Low GMAT Score? Change target Business Schools - A Strategy CONSULTANTS would never recommend but you should CONSIDER it!

While starting the GMAT test, applicants are expected to pick five schools to send the GMAT scores. However, no one is stopping applicants from changing their target B-School. It is true that you have to pay $50 to send the scores to each additional school. It is little costly but do not be too rigid with your plans. The research for Business School (where you might fit in) is a continuous process and the list should change with your GMAT score and interaction with Business School representatives. Many experts would discourage you from doing so and will ask you to write a stellar essay and get in. For people who have scored below target school’s average by more than 50 points – think about changing your target business school.

Meet Business school representatives through events like The MBA Tour (you will get a real sense of what the b-school has to offer). You might have heard stories of candidates with low GMAT score getting into top Business Schools. It might be true but these candidates more often than not had a stellar GPA or had a very diverse experience. If you do not have either of these two traits then you are wasting your time and money on your application.

Your MBA admission process is a nine-month process. 3 months for GMAT prep, 3 months for MBA Essays and recommendation letter and the final 3 months for results and funding arrangements. Do not waste your 9 months on some unrealistic goals. Keep it real.

Face-to-Face Meetings

The best way to judge whether you will fit in with the school’s culture is to meet the college representatives and ask some interesting questions. Apart from MBA events, B-schools normally visit cities independently. Sign up for newsletters of your target Business schools and get updates on their travel plan to your city or you can sign-up for F1GMAT’s Newsletter and pick your preference.

1) What percentage of the previous year's class received job offers before graduation?

This question is relevant especially since when economies are slowly emerging from a recession. You will have a clear idea on the networking capabilities of the school in such scenarios. To be fair to the B-schools, it is up to the students to find the appropriate lead and get a job; however, ask about the recruitment events that the school had organized. A placement and guidance cell with training on interview etiquette is common among average to above average business schools.
 
2) What is the average age of the candidate in the B-school?

You can get this information with a little research. If your age falls below the class average by more than 2 years remove the B-school from your target list. If the average age is high and the school claims 95-100% placement after the course, then the age of the student might be a factor. MBA students in their 30s would have mortgage and family commitments and they are more likely to take any offer (well below the class median). Since they might have a fair bit of experience in their chosen field, getting a job in the same domain might be easy. That brings us to the next question.

3) What percentage of the graduates was able to change their domain?

This question will give you a clear understanding on the true value that the B-school has to offer. Were the alumni able to get a job in a completely different domain with the MBA? Normally around 40% of the candidates join the MBA course to change their domains. If the percentage falls below 15% then search for another B-school that will help you achieve your goal.

4) Can you give me contacts of alumni from my country?

Get contacts of alumni, more importantly those from your country. They might have a similar perspective on climate, food, culture and other aspects of the new environment. Get information from different alumnus. One alumnus might be a big fan of the college, so it is always better to get opinions from different alumnus. Ask questions like- “What are the things that you don't like about the b-school?" Remember- “no college is perfect”. So getting to know about the cons would help you make an informed decision. If the cons bother you, then cut off the b-school from your target list.

Location of the B-School

Location plays a crucial role. From an international student’s perspective, if the target schools is in US or UK then go through the govt. polices on visa for international students.

US Visa Policies

UK Visa Policies

Keep an eye on the recessionary data that come out during each quarter. With recession, govt. will protect the jobs from going to people from other nationalities. Have a backup plan on how you will survive if you are unable to get a job offer after your MBA.

More Opportunities in Tier-2 MBA

If you have read Why tier 2 MBA Program is not a BAD idea, you will get a better understanding on how recruiters think, and why top recruiters are looking beyond Ivey league schools. Low GMAT in comparison to the average GMAT score of top schools (720+) might not be a bad result. Switching your strategy to target tier-2 schools might just open up opportunities in areas that you had earlier planned.