I have written GMAT Twice to date.

First Attempt scored: GMAT: 660; AWA:3.5
Second Attempt: GMAT: 710; AWA:4.0

I am Targeting top 10 B Schools.

Please suggest, shall I retake GMAT?

Hi Neeraj,

Thanks for writing in. Traditionally AWA is the last thing a school will consider -- it may be used as tiebreaker between two identical candidates. More than worrying about the AWA, I would be focused on the Quant/Verbal breakdown of your test. Did you surpass 80% in both areas, or at least 70-75% in Verbal? Schools will look at this more closely than AWA. While a 710 total is competitive for top-10 schools, it needs to be show balance, and a good Verbal score can offset a poor AWA.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your reply. It would be great, if you could evaluate my profile.

I am looking for General management course that can help me to get in to Consultancy, with focus on Financial Industry.

GMAT: Quants: 50-93%, Verbal: 37 - 80%, Total- 710 - 92%, AWA: 4
CGPA: B.Tech, 7.02/10, Indian Institute of Technology (The premier institute in India)
Work Experience: 5 Years.
For last three years, Working with an start up providing Financial research services to US Companies. Have diversified experience in various industries including: Education, Internet Media, Corporate Learning, and Green Tech.
Was involved in various product launches.
Extracurricular: Involved with social works, and other societies.
Prior to this (For two years), I worked as Software engineer in the India's Biggest software company.
I am targeting B Schools such as:
Dream: Wharton, Booth,
Reach: Duke, Cornell, Oxford, UCLA
Safe: Indian School of Businees


Regards,
Neeraj

Hi again,

So indeed your score was balanced between the two parts -- well done. In order to break out from the mold of male Indian engineer cohort, you really will want to emphasize your extracurriculars and your startup work. Also make sure your goal statements are clear -- how did your startup work influence your goals?

Without knowing much about your extracurriculars, I think you've rated these schools appropriately.

Good luck!
Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (14 individual school titles)

Visit the mbaMission Blog

Follow mbaMission on Twitter