My GMAT score was 100 points lower than the class average

When submerged under water, Shouvik Das knows how to hold his breath and not panic. That ability helped him tackle the challenge he describes in this story.

MBA applicants, especially those competing in over-represented applicant pools, strive hard to get a GMAT score that’s head and shoulders above their target bschool’s class average.

Apart from a confidence boost, high GMAT scores allow applicants to focus on the other things that matter in the application – essays, recommendations, resume, interviews.

But what if you can’t improve your GMAT score and end up with a 100-point difference from the class average? In most cases, it generally means one thing – a sure-shot rejection.

If you have enjoyed stories of tea-brewers who have found success in life, you’ll like this one too.
 

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My GMAT score was 100 points lower than the class average

by Shouvik Das

 
Working as a Program Manager at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for a major British aero engine manufacturer,
I periodically used to introspect.

• Am I prepared to deliver what’s expected of me?
• Am I ready to take up a more business-oriented role in my firm like many of my superiors have?

One of big steps that I always knew I needed, to build a better version of myself, was an MBA. It was the best way to understand of business side of the equation.

The first hurdle was GMAT. I subscribed to few online GMAT courses and maintained a consistent study schedule.

Based on my performance in mock tests, I was expecting my score to be within a range of 650-670.

But on the exam day, I ended up scoring sub 600 score (i.e 550-600 range).

That’s at least 100 points below the average GMAT score for my target bschool – S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR).

Sigh! My entire world came crashing at my feet at that point.

Nevertheless, based on the exceptional stories I read online (on MBA Crystal Ball, GMAT Club), I did not lose hope.

I didn’t want to quit without a fight. To guide me through my fight, I certainly needed someone who was the best in the business.

It crossed my mind that maybe I should just talk to my friends at top ranking B-schools rather than spend money on MBA application consultants.

But, it was evident with my low score and average IT male profile in one of the big IT services firms that I need the guidance of someone who had vast experience in guiding the applicants.

And to give me hope, I had seen a few situations like mine!

After a thorough research on the consultants, it was clear that based on their quality of work and testimonials of MBA Crystal Ball, they were the best in the business.

I signed up for the MBA application + brainstorming package with MCB for SPJIMR, Bombay.

I had selected SPJIMR primarily because of two reasons:

1. Learning pedagogy which instills value-based leadership
2. Most cost-effective learning opportunity.

Vibhav, an understanding and patient guy, was my mentor/coach. Unlike other consultants, Vibhav neither believed in spoon-feeding nor in forcing his thoughts.

He had a series of thought-provoking questions which enabled me to introspect during the brainstorming session.

With him, I saw a clear and precise order emerging in my chaotic essays. Throughout the journey he kept on challenging my reasoning for each of my assertions.

Slowly, I could see a new story emerging from my experience. One that was driven by business impact, revenue generation and customer obsession.

I saw my career from a new perspective – where I was a leader focused on process improvement, team management and project profitability.

I even had a story of how my hobby of “tea brewing” – on how it has shaped my personality and made me a more meticulous planner.

Essentially, it sharpened my own logical reasoning about my goals and prepared not only my essays, but also got my story in shape for the MBA interview.

All this made me more positive. I saw a small silver lining in my profile and my confidence went up a little.

Vibhav was instrumental in getting me ready for this college. With his support, my MBA application essays came out crisp as desired.

In a nutshell, his guidance was over and above my expectations.

 
Based on my profile and relevance of my essays, my application was shortlisted for the final stage – the MBA interview.

For the interview, I was prepared not only for the questions that are usually asked repeatedly in a B-school interview, but also for questions that may knock one off their feet.

In my case it was – describe yourself in one word.

Rest is history!

I successfully converted my application and secured an admit at the prestigious SPJIMR.

In the end – I want the blog readers to remember this.

GMAT is an important part of one’s overall application but certainly not the “only” decisive factor.

Take it from me! Do not be disheartened with a low score.

Having a consistent score in your 10th, 12th and undergraduate / engineering degree goes miles to establish solidarity.

It also pays off to take help to showcase the true you, if its difficult to do it alone.

Having a guiding hand such as MBA Crystal Ball will go a long way in giving you the direction and guidance to make your application and your interview way more impressive and logical.

Good luck to all the aspirants. May god speed!

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Also read:
– Low GMAT score success stories