Please Advise.....low GMAT Score

[Abhay]

Hi,

I have already given GMAT twice and scored 650 (Q 50, V28), & 660 ( Q 51, V28); and I am very disappointed with my score. I was wondering if these scores are enough for top 10 B- Schools & ISB (India)

A brief overview of my profile
1. Did my B-Tech in 2006 from IIT
2. 2.25 years of work exp. as Manager in well known FMCG company in India
3. Am the youngest member in my company at Managerial Position; work directly under the heads of the divison
4. I have been in top 5 during my B-tech at IIT, with a CGP of 8.8 (GPA wud be 3.7 - 3.9 )
5. Have scored 99.99 percentile in 10th, 12th & IIT-JEE entrance.

I will be able to get a good recomendation - from ex. CEO (just got tansferred) & my current Boss ( Head of Divison)

Please advise on the appropriateness of me applying to B-Schools with such a low GMAT score.

Thanks in Advance

[MBAApply]

I see lots of numbers in your post, which suggests that you are a very numbers-oriented guy, but is it at the expense of other things?

What are you looking to do post-MBA?

Keep in mind that b-schools are looking for well rounded people, of which being academically inclined is just one of many things. Whether you are a math genius or someone who's academic abilities are serviceable isn't what separates candidates - it comes down to their non-academic achievements in their professional life and extracurriculars. It's your ability to achieve and make the most of your talents in the real world -- that's what tends to separate those who get in and those who don't, particularly at the top schools.

My hunch is that you're not competitive for the top 8 schools, and the top16 schools such as NYU, Cornell, Yale, etc. would be stretches for you. Sweet spot schools are likely in the top30 such as CMU, Georgetown, UNC, Vanderbilt, Indiana and so forth. Even if your GMAT score were higher I don't think it would materially impact your chances.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com