Now this is a tricky one. Is your GMAT enough to get you through?? When schools say they take a holistic view of each application, chances are they actually mean it.
GMAT is just one aspect of your entire package. Of course having a great GMAT wont hurt but when you score below the average, you will be taking a chance hoping that your other areas of strength make up for it. I for one got below average GMAT but my overall strengths made up for it.
Your MBA application is about YOU as a person, your passion, your interests, your dreams and your logic behind all of these. If schools want only top GMAT then there is a strong chance that most top schools will end up having over 70% + Indians & Chinese. But that is not the case, so whatever you score don't lose heart and do an honest self-appraisal.
When I scored low on my GMAT, I asked a few current students if I should go ahead and apply. And the reply was, if you are ready and you believe in your overall package then go for it. Fortunately I did and things worked out.
Bottom line, target 7XX, if you score below that then look at the overall breakdown of your score. Is the balance within the range that the school asks for and finally consider your overall package and see if you are truly unique.
Another thing I would like to mention for the smart ones out there - MBA admission is a game. If you know how to play it, then you will get through. Most certainly the school of your choice looks for certain traits - cultural sensitivity, tech background, creativity, international exposure, leadership etc. Play your cards well and if you think your case is still weak, then target a stellar GMAT.
You have two elements here - Your Application Value (which is based on your background/ diversity value/ traits the school is looking for etc.) & your GMAT/ Academics. Your application package should be at least above average overall. So if you score very high on the first element (aka. Application Value) then you can survive with an average or even below average GMAT/ Academics. But if your Application Value is not that great, you will need a solid GMAT to remain competitive. Try to remember this balance when working on your applications.
Good luck !
Sunday, August 31, 2008
GMAT
There are tons of resources available on the internet about GMAT. I wont get much into how to best prepare for the test but yes, know yourself well. Take a trial test to see where you stand, identify your strengths and weaknesses and take it from there.
In my view GMAT is not about how good you are at Maths or English but its more about how smart a test taker you are. The test works on certain patterns and if you spend enough time, you will be able to identify these patterns and have your own way of tackling them. I prepared for 2 weeks, took 2 trial tests on the official software and that was it. Of course, my score was not 7XX but more like 6XX. But it was a balanced score.
Some tips:
- Practice sitting for 4 hours at a stretch. It is very important.
- Dont spend too much time on difficult questions. I did this mistake and had to run through the last 15 in Quants.
- Try and relax in between tests. Take the pressure off, have some water and try to ease it off.
- Practice Practice Practice !
In my view GMAT is not about how good you are at Maths or English but its more about how smart a test taker you are. The test works on certain patterns and if you spend enough time, you will be able to identify these patterns and have your own way of tackling them. I prepared for 2 weeks, took 2 trial tests on the official software and that was it. Of course, my score was not 7XX but more like 6XX. But it was a balanced score.
Some tips:
- Practice sitting for 4 hours at a stretch. It is very important.
- Dont spend too much time on difficult questions. I did this mistake and had to run through the last 15 in Quants.
- Try and relax in between tests. Take the pressure off, have some water and try to ease it off.
- Practice Practice Practice !
Friday, August 29, 2008
About Me !
I would love to say that I am just your average next door guy. But I am not. Neither I am a hot shot banker nor the entrepreneur who just sold his startup to Google.
But by all measures, I have had a very unconventional career. When I was young (I still am !!), I wanted to be anything and everything around me. But with each day I grew as a person and the more I saw of this world, the bigger the things I pursued in life. That is me. And the funny thing is, I never thought I could achieve any of it. Its like, "Gosh...did I really do all of that !!".
Without getting into details, I started my career as a consultant and moved on to lead business turnaround for western investors in Asia. I have also been advisor to startups, and some of them survived while others ran into ground.
Now you might say whats unconventional about that? Well I never ever had to work for a boss in my professional life. And how that happened is a totally different story !!
But by all measures, I have had a very unconventional career. When I was young (I still am !!), I wanted to be anything and everything around me. But with each day I grew as a person and the more I saw of this world, the bigger the things I pursued in life. That is me. And the funny thing is, I never thought I could achieve any of it. Its like, "Gosh...did I really do all of that !!".
Without getting into details, I started my career as a consultant and moved on to lead business turnaround for western investors in Asia. I have also been advisor to startups, and some of them survived while others ran into ground.
Now you might say whats unconventional about that? Well I never ever had to work for a boss in my professional life. And how that happened is a totally different story !!
My first blog !!
Finally I have decided to blog. I dont know how regular I will be but I really want to share my views on MBA with potential applicants.
Doing an MBA is not an easy decision. You are talking about taking 1-2 years out of your steady job, investing a significant chunk of your life's savings or perhaps even borrowing from family/ banks for this MBA and above all, you are willing to go through the emotional ups and downs associated with MBA. Lets just say its not easy.
In my blog, I will share with you my own experience of this process.
Doing an MBA is not an easy decision. You are talking about taking 1-2 years out of your steady job, investing a significant chunk of your life's savings or perhaps even borrowing from family/ banks for this MBA and above all, you are willing to go through the emotional ups and downs associated with MBA. Lets just say its not easy.
In my blog, I will share with you my own experience of this process.
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