Got an average GMAT score in your recent attempt? Chances are that your ‘average score’ isn’t as average as you think it is. If Indian IT Male (and Female) Engineers score a 690 on the GMAT test (a very respectable score by global standards), we still label them as average GMAT scorers.
In fact, even a 700 or 710 doesn’t seem to impress the powers that be i.e international MBA Admissions officers of the top business schools.
But statistically, that’s far from the truth. The real average score for GMAT test takers around the world is…hold your breath…a whopping (!) 540.
That should make our 690 scorer a superstar in comparison, right? But the top schools don’t seem to agree. Before you move on, check this article to see the list of average GMAT scores for the top MBA programs in the world.
For the elite ones like Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, INSEAD, ISB, IIMA PGPX and many others, the average for the class consistently falls in the 700-730 range.
So where does that leave our friends who have the real average GMAT score in absolute terms? Read How to overcome a low GMAT score and get into a top MBA program?
There are quite a few business schools that generally do not figure in popular conversations on discussion forums. But they do have a class average that hovers around 540. Here’s a list of some of them.
Average GMAT scores & Schools where your chances are good
Here’s a list of bschools that might open the door for you despite your average GMAT score.
| Average GMAT Score | School |
|---|---|
| 550 | Western Kentucky (Ford) Bowling Green, KY |
| 550 | California State University Chico, CA |
| 550 | California State University Long Beach, CA |
| 550 | Morgan State University (Graves) Baltimore, MD |
| 559 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT |
| 550 | University of South Florida St. Petersburg, FL |
| 545 | University of West Florida Pensacola, FL |
| 545 | Union Graduate College Schenectady, NY |
| 545 | Salisbury University (Perdue) Salisbury, MD |
| 544 | St. John’s University (Tobin) Queens, NY |
| 544 | Penn State University (Black) Erie, PA |
| 544 | Canisius College (Wehle) Buffalo, NY |
| 543 | Southern Utah University Cedar City, UT |
| 543 | Clarkson University Potsdam, NY |
| 542 | California State University San Bernardino, CA |
| 541 | Arkansas State University State University, AR |
| 540 | University of Toledo Toledo, OH |
| 540 | University of Tampa (Sykes) Tampa, FL |
| 540 | University of Hartford (Barney) West Hartford, CT |
| 540 | Sacred Heart University (Welch) Fairfield, CT |
| 540 | Clarion University Clarion, PA |
| 539 | University of Memphis (Fogelman) Memphis, TN |
| 539 | Pace University (Lubin) New York, NY |
| 538 | UNC-Wilmington (Cameron) Wilmington, NC |
| 538 | New Jersey Institute of Tech Newark, NJ |
| 537 | Howard University Washington, DC |
| 536 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WV |
| 535 | University of Texas–Permian Basin Odessa, TX |
| 535 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KS |
| 535 | East Tennessee State Johnson City, TN |
| 534 | Boise State University Boise, ID |
| 532 | Washington State University Pullman, WA |
| 531 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA |
| 530 | Widener University Chester, PA |
| 530 | Minnesota State University Mankato, MN |
Source: Poets & Quants
Also read the updated scores here at Average GMAT score trends for top schools in the world
So now that we have seen a nice, long list of schools offering MBA programs where your average score may not be a problem, should you go ahead and apply?
You may want to hold on to your horses for a while more, till you have more information about the programs.
It’s true that a GMAT score says little about the managerial potential of the class participants. It’s also true that admissions to MBA programs consider several other data points (experience, industry, accomplishments etc).
It’s incorrect to generalise, but several of the programs that accept candidates with low GMAT scores (or ‘average’, if we want to be statistically correct) are not as selective as the top programs.
This means the filtering mechanism in the application process might not be on par with the best MBA programs. In fact, one of the schools in the list above has a close to 100% selectivity. This means almost everyone who applies can expect good news from the bschool.
The low market credibility could mean that many of the top recruiters that flock to the best ranking MBA programs may not come to the MBA campuses of these bschools. Of course there might be gems in there that we’d never know unless we dig deeper.
Also read GMAT Score Percentiles for Quantitative, Verbal, IR and AWA sections and GMAT Scaled Score Table – GMAT Score Calculator
Average GMAT scores for Indians
Alright, after reading so far, as an Indian MBA applicant you know that your average GMAT score isn’t really that bad.
But you are still curious to know what your score of above 600 or under 700 is competitive considering the mean GMAT scores for Indian bschools like ISB, IIMs (IIMA PGPX, IIMC PGPex, IIMB EPGP), XLRI GMP and others (Is a 720 GMAT score good enough for IIM ISB?).
Or for that matter the median GMAT for an MBA abroad. The best foreign MBA colleges have high averages too.
This is also a significant factor when it comes to getting MBA scholarships (read these related posts –> GMAT Scholarships for Indian students & MBA Scholarships for Indian students).
You might wonder about the culprits who push up the average GMAT scores so high.
Well, look no further, it’s your friendly neighbourhood IT Male Engineer from India probably sitting with a serious ‘busy-do-not-disturb’ expression on his face in the cubicle next to yours preparing for his GMAT diligently.
You’ll find inspiring average GMAT score success stories. These are applicants who played smart and used their strengths in the best possible manner.
Several of them worked with good MBA admission consultants in India to ensure that their essays, recommendations, resume and interview were super strong.
However, do remember that admission consultants can’t work any magic on a profile that is inherently weak. Content and presentation work together to go beyond average GMAT percentiles. And the MBA college choice matters too.
Read these stories about how much Indian applicants with an ‘average GMAT score’ (in relative terms) approached their MBA admissions process. You might be able to pick up some ideas on what worked for them.
Below Average GMAT Score Success Stories
Wharton MBA: Indian applicant gets into Wharton in Round 2 with low GMAT score
HEC Paris: Below average GMAT score 640 for HEC Paris: Admitted with scholarship
INSEAD: After 6 Rejections & 4 GMAT attempts, Praveen gets into INSEAD Paris (France)
ISB: An average GMAT score for ISB didn’t stop Bodhi from getting a seat
CUHK, EDHEC, Babson : 3 top MBA programs with scholarship despite 580 GMAT score
Smeal: Fixing a low GMAT score helped Pushkal get a full scholarship + stipend at Smeal
NUS: NUS Singapore MBA and 4 other admits for Indian IT Engineer Male
EDHEC: 40% scholarship from EDHEC MBA despite low 650 GMAT score
SP Jain: Admit from SP Jain Global MBA with a 680 GMAT score
ESMT Germany: MBA in Germany with 50% scholarship (20,000 Euros waiver)
Warwick: Warwick MBA with a low GMAT score
Babson College: MBA admit at Babson College with low GMAT
Search on our blog and you’ll find many more stories.
But do keep in mind that these are more likely to be exceptions rather than the norm. The best MBA colleges wouldn’t have had such high median scores if they had too many such exceptions.
A majority of applicants lose the battle as they are purely fighting with a weak GMAT, weak essays and a weak overall strategy.
What if you are an Indian with a below average GMAT score?
Option 1- The simplest recommendation you’d get on most discussion forums – Crank up the GMAT preparation, dissect the entire GMAT syllabus, join the GMAT Club of 700+ scorers and apply to the better programs. Well, sounds logical.
But if you could, you’d have done that in the first attempt or at least come close to your target score. Getting a 70-80 point jump in the GMAT score is very different from getting a 160 point jump (from 540 to 700).
Option 2 – The other option is to join one of the programs that accept the lower GMAT score, being completely aware of factors that’ll go for and against you when you head back into the job market.
Option 3 – This might be more obvious to those who’ve read Beyond The MBA Hype (if you don’t have a copy yet, get one right now). Before you answer it in MBA applications, ask yourself – Why MBA? Do you really need the degree to achieve what you want in life? How else can you get what you want?
Seriously consider working with a credible MBA admissions consultant to develop and execute the best possible application strategy, given your current profile. It’ll be nice if you can include MBA Crystal Ball among the possible list of teams to work with.
If you aren’t sure where to start, the MBA MAP MBA Profile Evaluation & Application Strategy would give you a solid platform to build your story.
Stop feeling sorry for what you don’t have. Think about what you can do with what you have.
Whatever option you choose, keep your chin high and don’t let perceptions of others shake your self-confidence.
Try this short Free GMAT practice test now and get help on the Free GMAT Preparation helpdesk.
Also read Switching from GMAT to GRE led to admits with scholarship
I need list of universities in US with min 1 yr or without work experience to do mba !!!!!
Hi Ramkumar,
We don’t have a ready list of such programs, as they are generally not on the target list of candidates who approach us for consulting services.
But there are too many out there that would take accept candidates without experience. You’ll have to do your own research there. But if you insist on heading down that roadm, as the main article above cautions – be aware of the pros and cons of getting into such programs.
Hi sameer,
Am a techno guy working in a telecom MNC with 5+ work experience and have run out of steam in my current profile. My interest was always to get an MBA done and diversify into a different industry (in my case a film production house executive , though telecom is the 2nd option now for me). I have already given GMAT twice , 2 years back, with highest score being 570 ( in the latest I got 500 🙁 )
Can you please guide me which would be the best institute with this score say in Singapore (I did get a call for Bradford MBA from MDIS, but had to give their own aptitude test) , US , UK/Ireland ( I had checked the Trinity MBA which qualifies). Currently am really in a sort of quandry as to what to do as a I doubt if I can ace the
GMAT score in the future, and want to apply with the 570/500 score. Am pretty sure about myself that I will come out good from the course. Just that the entrance exam jitter has been psyching me out since the CAT days.
Help appreciated sir, since I feel, by going through your posts, that you seem to strike the right chord with the guys out here…
Thanks in advance
Shiven
nice article. any of these college will give job guarantee?
@Shiven: Apart from the list in this blog post, I don’t know of any country specific MBA colleges that accept folks with low GMAT scores. The issue is not the low barriers to entry. The bigger issue is whether they’ll offer good education education.
So rather than chasing a degree, look at alternative ways to get to your goal. This MBA book might help as it has a chapter that explore various options to reach your career goals without an MBA.
@Pradeep: No good bschool can guarantee a job. Not even harvard. Read this post –> Best MBA college with scholarship + job guarantee…& I’d also like fries with it
hello Sameer
i hv done b.tech this year…and nw i am preparing for Gmat..
but stil i have lots of doubts regarding this…
like weather they (b-schools) wnt experienced guys only…??
will be there some working visa aftr studies ???
and is this really matter that from where we are doin mba like frm usa, uk , new zelnd, germny etc..??
and will be there some scholarship programs ???
thenks alot 🙂
Nitin,
– Most of the top bschools prefer a minimum of 2 years. The average is around 4-5 years. Read why work experience is important for international MBA applications
– Working visa: Yes, this tends to be country specific e.g. Optional Practical Training OPT on F1 Visa in USA and then the regular H1B for a work permit.
– Geography: Yes, it matters where you are doing your MBA from. Your job opportunities will be limited to that region.
– Funding: Yes, scholarships are there, but you’d need to put in a really strong applcication for that. Check the reviews page to see where some of our folks have got partial and full scholarships.
Hi Sameer,
I have an MBA graduate and have passed in the year 2010. I am looking for some guidance for PhD in Management from Universities in Canada. Can you provide some information on the process? I am planning to take GMAT in the near future.
BJH: We don’t have a post on PhD admissions yet (added to our to-do list) so I can’t direct you to any existing content. And explaining the process in detail would be tough in this comment.
Also, your query is quite specific as you are looking only at Canadian doctorate programs in a specific discipline.
So for now, I can only suggest Google’s phenomenal search capabilities and the official websites of a few top Canadian universities that offer a PhD in Management for further details.
Dear Sir,
I appeared in GMAT (first attempt) on 25.01.2013 and got a score of 710 (Q47, V41). My X and XII marks are 66.6% and 62.4% respectively. I am an agricultural engg. graduate (77.4% with Bronze Medal) from a Govt. College in UP with overall experience of 12 years (Started with 3 years in tractor industry as sales executive for leading cos in India followed by a 16 months assignment of teaching Engineering Undergraduates and presently working with SBI for the past 7.5 years). Recently, I have completed my assignment of 2 years as AVP (Credit) at SBI Tokyo.
My goal is to take up a position in strategic planning in financial industry. The target schools are ISB, Judge Business School, NUS and IIMA.
Kindly let me know if my GMAT score is good enough for the aforementioned institutes or do I need to improve upon it.
Yours faithfully
Neeraj Yadav
Realizing that this is a posting for Indian students and I’m not one, I did have a question – how close to ‘average’ does one’s GMAT have to be in your opinion to have a reasonable shot of getting in? I scored a 530 on my gmat test today but have 10+ years experience and several certifications in additional to my undergrad. Do I have a shot at schools asking for a 560 gmat? Please respond to my email address if this blog doesn’t notify me of followups. Thanks, -Geoff.
@Neeraj: Yes, your GMAT score is good enough. There are other areas you need to focus on – for instance, after 12 years of work experience, what are you expecting out of an MBA program?
@Geoff: A 20-30 point deviation from the average GMAT score for the school should be fine. But you might want to take a step back and re-evaluate your gameplan. With some focused practice, if you can get the score higher, it’ll give you a shot at better schools. The bschool brand can make a huge difference. So think about it.
Hello Sameer.
I am a B.E IT 2011 grad with 51%, 12th with 60%, 10th with 75% and a GMAT with 550(Q 39, V 27), with no experience.(having a hard time hunting relevant jobs with mentioned data, anyways,) I wish to study masters in MIS & I am considering Santa Clara Univ.
Should I apply with these qualifications or should I wait for a couple of years, gain relevant experience, improve GMAT scores and then consider applying to reputed MIS/MBA programs?
Thanks for the blog. Much appreciated.
Hello Sameer,
Hope you are doing well.
Sameer, I graduated from Delhi University, wrote cat,snap, etc but couldn’t get through any fancy name, joined JIMS Rohini for my MBA.
I am in the first year now, already paid half the fee (about 2.5lkh) aloted one year to it.
Now I feel I have made a big mistake, looking at the pass outs of my college who say themselves as company’s dog who cannot bite but bark.
The placements on an average somewhere around 3-3.5 being 6.5 highest this year.
I think I shall quit it now, as still I have an option of saving a year and half the fee, work and write exams again till I get something better.
Please help me out Sameer, I am more than bothered.
Be good.
@Shreyas: I’d suggest your second option. GMAT after gaining some experience.
@Rishabh: Not sure how I can help here. As a general philosophy, it’s always good to take a task you’ve started to completion, rather than quitting midway. It’s also about taking ownership of your decisions.
Hi Sameer ,
I am interested in a 1 year mba from a good b school with a goal of a career switch and to be honest a better package. However would like to know what would be my chances in getting into a good b school (like sp jain gmba , isb , or other 1 year mba) with the below profile :
Education: Bachlor in commerce 69 pct , 12 th – 64 pct , 10th – 73 pct.
Work exp : 7.5 years in trade finance operations (BPO) in the banking industry.
Age : 29 yrs
Gmat : 650
Extra curricular activities : nil.
hi sameer
I am Gaurav. I have done B. TECH in marine engineering from cochin univ. of science and technology .
profile
male ,india, 28
class10- 71.3%
class12-72.8%
btech- 73.5%
i m working since march 2008. i worked 4 months at ABG shipyard, Surat in 2008. Right now i m working as 2 assitant engineer on a ship at K LINE SHIP MANAGEMENT(JAPAN)..
i gave my GMAT 7/11/2012.
Score-640
work ex- 5yr 4 month
by next yr it will be 6.5 yr
my target school is rice univ. jones in oil and gassector because i m working in that field. also i m interested in supply chain and logistic mgt.
i want to get admission by 2014
kindly advise
Hi Sameer,
I have an Mtech in Civil engineering with 8 yrs work exp. Currently a Project lead. My employers are not big ones but 20 to 100 employee companies. I wish to go for MBA 2014. Started my GMAT preparation. Can you guide me. I wish to Land into a bigger construction company, into a higher managerial role some day. My SSC (10TH) 85%, 10+2 is 82%, BE is 78% and MTech 75%. My main concern being scholarship. I wish to go to US. What are the Bschool’s i can apply and what is the procedure for the scholarship. And what is the min GMAT score for the Bschools. And finally is there is any Bschool that has construction/ civil engineering related MBA programmes.
Please advise
@Rishi: It’s impractical to talk about chances based on the information you’ve shared. There’s much more that goes into an application that Adcoms evaluate before taking a decision. We try to simulate it using the MBA MAP. Check it out.
@Kumar: Always good to have several bschools on the list rather than just one or two, specially when certain factors (like the GMAT score) are going to be the strongest elements in the application.
@Sai: There is no minimum when it comes to GMAT. But for Indians (more than for any other nationality), higher is better. Start quickly if you are targetting this application season. You are already late if you have Round 1 deadlines on your mind. Most of our clients have got MBA scholarships based on their application strength. Only in a few cases, we had to work with them for specific scholarship essays.
Hi,
I got a 710 in gmat q50 v36. I was doing pretty well in my practice tests but got lesser in the final exam. Do you think my chances of getting in any b -school is same as with a higher gmat score? Or do i give it again?
I know there are a lot of factors considered but just want to know about the gmat score
10th: 96.3%
12th 90%
BE (Computer Science) 8.7
Hi Sameer,
I have an overall experience of 7+ years in IT and am looking to take up GMAT this year. My academic details are as follows:
10th – 86.40%
12th – 82%
BE (Pune University) – 71.3 %
With current level of preparation, I expect to get a score of around 620 ( no high hopes here 🙂 )
Wanted to know if there are B-Schools offering scholarships to candidates with this score. I have worked on many overseas projects and have been travelling overseas quite often (I don’t know if this carries any weight-age in a profile). I am currently managing a project from offshore.
Which universities should I be targeting? How much weight age does the GMAT score carry? Should I continue with my work for now as a Project Lead to enhance my profile further (say I do not get a decent score in GMAT)?
Hey ,I want to know that if a person is working in any PSU bank or in any other Govt Department …What are the chances for him and what is the value of his profile …is it valuable or not …i want to know whole thing about this ,,,,,pls help me
@Sakshi: You are right that there are many other factors that’ll be considered, but you haven’t shared any of that. So all I can say with the limited info I have about your profile is that 710 is a decent score.
@SK: We’ve worked with someone who got a scholarship with 610. So you wouldn’t be setting any records if you get scholarships with a 620. But I have to admit that the bschool choice for this candidate won’t exactly get a ‘Wow, whatta brand!’ response. A safer option is try and push your target score.
@Sandeep: I can’t possibly cover the ‘whole thing about this’, but if it helps let me share that government jobs and public sector applicants can have interesting stories and profiles.
I just completed the MBA MAP for an IIT graduate who works for a public sector company. The salary is pathetic, but the work profile is very unique. Combined with a strong GMAT score, his chances at the top bschools are quite good.
So, I wouldn’t undermine a role purely based on whether the applicant comes from private or public sector.
Hi Sameer,
I completed my b.tech degree this year. I got 65%.I joined TIME for mba entrance exam coaching. I am thinking to write GMAT. In my B.tech carer i have been through backlogs and cleared them. So,if I am choosing to write GMAT is there any problem for me to face. Is there any chance for me to get a seat in top 100 B-Schools and I want to know the universities which select only on the basis of GMAT score.
Hi,
I am planning to take GMAT but but i am having few doubts related to my educational background & work
ex. as can they turned out to be potential odd even if i score well in GMAT….
10th 55%
12th 55%
There are 3 years gap between my 12th & Graduation
Grad 65%
MBA Fin 64%
Presently i am working in health sector & total work ex is around 5 years but my industry & profile is not very reputed unlike IT & finance indus. so if i start preparing very hard & manage to get a good score will top institutes consider me or i will loose the chance in getting top B schools because of my weak educational background & low profile work ex. Pls provide your valuable guidance. Best Wishes Alok
Hi Sameer,
I am working in PSU Bank as PO .Now can you help me with that .How much it is beneficial for me to go for MBA through GMAT.
Hi Sameer,
I just took my Gmat exam and managed to score a mere 530 score. I have a work experience of 2 years with Ernst & Young. Do you think i should appear for the exam again ? I had been consistently scoring between 600-700 in my mock exams. I want to pursue the MBA program by UT Mccombs school of business.
Please advice.
Thank you for your help.
Hi sameer,
I scored a 690 on gmat and have no work experience. Should i work for an year and go or else can i go as a fresher. which way is better? Please suggest few universities in USA.
thanks a lot.
Hi sameer,
i am going to give my gmat this december and was planning to go for MBA on Fall intakes in 2014, in US. Right now i am working in my DAD’s Firm and and have graduated in 2013 from manipal university .i wanted to know whether internship in my project year will be taken in as work Ex or not? and can you suggest me some Reputed University in US for my mba , where there are company intakes in campus itself
Hi Sameer,
I got a score of 710 in my GMAT(50 -Q, 35 – V). My overall experience is 8.7 years(TCS + Infy). Percentage
Xth – 76%
XII – 78
BE (CS) – 55%
Do you think that my low score in BTech will impact a lot to my application? I have done my BE from Pune university where the score of even toppers is only 75%. Will this be considered?
Hi Sameer,
I got a very low score of 680 (Q- 49, V-32) in my GMAT.
I have a overall experience of 1.5 yrs
I am planning ot apply for MFE, MSFE courses in US..
Can you please suggest some good universities where i have a chance to get in with low GMAT score..
or should i try again and get higher marks in GMAT??
XII – 80%
X – 88%
BE (CSE) – 7.83/10
@Anurag: Top 100 is a pretty broad list. For the top ones, there could be an issue with the backlogs. I can’t think of any good bschool that will decide purely on the basis of GMAT scores. They consider all aspects – academics grads, work experience, extra curricular etc.
@Alok: The 3 year gap will definitely need to be justified. If this has been a deviation from the demonstrated potential that you’ve shown in other areas, some schools might overlook it.
@Sandeep: There’s very little that I know about you. So tough for me to comment.
@Chetan: You definitely should go for a re-take. McCombs is a tough school to target and most of your competitors will be applying with high scores and strong profiles.
@Amulya: You should work for at least 2 years before you even think about an international MBA.
@Gaurav: Internship isn’t considered as work experience. I think you are rushing into the degree too early. Just like in Amulya’s case, I’d suggest gaining a few years of real experience before consider an international MBA. Read Beyond the MBA Hype to know how international MBA programs work (and don’t).
@Vijay: Some top schools insist a minimum of first class (or equivalent). Tier 2 and 3 bschools would be a little more flexible with this requirement.
@Nikhil: 680 is not a ‘very low score’. If you think you can get a significantly higher score, go for it. For application strategy advice (including bschool selection), you might want to consider the MBA MAP.
@Sameer,
Can you please suggest some 1 year Programs considering my profile below
GMAT :710
Software Professional Working at US for Indian MNC at client location for last 3 years
Total Work experience 5 Years
Undergraduate degree in Electronics and communication Engineering
Want to work after graduation either IN US or in INDIA.
I am applying for ISB and INSEAD Sept batch. I have gone through some of the US schools for one year but unable to decide since most of them require prior expertise in Business courses and not sure about their ROI.
Thanks in Advance
Okay. Can one year of experience help?
Hi Sameer,
I have a gmat score of 620 and I don’t want to give the test once again. Can you suggest me some good business schools in Canada considering my score?
I am having an avarage of 65 % in my academic career. with a exp. of 5 years in engg. and with an avarage GMAT score of 650 ,can I expect interview call from good collages in India.
Hai Sameer,
I have not yet taken the Gmat, but i am planning to take it in 2014. I am currently working as a marine engineer in Merchant Navy . I have been in this field for almost 8 years now. Is it possible for a career change at this point in time for me. , can i have an expert opinion on this matter please. I am planning to do the executive MBA from one of the IIMs or ISB hyderabad.
Do you think I have any chance for getting jobs other than from marine field( very less opportunity for mba graduates in marine sector) after successful completion of the 1 year program.
Thanks and regards
sajith
@Debarshi: Sorry, but we can’t recommend schools or talk about chances based on the limited info that candidates share, for the following reason – How not to select bschools.
@Amulya: It gets very difficult for the good schools if you have less than 3 years at the time of starting the program (so around 2 years while applying).
@Deblin: There aren’t too many options in Canada. So you are essentially choosing between names like Rotman, Ivey, Schulich, Queens.
@Shashwat: That’s too broad a question with too little data to chew on, sirji.
@Sajith: Sure, it’s possible to target the good programs. We’ve helped merchant navy guys get into the top 10 programs and they’ve managed complete career changes (in non-marine fields) as well. Get in touch when you are ready to apply.
Thanks Sameer, thats really a moral booster. will start for my preparation for gate 2014 by march next year. will stay in touch with you.
so bye and thanks once again
sajith
Hey Sameer,
I have a work experience of 6+yrs. CGPA 3.4 / 4. I have a GMAT score of 530. I am from India. Shall i apply (not for top schools) to moderate schools. What are my chances of getting admitted? I am desperate in pursuing a degree. Please reply me asap.
Thanks
Hi Sameer,
I have work experience of 2.9 Months in one of the largest FMCG companies in India I have a Degree in Biotechnology BSc. and after that I was in Army for 1.5 years but got out due to injury in my knee can it be a good profile as there has been so much diversity in my profile can it be possible to get through any good B school with a GMAT score of 590??
hello sameer
i am hemant i have scored 730 on my gmat and have 3 years of experience my problem is that during my engineering days our financial condition was not strong (we lost lot in debt repayments) so i had to work alternate years while continuing my studies as mechanical was my passion and now i can arrange some financial assistance too try for a mba to boost my career and scores in BE was 64 % and earlier for 3 years it was around 55% consistently , which college(good college from any country) i might have hope to get admission into, please guide me
thank you
@Bala: Adding desperation to the mix isn’t a good idea at all, when the stakes are so high. given the option, I’d suggest re-taking the GMAT higher before applying.
@Rajan: I’m not sure about the general GMAT scores for army background applicants, but those who’ve worked with us so far have had a 700+ score. If that’s your competition, you should try raising the score.
@Hemant: You should explain the reason for the academic delay in your optional essay.
Hi Sameer,
I scored 640 in my recent GMAT attempt a week back with some 10 days of prep. I’m in a big dilemma now. Shd I go ahead and prepare well, and retake the GMAT in a month to target 720+. So, that leaves me with 1 month for my essays, and I can target the early Jan deadlines in US, NUS, NTU and some other universities. That means, I have to forget abt ISB (30 Nov), INSEAD (27 Nov), HEC (15 Nov). Because, if I start writing my essays and prepare for GMAT together and retake it before Nov End, then I feel I can’t excel in either. Please guide as to what should I do.
My profile : BE Mech, DCE (1st class with distinction). 3.5 yrs work-ex in a Fortune 500 company – Michelin Tyres – Greenfield Project in Chennai, with 1.5 yrs international work-ex in France, Germany, Thailand.
Hi Sameer,
Xth 75%
XII 72%
B.tech 76%
Infosys 3yrs of work ex..
GMAT 550
Currently working for an NGO.
What are the possible options for MBA in HR from India…
Thanks (in Advance)
Hi Sameer,
Please have a look @ my profile:
Xth – 87%.
Xiith – 73 %
B.tech – 82% (8.2 CGPA)
Work Ex- 4 years
2.4 years @ Tata Consultacy Services Ltd and remaining in Infosys Ltd and still working.
GMAT : Yet to appear and hoping to get a 700+.
EC`s- A couple of appreciation awards at Workplace (Dont know much they matter when presented).
Blood Donation(Again no idea about this one)
Main Motive behind a MBA: A change in in industry,better salary and a management role.
i am wanting to apply next year to schools both in India and Abroad.
Can you please give me inputs how to go about this and i am having a tuff time deciding my target schools?
Thanks,
Rajeev.
Sameer,
In addition to the post above…i`d like to add another point.
There is a 2 year Education Gap in my profile between 12th and Engineering.
To be absolutely honest..i tried to crack IIT however couldn’t do much and financial condition wasn’t good during that phase hence had to drop another year.
Please suggest as to how this can affect my chances and if there is anything i can do about this now.
Thanks,
Rajeev.
hey dis is rajesh….planning to give gmat and interested in 1 Year executive mba course.I am a dentist in army having experiece of 6 years.what are my chances.
Hi Sameer,
I had scored 580 in gmat. Since this was the first attempt, I attempted gmat once again, my bad luck was so bad that I got 570. I really do not have guts now to write once again.
I am totally frustrated. I want to go for full time MBA. Can you kindly send me your contact details to my mail ID so that I can get in touch with you regarding admissions guidance.
Hoping for some ray of hope from your end.
Regards,
Pooja
@Souvik: if you can manage such a big jump (640 to 720+) in a month, you should definitely re-take it. And then share your GMAT prep secrets and success story on our forum.
@Priyanka: Sorry, but we can’t help out with CAT MBA programs in India.
@Rajeev: You may want to consider taking up the MBA MAP. It’ll go way beyond school shortlisting.
@Rajesh: This is exactly the kind of questions that gives us shudders. A liteel more homework pleejh. Use this to get started – How not to select bschools.
@Pooja: ‘bad luck is so bad’…gotta love desi english!
But on a serious note, I’m sorry to hear about your GMAT experience. I’m not sure we’d be able to help much with that score. Do you have any target bschools in mind? If the average score for those isn’t too high (vis-a-vis your score), you could go ahead and apply independently.
Hi sameer
I am a banker , chief manager with 8.5 years of hard core banking experience across retail and wholesale banking. Last 6 years have been in corporate banking handling some of the largest names in business. My acads are as below 10th 80 %
12th 74
Grad 59
Pg 68 silver medalist
Extra curriculars
State level basket ball player school level
Have been a keen deabter have won debates in delhi university and iit delhi.
Quizzing , again won quizzes in du , iit, scmhrd etc.
Work related interests include financial inclusion , have some recommendation on this.
Target schools iima pgpx, iimc pgpex, iimb epgp, iiml ipmx, isb.
Should I retake gmat to improve or focus on building a good profile.
Would like to avail your services on this.
Alok
Hi , sameer
i’m a professional with 5 years of hardcore sales experience in Telecom domain. i recently appeared for GMAT and scored 500. Do i have a chance to get admission to a good B-school ?? Plz guide me as i’m not aware of admission process of B-schools. my academics are as follows: 10th: 68% ; 12th : 48% ; Grad : 68% and i’m currently 34 years of age.
In addition to my previous post, could you help me if I decide to app with 640 GMAT somewhere where deadlines are still pending. If so, which colleges ??
Hi Sameer,
Profile:-
X- 69.6
XII- 81
B.tech – 68.5
Work ex – 4.5 years in a reputed company
GMAT – 630
I want to know whether my GMAT score and profile is sufficient for me to get admission in good US college for Management information systems(MIS) course? Should i retake the exam but considering my low score i at least need 40 days for prep and thus will have no/small time for application process.
I am not sure whether this score is suffice for MIS course in a good b school along with scholorships….Please help!!
Some of the universities,which i have short listed are:-
University of Arizona- Eller
University of Cincinnati
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
Texas A & M university- Mays
Best Regards
Hello Sameer, thanks for this initiative.
I scored in gradutation 48% and having 4+ work experience. Working currently as team lead in intespeaking l bpo, having team of 30. frankly speaking never thought of seriously of about carrier while studying. But now its different! after this fabulous work experience, now in coming few years i have targeted ‘portfolio head’ or ‘CEO. I am very serious to achieve this position.
Thats why targetting MBA from good Bschool by focusing on GMAT. Is it correct?
My graduation score will stop my addmision in ISB, even when I will have 730+ GMAT score?
If yes, then can i look for abroad bschool? 100% finance will be provided by banks?
Please suggest best things, thanks in advance.
Have a good day!
Hi sameer,
. Following are my credentials,
class x- 78%
Clas x+2- 64%
Electrical engineering -60%
2.5 years exp in manufacturing sector (maintenance department)
3 years exp in construction field (project development -electrical and safety systems)
There is also a year gap after standard eleventh, for which I have a government authorised medical certificate
Now, I want to know about the score which i will need, to get to the top executive MBA colleges in India ,where campus placements are good. Also please tell me when is the best time to give gnat and also about the admission process
Please help!
Hi Sameer,
I am an electronics engineer and worked at a reputed engineering firm for 20 months after which I put in my papers. I gave my GMAT yesterday and scored a 710. Are there colleges which will be willing to look past my lack of experience ? Or is it an inflexible necessity to have experience of more than 3 years ?
Thanks for your time.
Please post your profile evaluation queries on our forum.
Hi,
I scored a 620 in gmat
Quants 48
verbal 27
my Profile is
X-91.6 (icse)
XII-91.7 (ap ssc)
Btech-89.35 in ECE
I have a lot of extracurricular activities and achievements in my profile at school, college, state and national levels.
Can u please help me with what colleges can I consider ?
Hi Sameer.
i scored a 9 CGPA in 10th and 93.6% in my XII board exams. I am currently pursuing B.Com from St.Xavier’s college, Jaipur. I plan to appear for GMAT soon after my graduation. However, am worried that most of the B-schools consider applicants with a minimum of 2-3 years work experience(which if you ask me is a task for a b.com graduate due to lack of jobs). How do you think i should go about it as a freshman? I am really keen on studying abroad in a decent b-school, but work experience could pose a problem.
Awaiting reply.
Aniket
@Ankit & Curious92: Please post on our forum. We can’t talk about chances or bschool recommendations though.
@Aniket: You could look at Indian CAT MBA, instead of GMAT.
NOTE: We will not be responding to further comments on this blog post. Please post your queries on our MBA forum.
Hi Sameer
Need some guidance…I sat for my first attempt at GMAT on 25th August..scored a 610..what options do I have in hand with a score like 610??
I have 2+ years of work ex.
and don’t want this year to go waste waiting for the next year..Please Help!
Hi Sameer,
I have 3.5 yrs work experience as project engg in oil & gas EPC industry – with L&T – location UAE.
I am planning to give my give my GMAT test this year. I wish not to switch my current industry & also wish to be placed in middle east or south east asia after MBA.
Could you please guide me regarding the B-schools i should target for. Also what would be the requirements/ possibility for attaining scholorships for the MBA pgm. I hold BE in Mech Engg.
Hi Sameer,
I am a chemical engineering graduate from a reputed university and I have decent scores throughout my academic career( X:94.4,XII87.6 CBSE; Graduation CGPA:9.03). I have 3 years of experience in Oil Refinery sector.I have appeared for CAT for the last 3 years and my performance has deteriorated every successive year with this year being the worst(97.5/96.6/87.5%ile). I feel GMAT is an easier option for me.I believe that although I am in a tight work schedule involving shifting duties I can get through GMAT with a score of above 700. I am targeting ISB specifically but am not confident enough about my profile which has no outstanding extracurricular or any stellar achievement as of now.I am also open to an MBA from a reputed US school if I get a scholarship or else there will be a monetary issue.
Kindly help me through which B-SCHOOLS I should target which may provide me scholarships.
Waiting for your priceless advice.
Hello,
Do we need job experience for taking admission in India B schools through GMAT score?
Dear Sameer
Please let me know your view on retake:
I gave the GMAT on November 20th and scored 640 (Q49, V 29). IR score is 7 and AWA is 5. I was scoring 640-680 in GMAT prep. My professional background is I am a Chemical Engineer passed with distinction from University of Mumbai. I have scored distinctions in both my standard 10th and standard 12th SSC boards. Post my graduation I got placed into a German Chemical Company and I joined manufacturing division. I am still working in the same company since the past 4.5 years. I have had good career progression from a trainee to an assistant manager in manufacturing. I have worked in different locations (urban as well as evolving cities). I have got opportunities to work on international assignments as well as constantly interact with colleagues in technical communities globally and regionally. I can get recommendations from senior management as well.
At the moment, I am contemplating on another attempt at the GMAT with a hope that I can improve my score by a few points. Please let me know if I should consider a retake or apply with the score and profile that I have
Regards,
Viraj
Hello Sameer,
I am CPSM certified procurement analyst and have 4+ years of experience. I have worked primarily as market research analyst for top 20 global pharma companies. I have 73% in 10th, 79% in 12th and 81% in btech ( bioinformatics). I have 3 years of gap before enginnering.
I want to know :
A) what would be the safe score for me to get select in isb or iimb?
B) what are my chances for getting into consulting company post mba such as bcg or mck. ?
Thanks