Guidance for re-take (fin experiance)

[pranay_70]

Hi,

I am looking to apply in the 2nd round of applications to US BSchools. I am a non-typical Indian student, to say that I am non- engineer. My shortlisted schools are -

Dream schools - Booth, Columbia, stern

Realistic schools - Emory, Mcombs, McDonough

-I recently got a 630 (48v, 28q) on my GMAT.
-I will have 4.5 years work-ex if I go for the Sept'10 intake.

Academic

- Professional Post graduate qualification - Chartered Accountant (India)'2005 - CGPA conversion is not available
-Under Graduation - BCom'2005 (CGPA - 3.4), Post Graduation - MCom'2009 (CGPA - dont have the conversion but stood 2nd in college)
-CFA Level 1 clear

Work Ex (largely finance focused)

- 6 months management trainee with an infrastructure company
- 2 years investment banking (offshore ops of a global investment bank) along with a foreign internship
- 1.5 years with an indian focused Private equity

I also have been a representative during my IB days at the Firms charity committee and events and externally have been an active member of a NGO.

I have extra-currics with regard to rpresentations at school and college levels in festivals, events, etc.

My recos will reasonably be specific and strong.

I would sincerely like your views on wheather I should take the GMAT again, as I do not have much time to apply and would also like to work on my applications. At home I was getting scores of around 680-700. In view of the above, I seek your valued advice and most of the above mentioned schools are already in their 2nd round slot.

Best regards

[Sophia007]

Pranay,

I hate to break the news to you that Unless you are planning to score over 700+ - Columbia will be a tough shot. In some cases, even a candidate with 760 on GMAT has been rejected from Columbia - because they did not spend time on essays at all!

If you are interested in discussing your realistic goals at this point, provided you do not want to waste another year - I'd simply like to talk to you. Please send me an email if interested.
-S

[pranay_70]

Hi Sophia,

Thanks for the prompt response. As you have indicated, the realistic schools may work out, and the dream schools seem far fetched should I concur ?

I will email you for further details.

Best regards

[Sophia007]

I look forward to your email. I can spare sometime this weekend for you. Let me know.