If you believe you cannot do significantly better than a 640, then you might consider applying to some of the great programs with GMAT averages in the 620-670 range.

Good luck,
Lisa

[sam27]

Lisa,

Thanks for the reply. Realistically speaking, I think I may be able to improve my score to be in the 680-720 range (I scored 690 in my GMATPREP tests). I think getting something in the 750-780 range is going to be difficult considering the amout of time left to prepare and write the exam before R2 deadlines.

- Do you think a score in the range of 680-720 range with 680 being the worst case scenario greatly improve my chances?

I used KAPLAN GMAT PREMIER ONLINE as my study material in my last attempt. I think I need to use different materials like Official Guide,MGMAT, CR Bible etc for preparation.Is KAPLAN ONLINE PREMIER not as good as other materials? I would really appreciate if you can advise me on how to prepare for my last attempt at GMAT.


Please let me know what you think.

Thanks again for your help!

Sam

[Lisa Anderson]

Scoring at least a 680 will improve your chances, but the rest of the application will still need to be outstanding and make a compelling case for admission. I do not really have a preference with regards to GMAT prep materials as one might be successful using Kaplan and another is successful with MGMAT. The main thing will be to focus on the sections that seem to give you the most trouble.

Good luck,
Lisa

[sam27]

Lisa,

Thanks for your feedback. I have decided to write GMAT again and will apply in R2.I greatly appreciate your feedback.

Thanks again!

Sam