690(Q 49, V 35)/5+ Exp

[D1981india]

Hi,
I am done with my GMAT today. Score was a bit disappointing 690(Q 49, V 35). My profile is :

Age: 27 years
Exp: 5+ years
GPA: 9.44/10.0 from IT-BHU, one of the top 10 engg colleges in India

EC: Committee Head of Cyber Cell in organizing cultural festival at college, Taught in a school for blind kids during college days

Professional: 5+ years of exp in a wide range of software-related fields including product development, software services and software consulting.

Also ventured into starting an e-commerce business, with limited success. I have shut it down for the time being.

My questions are:
1) Should I retake the GMAT? I feel I can score around 720-730 in next attempt.
2) How suitable is my profile for colleges such as Columbia, Kenan Flagler, Darden, and ISB, India?

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear D1981India,

I think you should retake your GMAT if you know you can do better and you have only taken it once. A 690 is not a bad score, by the way; congratulations!. However, you are right to be concerned if you aspire to attend a top 15 business school. Applications will be highly competitive, especially for international students this year. In your case, the question is not whether you are suitable for these programs (of course you are!) but whether you can present a compelling application that distinguishes you from the competition. If you apply with a 690 or with a 780, it is imperative your application essays, resume, recommendations and interview are memorable in a positive way.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[D1981india]

Thanks Lisa for your prompt response! I guess for GMAT scores this year, anything less than 750 will make it too difficult for Indian IT Male candidates.
I guess I will retake GMAT in a month's time.