Help with Profile Evaluation

[vijayallenraj123]

I recently took my GMAT and scored a 650 (V-34, Q-45). (V-68%, Q074%). I was planning to apply to some B-Schools. I haven't got my Essay scores yet. Though this might be a common question, I thought an opinion from an experienced person like you could help me get over my dilemma whether I should take the test again or continue with my application process.

So here is my profile:

- I have a total of 6 years of experience (Oct 04- Oct 10). I worked in Infosys Technologies as a Software Developer for 3 years. I then moved to Oracle Corporation as a Quality Assurance Engineer and have been working there since 2007.

- My Academic records are - 92.33% at high school. I did my Electrical and Electronics Engineering and scored 75%. I guess CGPA conversion would be 5 for high school and 3 for undergrad.

- My current activities other than work would be free-lance software development for some of the local clients in Bangalore, India. Also I sponsor education for two kids in Bangalore through a charitable institution. I also am involved with Volunteer activities for charitable causes within Oracle through its Ora Volunteers club.

- My past extra curricular activities would be that I trained in Martial Arts and also trained in Music - Guitar and Drums. I've also been a part of various cultural events at high school - theatre.

- I currently hold a Senior Member of Technical staff position with Oracle. I am lead for an automation tool that our organization and various other internal organizations use. Elaborating on this would probably be my pitch in the application when they ask about any leadership role that I have played in my profession.

After a lot of thought, I have decided to go ahead and take a chance this year and apply to some b schools. Based on opinions from admissions consultants etc I have come up with the following:

Reach:

Texas mccombs
unc kenan flagler
emory
Indiana university kelley

Safe:

SMU Cox
Vanderbilt
Maryland Smith
Iowa tippie
washington olin
wisconsin madison

I have categorized schools into Reach and Safe. I would like to get into brand management after I finish MBA, and that is my long term goal. Given my profile and my GMAT score, can you please let me know if the list of schools above that I have come up with are good? If not can you please let me know if the school list is fine. Also please let me know if some would be too difficult and if there are alternatives, and also if I have missed some good schools that might be possible for me. The specialization would be marketing.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear vijayallenraj123,

I think your school list is on target and a great mix of schools for you. All of these schools have solid marketing programs. I do think you should consider retaking the GMAT if you have only taken it once and believe you can do better. While you have a shot with your current profile at your schools, your chances would increase if you pulled your GMAT up even 20-30 points. Since you will be from an over-represented profile of Indian engineers from the IT sector, it will be critical for you to find a way to distinguish yourself from the competition and your 650 is low relative to the Indian/engineer/IT profile.

Good luck,
Lisa