MBA Crystal Ball

BrajaBiswal wrote:1. Is it good idea to take up GMAT and join with 10+ years exp?

The risks go up with age. This may help: MBA after 30: Am I too old for a full-time bschool degree?

BrajaBiswal wrote:2. How much GMAT score can get me admission in some top university of US.

The GMAT score alone will not get you into a top university. In your case, your ability to demonstrate fit and purpose will be more important.

BrajaBiswal wrote:3. I prefer more audio/vidual training, which training material will helpful (Manhattan / Kalpan or something else)

Both should have trial options. Give them both a shot and see which one you prefer. Both have been around for a long time, so they know their business well.

Hi Sameer,
I was reading about GMAT and came across your name quite frequently. It made me think and I couldn't stop myself from dropping a message to you, hoping to get answers to few of my mysteries. Staying positive and with an expectation to receive a response from your end I m writing you this.
I am focused, dedicated and determined about writing a GMAT in October.
Is it really necessary to join gmat coaching classes as they claim that official guide can help us reach only 600+, though they have techniques which will makes us score 750+. I don't want to get trapped and pay money resulting nothing in return other than loss of time
I know it would be unethical for me to ask u if u can suggest one training institute and the same for you to respond;)
What three tips would u suggest for me to score 750+, considering no compromise from my end on dedication, focus and continuous learning.
Could you also, please suggest some resources which i should consider seriously.

Currently, i have 2 scenarios in mind:

I am working with GMAT official Guide. Followed by individual GMAC books for Quants and Verbal. There are also few Manhanttan 8 strategy books available (not sure if shall go through the same). I am also planning to write some 10 Mock GMATs prior to the D Day, followed by analysis of week areas and strengths post every Mock Test.

Join a GMAT coaching class, and follow the tricks and techniques what they are suggesting. Even with this case, i need to put in lots of effort towards self study and make myself best prepared for the exam. The benefit which is there with these classes is that they provide counselling and help us with application process too.

Request you for your suggesting and guidance.

Regards,
Shikhar Vaid

shikharvaid wrote:Is it really necessary to join gmat coaching classes as they claim that official guide can help us reach only 600+, though they have techniques which will makes us score 750+.

I don't think that's true, Shikhar. Coaching classes use that statement to get folks signed up. Many crack 750 without classes. You just have to use the right material.

shikharvaid wrote:I know it would be unethical for me to ask u if u can suggest one training institute and the same for you to respond;)

I think self-study works best, as your learning needs, weaknesses, pace would be different from the 20-40 other guys sitting in the class.

shikharvaid wrote:What three tips would u suggest for me to score 750+, considering no compromise from my end on dedication, focus and continuous learning.

Why limit it to 3. Here's what the Indian guys who've cracked the GMAT exam have to say. They have plenty of tips. Use the ones that are relevant for you and discard the rest.

shikharvaid wrote:Could you also, please suggest some resources which i should consider seriously.

We've listed several resources here: GMAT prep material

shikharvaid wrote:I am working with GMAT official Guide. Followed by individual GMAC books for Quants and Verbal. There are also few Manhanttan 8 strategy books available (not sure if shall go through the same). I am also planning to write some 10 Mock GMATs prior to the D Day, followed by analysis of week areas and strengths post every Mock Test.

If you have the aptitude for competitive exams, I think that's more than sufficient.

If you don't have the aptitude, then no amount of study material can help.

shikharvaid wrote:Join a GMAT coaching class and follow the tricks and techniques what they are suggesting.

I don't think tricks really work. Focussing on the basic concepts and practising diligently can give better and predictable results.

shikharvaid wrote:The benefit which is there with these classes is that they provide counselling and help us with application process too.

Don't mix the two. If you want to join a GMAT class, do it for their GMAT expertise. If you want admissions counselling, hire a competent MBA consultant.

Hello, I am currently pursuing mechanical engineering course and I am about to start the 3rd year. I am planning on taking the GMAT. When do you advise me to take it and how should I prepare for it?

Aditya_g wrote:I am about to start the 3rd year...When do you advise me to take it and how should I prepare for it?

You can start preparing for the GMAT exam around 1-2 years before you are ready to application. The score is valid for 5 years. But recent is better, rather than a really old score.

On this page, you'll find several free GMAT preparation resources, including articles, sample questions, and a free practice test as well.

Hi Sameer,
Hope you are doing great!

Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on your book "Beyond the MBA Hype" which is a real eye opener and a comprehensive perspective of pre and post affairs of foreign MBA. This was the first thing I read in order to kick start my MBA preparation journey :) .

I am 26 and currently working with a Consulting company and have completed 14 months of job experience. Prior to this, I completed my M.Tech from IIT Madras. I am planning to give my GMAT exam towards November this year and start applying as soon as I complete two years of job experience. Secondly, I will be targeting good state universities with good ROI in U.S as the top 20 or 30 B-Schools are way above my financial capabilities without a scholarship. I have maintained a moderate academic performance till date, class X-75%, Class-XII-84%, B.Tech-8.98 CGPA and M.Tech-7.1 CGPA. Some notable endeavors I have undertaken would be to co-found a short film production house and run a non-profit organization for small children assisting them in their education along with my mother. Keeping the aforementioned points into consideration I just want to ask you few questions and gain your comments ffin order to systematically approach my GMAT process.

1) Is it possible to crack good State Universities with 2 years of job experience (which is considered to be on the lower side) and a descent GMAT score (650-700) ?
2) Will my M.Tech degree provide any added points to my application?
3) Few things you can suggest me to make my application stronger?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Shubhayan Sarkar.

Shubhayan Sarkar wrote:1) Is it possible to crack good State Universities with 2 years of job experience (which is considered to be on the lower side) and a descent GMAT score (650-700) ?

Considering the category of bschools you are targetting, it should be possible. But as you might've read in the book, 'good' is a very relative term.

Shubhayan Sarkar wrote:2) Will my M.Tech degree provide any added points to my application?

Yes, it will, specially if you can prove to the Adcom that the entry criteria and the curriculum were rigorous.

Shubhayan Sarkar wrote:3) Few things you can suggest me to make my application stronger?

Try to maximise the GMAT above 700. That's the single biggest impact you can have at this stage on your profile.

And of course a solid set of essays that convince the Adcom that you aren't jumping into this prematurely.

hi ,
I am preparing for GMAT 2015 from India. When I was filling the exam form they are asking for GPA in undergraduate stream. I am an engineering student and I got 57% aggregate (Mumbai University). However, looking at the ranges provided, I am really confused. Can anybody tell me what is the GPA that I should be writing for filling up the form?
Please help!

Hi,
Greetings.
I was doing a lot of research on the net regarding GMAT and your site came up quite frequently and the content and forums seemed quite interesting and useful so I thought of sharing my dilemma with you and get some help on it.
I am a Mechanical Engineer + PGDM graduate currently working with a leading Automobile MNC of the country.
I have a little more than 3 years of experience as of now in Sales and Marketing. I scored 94 percentile in CAT and have already done my MBA from a decent TIER 2 Institute(in 2012) after which I was recruited from campus by my current organisation.
Like every CAT aspirant I had my IIM dream but could not complete the same.
Now I want to add a new dimension to my career both in terms of Role and Salary which right now is limited.(My current organisation also hires people from IIMs and their salary and growth structure in the company is altogether at a different level and even if I get best ratings in my appraisals, my career path and package will never match them).
So I was thinking of trying my luck at some TOP Global B Schools and take a step towards fulfilling my career aspirations.
My biggest dilemma is
1. Whether my first MBA be an advantage or Hindrance while applying?
2. I already have a Home loan in my name and EMI is quite significant so even If I get some scholarships, will it be easy for me to take further loan for my MBA and will the decision be practical in terms of Investment?
3. I was going through Employment statistics of some top B Schools and they looked quite Impressive with Avg Salaries ranging from $85000 to $125000 and more. Placement reports are quite misleading in terms of average packages and recruiters and can not be relied upon so how relevant are these reports for taking this decision.
4. I have read that average ROI time (MBA expense + opportunity cost i.e. your 1 yr Salary) comes in 2-3 years itself from decent B schools but I also know about few friends who had to struggle a lot to even get basic jobs after doing MBA from very decent colleges.

Any how I want to consider this and give my best attempt but I am not able to do feasibility analysis of this decision specially the Investment part. Please help on these querries so that I may find some direction.
My grads are decent, have been in many Leadership roles and have a good extra Curriculars (Dramatics/Guitarist/Lead Vocalist)
Thanks