Can a 560 get into a top 20 MBA program?

[firesenshi]

Hi, I have gone around and taken my GMAT and am pretty disappointed with my score. Nevertheless, I got a 560 (32Q/34V), with a 2.7 GPA from a Philippine university (where our mode of instruction is in English), and around 9 years of work experience.

My major in college is a double degree in Communications and Marketing. I am currently doing public relations and marketing communications for a top Japanese multinational.

I wish to go into b-school in order to bring what I've learned from an international institution back to my country (maybe after a few years of working abroad to gain experience as well before starting a business back here.)

I know there's no excuse for not beating the GMAT as high as I could but God knows that I tried my best at it. But I just want to know if:

• I can still get in the top 20 business schools?

• I can get some help in financial scholarships with my results and background? (I'm earning in peso and that is not a good currency against the dollar rates of any international university.)

• I can get employment coming from the top 20 business schools?

• if it is true that it's now more competitive to apply in American schools instead of European schools?

Any help would do! Thank you!

[Paxton Helms - Kaplan]

Hi and thanks for your post.

First things first, the GMAT is a very hard test. So, please don't beat yourself up for not scoring better. you did the best you could and that's all anybody can ask. If you think your score is the best score you can get then take it as a sunk cost and move on from there.

Now...on to your specific

I can still get in the top 20 business schools?

Unlikely. The combination of your GPA and your GMAT suggest that you may not be able to handle the very quantitative and very rigorous nature of top-twenty programs; and, even if you can, there are many folks with credentials that are much better than your's with whom you will be competing.

I don't mean to sound harsh I just want to communicate that top twenty programs are very hard to get into for anybody and your credentials make it too difficult to be worth trying.


I can get some help in financial scholarships with my results and background? (I'm earning in peso and that is not a good currency against the dollar rates of any international university.)

Not from a top-twenty school. Perhaps other programs might be interested but you would have to do some research.



I can get employment coming from the top 20 business schools?

If you can get in, you can almost certainly find some kind of employment; but, bear in mind, there are no guarantees and there are lots of alums in this economy that don't get high-paying jobs. It depends on your function, your industry, and your pre-MBA education and background.



If it is true that it's now more competitive to apply in American schools instead of European schools?

No, the top European and Canadian schools are the equal of the top American schools. Queens, INSEAD, the Spanish universities, HEC...those are all oustanding world-class programs.



Finally, remember, you don't need an MBA to start a business!!

[firesenshi]

Thank you for your very insightful reply. I have never taken into consideration the part about certain schools being quant heavy.

I also read your sticky note about how certain schools are quant heavy and more on finance. I guess I have to read about schools that are heavier on marketing.

[Paxton Helms - Kaplan]

I think that's a good approach. And, remember, the right school for YOU isn't necessarily a top-twenty school.

My very first Kaplan client was a guy that I actually talked out of going to business school! All he needed to accomplish his goals were a few accounting classes.

You may decide that you want to start your own business now and just take some business classes along the way.

Whatever you do, I wish you luck--

Paxton