Apply to B School or try out for a new job

[shounakparida]

Hi ;

I am shounak I gave my GMAT last month and got a 730. I am really confused whether to apply this year or go in for another year of work. Currently I have 3 years of work experience in IT services. I have decent Acads 3.7 GPA and 85% throughout my career.

I have two options at this stage. The first one will be to go back to India and get a better job in a business analyst role . The second option is whether to continue in my current job which is monotonous production suppoort to say the least and apply for other colleges for MBA program in 2009.

I also had a query about my GMAT score. Though 730 is a decent score I did give the test with 1.5 months of preparation during which I had considerable work pressure . Should I give the test again and try for 750+ as GMAT scores are currently on the rise.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Shounak,

Whether or not to apply is based on if you feel you are ready. It is a little late to apply for fall 2008 entry although there are some programs that might still be taking applications. You have enough work experience to apply for fall 2009 entry. Likewise, whether or not to change jobs is based on what you feel is best for your overall career development.

As for retaking the GMAT, you can always try to increase your score but I'm not sure it is worth the investment of time and money. You would have to evaluate this question by viewing your current profile against your target school and making a determination.

Best of luck to you,
Lisa