Verbatim

 

Experts’ Global: Hi Nitin, thanks for joining us today! Could you share your GMAT and application outcomes with us?

Nitin: I got a 730 on the GMAT with a seven in IR and a six on the writing assessment. Regarding my MBA application results, I secured admits to six MBAs and am picking a top 30 US-based MBA with 100% scholarship support as my location for business education!

 

Experts’ Global: In your opinion, what factors made all the difference?

Nitin: I actually began studying for the GMAT in 2020, and got a 670 on the exam on my first attempt. My applications to different MBAs with this score all resulted in rejections. In 2021, I began my GMAT prep again, but this time I focused on learning from my mistakes as well as using a good GMAT online course and the resources therein fully. I learned to approach the Verbal section as a test of reasoning rather than of my English skills. This helped me improve my GMAT score on my second attempt rather significantly.

 

Experts’ Global: In hindsight, what mistakes did you make?

Nitin: One mistake I committed when starting with my GMAT prep was not having a proper study plan in place. I just consulted the official material on the GMAT website and got a sense of the concepts therein, and then proceeded to directly solve questions. One should read up on the GMAT syllabus’ concepts and theory from the official material, complete practice questions from the additional resources, and then start solving the practice questions in the official material.

 

Experts’ Global: What were the main GMAT prep resources you used and what advice about the same do you have for other aspirants?

Nitin: In terms of GMAT resources, pick a good quality course from any provider, refer to it during your initial study, and then proceed to the official material for practice. The Manhattan Prep books are a good starting point. You should also take a free GMAT practice test when starting your prep to get an idea of where you stand beforehand. Proceed to formulate a study plan that plays to your strengths and stick to it.

 

Experts’ Global: In your opinion, what number and frequency of mocks should GMAT aspirants attempt?

Nitin: During the initial part of my prep, I was taking an unnecessarily large number of GMAT mocks. I think one should not give too many GMAT mocks as they are meant to help you keep track of your conceptual growth and condition you for the actual exam experience. I started off by taking one mock every weekend early in my prep, but as I saw little improvement in my scores at that stage, I reduced the frequency.

Experts’ Global’s GMAT mocks were quite helpful for me, and the scores I got on them near the end of my prep closely resembled my actual GMAT score of 730.

 

Experts’ Global: How was your experience with applying to business schools and what things did you do correctly to secure your admits?

Nitin: My application experience was quite informative. It empowered me to think about my motivations and life journey in-depth while I was working on my essays and networking with alumni and current MBA students. Writing down one’s ambitions and lessons helps one get considerable clarity on one’s identity, and in my case, helped me understand the kind of role and employer I was looking for after the MBA. The deadlines one chases while keeping one’s recommenders in the loop also teaches one the value of effective time management!

 

Experts’ Global: How did you overcome your difficulties with certain parts of the application process?

Nitin: The essays were the most challenging part of the application process for sure. During school shortlisting, one figures out that each school has four of five essay prompts of its own for you to tackle, and writing authentic essays for the same requires consultation with one’s friends and mentors. Redrafting and editing essays is also a long process.

 

Experts’ Global: How was your MBA interview experience?

Nitin: As my MBA interview prep was well-defined, I had a pleasant MBA interview experience. A lot of the questions on my motivations for an MBA and my desire to join a particular school, as well as how a school would help me realize my post-program goals, were quite common. Some interviews involved questions stressing diversity, equity, and inclusion and enquired about my migration from India to Canada, the culture change thereafter, and how I fit in at work with a diverse group of colleagues.

 

Experts’ Global: What struggles did you face in moving to a new country for your education, and do you have any advice about the transition for others?

Nitin: First off, Indian male engineers are an overrepresented group in business schools, and to enter a top MBA with a profile of this kind, you need to have an excellent GMAT score. Further, showcasing your USPs and achievements alongside any meaningful international exposure or company-wide impact you have had is a must.

I would advise those planning to do an MBA to begin volunteering or working with NGOs to boost their candidature. A lot of colleges in India, especially in the sciences, do not have a culture of volunteering, but these engagements are quite common in global business schools!

 

Experts’ Global: What is your final message to MBA aspirants out there?

Nitin: Begin your GMAT prep and application work as early as possible. Most MBAs have their deadlines for the first round of applications in September or October, so try and have your targeted GMAT score in hand by July. Begin shortlisting your schools thereafter, and do not go just by the rankings. Do your research and pick MBAs that offer the best ROI for your chosen post-MBA goals. Networking and reaching out to MBA admissions consultants can help you a lot at this stage. Begin working on your essays as soon as you have some clarity about your schools.

 

Experts’ Global: Thank you for the information you have shared with us today, Nitin!

Nitin: It was my pleasure to do so!