Profile Evaluation Please: GMAT 700

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Profile Evaluation Please: GMAT 700

by tallynik » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:52 pm
1. GMAT 700. Q49, V35. 3rd Attempt.

2. BE Computer Engg. Indian. Have a first division, Marks 60%+. We dont ave a GPA but based on topper score I calculate my GPA to be 3.6.

3. EXP 8+ Telecom Software.
- 4+ yrs in Managerial Position. #2 person for a recently concluded project was $10million a yr programme. Role: Programme Management.
- Quite a lot of international experience worked in US(3 yrs in 3 stints) and China. Includes Customer and Client Interaction as well.

4. Want to move into Management Consultancy.

I got rejected in LBS, though I thought I wrote very good essays.
No interview call either.

Queries
1. INSEAD has asked for all scores to be sent to them, so it seems that they don't consider the highest but kind of the mean. Is this true?

2. GMAT Explanation/Retake
Brief History about my GMAT.

I gave my 1st attempt way back in Oct 2005, where in I scored 620(Q49, V2x)(Hardly any preparation). Then in Jan 2008 I scored 660(Q50, V2x) (2 month prep) and 700 in Nov 08.
Practise scores 1st Test 690, 710. (I dont think this was pearson).
2nd Test 740,730.
3rd Test 750,730

I was pretty decent in standardized tests so 2nd GMAT score really pinched me. On example: I have given the GRE in 1999 where in I scored Q99%, Analytical 91%, V 87%. 2150/2400.

Somehow I still dont feel that my GMAT score reflects my abilities, though I was pretty happy to get the 700 after the psychological hole I had dug for myself.

So the question is..Is there any point in putting forth an explanation to the B-schools. Or should I just wait till Oct 2010 and give another shot at GMAT, when my 2005 scores gets outdated, coz a mean score of 660 is not good enough for places I am targeting.
Would an explanation of my GMAT experiences highlight some positive qualities in the application or just sound like cribbing?

3. Do people re-apply to same institute in the same year? say LBS.
How does my profile look for INSEAD? What other schools can I consider?

4. The INSEAD deadline is 2 days away. My essays and other portions of application are no where close to what I had for LBS. I am wondering if I should wait for RD2 Jan 2010.

Please advise.
Thanks For Your Help

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by Lisa Anderson » Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:35 pm
Dear tallynik,

Most schools only use your highest score in your evaluation. I would not assume INSEAD is any different just because they ask for all scores. To clarify, it is best to check with INSEAD as to which score is used. Since schools generally only use your score from one test, it is not necessary to provide any sort of explanation on any test scores or the differences in your scores. The only time you need to "explain" your GMAT score is if you feel it is not an accurate reflection of your abilities and it is below the school's average GMAT (or below a certain threshold the school has stated).

I am not aware of any school that accept re-applications in the same admissions cycle. The norm is you can only apply to a school once per admissions cycle. If you do not have time to ensure your essays and application are the strongest possible, then it would be best to wait and apply in the first round of the next admissions cycle. Based on your post, you are in an over-represented group in the global MBA applicant pool. As such, the competition for any top program is particularly fierce. In your case, your 700 is going to be a little lower than other engineers from India. However, a 700 is not going to be the sole reason you are not admitted, and thus your essays, interviews, and recommendations will make a difference. My advice is to get feedback from LBS on why your application was denied so you know what you need to address in your next batch of applications. I would also suggest you consider applying to a school (or 2-3 schools) where your GMAT is at or above the school's average.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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