Request for Advice: MBA & MMH

[artist148]

Hi, I am a 23-years old Indonesian who has just graduated from a Singapore university in June 2013. I will be starting work with a contract bond (due to end in Feb 2015) and would like to go for MBA in US or Cornell's MMH as 2015's intake.

I had just taken my second GMAT today - the score is lower than my first try. Below are my score details:

2nd Try - 19 Aug 2013
Q: 48 (76%), V: 32 (65%)
Overall: 650 (77%)

1st Try - 23 Jan 2013
Q: 48 (78%), V: 34 (69%)
Overall: 670 (84%)
[if needed - AWA: 5.0 (57%), IR: 7 (81%)]

Undergrad GPA: 3.336 (converted from 4.17/5.0 from top local Singapore university)

Work Experience: approximately 1.5 years by 2015, excluding 1.5 years of internships experience.

Recommendations: Thinking of getting one from previous professor and internship Director of Quality each

With my current profile, is it advisable that I take the GMAT once more to push for at least 700? Or what could be done if I am aiming for Cornell's MMH & MBA, as well as other top US grad schools' MBA programs?
I would appreciate profile evaluations and any advice or comments. Thank you very much!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Well, I am afraid I don't have fantastic news for you (but it's not too bad either)... and that is with 1.5 years experience, you aren't likely to get into any good MBA even with a 750 GMAT... It's just too little work experience, (I'd recommend minimum 3 years). So I think you are better off being patient, finding an alternative (progressing in your work) once your contract is up, and thinking seriously about the MBA once you have two years experience in the bag.

[artist148]

Well, I am afraid I don't have fantastic news for you (but it's not too bad either)... and that is with 1.5 years experience, you aren't likely to get into any good MBA even with a 750 GMAT... It's just too little work experience, (I'd recommend minimum 3 years). So I think you are better off being patient, finding an alternative (progressing in your work) once your contract is up, and thinking seriously about the MBA once you have two years experience in the bag.

Dear Jon,

Thank you for your reply and advice. I have 2 more questions that I would appreciate your answers for.

1. Is the lower score on my 2nd try going to give a bad impression? Should I retake to push for a 700+ (My GMAT Prep 2 attempt last week was a 700...)

Thank you once again!

[Jon@Admissionado]

IF you can get a higher score, ABSOLUTELY! Esp. since you have the time. But only take the test when you are SURE you have prepared yourself as well as possible!

[artist148]

Alright, thank you so much for your advice, Jon! I hope to take the GMAT again next year and go beyond 700!

[Jon@Admissionado]

There you go! That's the spirit! Good luck to you, my friend.