INSEAD and ISB

[terrifiedofgmat]

Hello Stacy,

I took the GMAT on Nov 7th, 2009, and scored 540 (Q47, V29) with overall percentile of 56%.

I shouldn't say that I am shocked at my result as during my prep tests I have the following scores:

GMAT Prep - 510
MGMAT - 580
MGMAT - 620
MGMAT - 530

Somewhere I think I am not really good at taking these standardized test. I remember taking my GRE in 2002 and scored measly 1780/2400. Anyways, I did manage to get into Univ of Colorado, Boulder, which has the 2nd best Masters in Telecommunications Engineering Program after Carnegie Mellon in the US.
I have been working for last 5 years and have shown a career progression moving from a sys admin job to a product consultant to a project manager.

My question to the folks on this panel is:
I am really interested in applying to only 2 universities:

INSEAD and Indian School of Business (ISB).

Here is my profile in short:

- Undergrad in Electronics and Telecom Engg, India (First class)
- Masters in Telecomm Engg from Univ of Colorado, Boulder (GPA 3.6)
- Work Ex - 5 years (with career progression)
- GMAT - 540 (Q47, V29)
- Extra Curricular:
a. Founder Secretary - Electronics and Telecomm Engg Students Association, India
b. Technology chair - ITP Univ of Colorado, Boulder
c. Secretary - Indian Students Association
d. Volunteer - CRY (Child Relief and You, Atlanta Chapter)
e. Volunteer - Charity Water, Boston.

What are my chances of an admit at these universities? Also, do you think i should take the GMAT again before applying?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear terrifiedofgmat,

Honestly, I think it will be difficult for you to receive an offer of admission to INSEAD and ISB with your current profile. Your GMAT score is quite low for these programs and you did not post anything that would be particularly unique. Perhaps you have some unique personal and/or professional experiences you did not note, but that would distinguish you from other Indian engineers? Nevertheless, it will be stiff competition at these two highly selective programs. I encourage you to retake your GMAT and try to increase your score. If you can get your GMAT score within the mid-80% GMAT range for these schools, then the strength of rest of your application can help to get you to an offer of admission.

Good luck,
Lisa