580--- Help

[sarika79]

I scored a 580 on the GMAT (second time around)....

I am nervous about applying now and am considering writing the test again (last resort).

My background:
8 years work experience (leading projects, published and SME speaker)
Masters degree (which I did while working full-time)
PMP designation
Previous leadership positions in university (undergrad)
Leading working groups at current and previous place of employment
GPA-3.1/4 (undergrad) 3.2/4 (graduate degree)


Should I rewrite the GMAT? I am aiming at Rotman, Ivey, Said, Rotterdam

Thanks.

[nilesh_sundar]

If you've profiled the schools you intend to apply to, you get an indicative range of scores that qualified for admission and the career profiles of students who got admitted. I've just started toying with the idea of an MBA and with 10yrs of exp in IT, i'm already finding it hard to differentiate myself from most applicants from an asian-IT background. I think a good GMAT score definitely ensures that your resume and application gets due consideration. Its like setting up an interview. How you sell yourself during the interview to the school is the later part.

Not knowing your background, i just wrote about how best ones professional background & the score may work together. I suggest you take the test again. Good luck!

[sarika79]

Thanks for you reply.


To further clarify-

My background is Health care, I have an undergraduate degree from Queen's University and my master's degree from University of Toronto is in Nursing Administration.

[nilesh_sundar]

I think Canada has good schools offering courses in Health Administration. If thats your focus during an MBA, i'm guessing that you are in for some serious competition since folks only with background in health will apply unlike a general MBA.

The key to getting into any major school (i feel) is differentiation and/or an extremely good academic/professional background. I'm not the right person to comment on your industry background since i work in different industry. But try answering the question to yourself - why would a B-School accept my application? What is so different/valuable that i bring to the class that others wont?

You can't do much about your academic/professional background at this point of time. But whats clearly in your control is the GMAT score right? Research a bit to see if you can get into a good school with your score & background. If yes, great. If not, relax, prepare well and get a good score. You are at the right place to make a good start with your prep. I'd just started reading over the web and this is the place to ask questions and get over your apprehensions. There are all kinds of people from varios backgrounds here who have cracked the GMAT.

Good luck!