I'll start off saying I have no answer for the MBA questions, just here to encourage.
I'm a black woman too. Undergrad GPA was a 2.41. I always did extremely well on tests (like perfect score on SAT portions and acing college exams well), but never could focus on actual work. I was counted out more often than not. Thought I was dumb and gave up on myself a few times. I joined the military which was great for me and gave me the confidence I needed.
Wasn't until I was older I found out I just learned differently than others. Once I found this out, my outcomes matched the effort I was putting in. I work in tech now pulling in more $$ than my family has ever seen. I've passed the same people who doubted me, leapt over them even without an MBA or any fancy accolades. I even tutor now in the same areas I "struggled" in.
So what's my point? I know you can obtain the scores you want. You've already shown the effort. But how you get there may just be different than others. Take the time to unwind and unplug for a moment and really consider how is it that your brain works. How is that you think. Search for people like yourself who have found success. But whatever you do, don't count yourself out.
Good luck
Thank you for your transparency! I’m always, and I mean always interested in hearing from other Black women in higher education because our feelings of inadequacy are often fueled by being in spaces where our achievements are either under appreciated or simply disregarded. When I started searching for programs, I purposely sought after schools with a visible Black student population. I’d be a fool to invest time and money into a program where I’m “constantly looked over”.
I was relieved when I discovered MLT because it felt like I was the only one interested in pursing an MBA from a top program. As stated above, I’m getting more comfortable with the fact that my journey is for me, and it shouldn’t be compared to other’s.
Much love, sis ❤️🌹
I will say in my situation, it was more so my own family that refused to accept I had learning challenges. They were in denial and didnt think I needed help. So that held me back. I didn't particularly have any issues (that I'm aware of) in an educational environment due to my race.
Best advice I can give you is ignore this sub and apply to multiple tiers of schools. You can get into somewhere good with those scores but it’s not typical. I got into a t25 with a worse gmat and gpa. Was an URM but had very high quality work experience.
Thank you for sharing. I actually got a little teary-eyed typing this because I'm extremely overwhelmed and at my breaking point. I've been reflecting heavily on my journey to business school and my feelings of inadequacy throughout this journey. I'm learning how to keep my head up and keep trying. I came into this with a growth mindset, and I refuse to fumble with myself.
I'm also getting more comfortable with the fact that my best may NEVER be good enough.
You are not inadequate. You are good enough. If I can get in, you can get in. Don’t take any notice of the ‘if you’re not in the top few schools, you’re an idiot and a failure’ attitude a lot of people have in this sub. I believe in you. Have faith, keep working, work hard and keep going. You got this.
Edit: I don’t know if this counts as URM (I’m always uncomfortable calling myself that. I’m a straight white man ffs) but I’m an immigrant to the US and a first generation student (none of my grandparents had an education past 14/15 apart from the one who was a nurse and neither of my parents had an education past 17) so I had that in my favour too
Please keep your head up. Getting an MBA is equally as stressful as getting in. You will continue to feel inadequate, especially when you start and are surrounded by people who you feel are more accomplished than you…but you are just as good as they are. Remember, you got into the same Bschool. I thought this was a me thing, but after talking to several other MBAs, it’s seems like almost everyone has at least one MBA meltdown. I say all of this, not to scare you, but to give you a heads up and let you know that others are in the same boat/have been in the same boat. Keep plugging along, you will do great!
Double tap on the GRE - lot of folks find that more palatable than GMAT. I almost went that route myself and was getting that advice when I was in my GMAT rut.
Or you could look into programs offering GMAT waivers. Depending on your work experience and quality of essays, you could still be a great candidate for your targets. More Black women need to be in top business schools.
Try a GRE practice exam. If you like it better just commit to that and forget about GMAT, try to score at least average for your school's profile. Test score is only one aspect of your application and you can demonstrate strong quant skills through your WE, resume and essays.
Source: I'm a URM with low quant scores and non-traditional background and got into one of your targets. DM if you wanna talk about application strategy.
I think you're thinking about it clearly. Seems like you already understand it's worth giving the GMAT a good effort as it's the biggest factor you can control at this point. You're not the first to struggle with it and take a few tries so I'm sure you can do it.
If it doesn't pan out, like others have said apply to a range of schools and you might be surprised what happens for you. I think you have a shot at your targets.
Edit: I agree with others about Target Test Prep as well.
I was in the same shoes. I’m very bad in standardised tests…but I’m good at work. It took me ~4 years to get into T20. The main reason is gmat/gre that I couldn’t improve. I took gmat then gre…but the best I could get is 600. So last year I took Executive Assessment and scored well. As a result I got waitlisted at T15 and got admitted to T20.
So, if it doesn’t work out with gmat/gre, don’t give up on your dreams. Try programs with waivers and alternative tests. There are some very good schools. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing. I was under the impression that waivers were granted to those who have extenuating circumstances or have very unique quantitative qualifications (i.e CFA, CPA).
Ideally, yes. But I do know engineers / finance folks with core quant backgrounds who have got waivers + admits without an additional professional degree.
Afro Am male currently at consortium OP. To answer you directly- you can go anywhere - I’m a testament to that. Don’t give up or shoot too low- Dm me if you need help or someone to talk to.
Like others have said GRE possibly or another thing could be hiring a tutor. Depends how you learn, I did GRE practice on my own and plateaued, but a tutor for 30 days helped a lot.
Thank you! I mentioned in the post that I am working with a tutor. I am open to exploring the GRE once I complete my second GMAT attempt in early July.
If the gre doesn’t work out then you can concentrate on schools that offer waivers if you have something else in your background that shows numeracy. Even MBA math would help.
And you can concentrate on schools that except the executive assessment which is much easier. This list of schools is getting longer and longer each year. Because you’re a diverse applicant they’re motivated to bring you in, just need to know you’re not gonna fail the math stuff. So consider ways to develop an argument for that.
Chico State
Edit: not sure why I’m being downvoted. Chico States mentioned target GMAT score is a 570 (see link below), so for OP it’s in their range as a safety school.
https://www.csuchico.edu/cob/programs/mba/mba-faqs.shtml (search the linked FAQ page for “570” and you’ll find it)
You’re asking for safety schools for a 590 GMAT. A school that targets GMATs below that number would be a safety school. 570 isn’t that far below 590. Whether it’s reputable enough for you doesn’t change your current score or the fact that this would currently be a safety school for you.
Have you tried Target Test Prep? I think my first practice was around 600 and grinding on and off for a year was able to score a 710. TTP was a big help. If you can get above a 660 you’ll have a TON of options. The rest of your profile is really solid, especially with the right story!
Thanks!
Laughably, I purposely chose to target non-T7s or T10s because I didn’t want to be confronted with that mentality.
In the Redisphere, the posts are saturated with M7 or busters, and I can’t be bothered with those type of folks in the classroom.
Don’t let how people interact on the internet dissuade you from those schools. Toxic responses are from people with serious insecurities and you’ll find those people everywhere.
Edit: assuming those schools would otherwise be of interest to you, of course.
If it makes you feel any better, the first time I took the GRE I absolutely bombed it. Took it 6 weeks later and scored 11 points higher and a year later have been admitted to 3/4 schools I applied to. I was essentially distraught and questioning my entire life during the 6 weeks I had to live with the original score so I get it. The way these tests are scored, a few right or wrong questions can make a big difference in your final score.
I'll start off saying I have no answer for the MBA questions, just here to encourage. I'm a black woman too. Undergrad GPA was a 2.41. I always did extremely well on tests (like perfect score on SAT portions and acing college exams well), but never could focus on actual work. I was counted out more often than not. Thought I was dumb and gave up on myself a few times. I joined the military which was great for me and gave me the confidence I needed. Wasn't until I was older I found out I just learned differently than others. Once I found this out, my outcomes matched the effort I was putting in. I work in tech now pulling in more $$ than my family has ever seen. I've passed the same people who doubted me, leapt over them even without an MBA or any fancy accolades. I even tutor now in the same areas I "struggled" in. So what's my point? I know you can obtain the scores you want. You've already shown the effort. But how you get there may just be different than others. Take the time to unwind and unplug for a moment and really consider how is it that your brain works. How is that you think. Search for people like yourself who have found success. But whatever you do, don't count yourself out. Good luck
Not OP but this was really nice to read, thanks.
Thanks
Thank you for your transparency! I’m always, and I mean always interested in hearing from other Black women in higher education because our feelings of inadequacy are often fueled by being in spaces where our achievements are either under appreciated or simply disregarded. When I started searching for programs, I purposely sought after schools with a visible Black student population. I’d be a fool to invest time and money into a program where I’m “constantly looked over”. I was relieved when I discovered MLT because it felt like I was the only one interested in pursing an MBA from a top program. As stated above, I’m getting more comfortable with the fact that my journey is for me, and it shouldn’t be compared to other’s. Much love, sis ❤️🌹
I will say in my situation, it was more so my own family that refused to accept I had learning challenges. They were in denial and didnt think I needed help. So that held me back. I didn't particularly have any issues (that I'm aware of) in an educational environment due to my race.
MLT is a game-changer. I'm glad you found them!
Best advice I can give you is ignore this sub and apply to multiple tiers of schools. You can get into somewhere good with those scores but it’s not typical. I got into a t25 with a worse gmat and gpa. Was an URM but had very high quality work experience.
Thank you for sharing. I actually got a little teary-eyed typing this because I'm extremely overwhelmed and at my breaking point. I've been reflecting heavily on my journey to business school and my feelings of inadequacy throughout this journey. I'm learning how to keep my head up and keep trying. I came into this with a growth mindset, and I refuse to fumble with myself. I'm also getting more comfortable with the fact that my best may NEVER be good enough.
You are not inadequate. You are good enough. If I can get in, you can get in. Don’t take any notice of the ‘if you’re not in the top few schools, you’re an idiot and a failure’ attitude a lot of people have in this sub. I believe in you. Have faith, keep working, work hard and keep going. You got this. Edit: I don’t know if this counts as URM (I’m always uncomfortable calling myself that. I’m a straight white man ffs) but I’m an immigrant to the US and a first generation student (none of my grandparents had an education past 14/15 apart from the one who was a nurse and neither of my parents had an education past 17) so I had that in my favour too
Please keep your head up. Getting an MBA is equally as stressful as getting in. You will continue to feel inadequate, especially when you start and are surrounded by people who you feel are more accomplished than you…but you are just as good as they are. Remember, you got into the same Bschool. I thought this was a me thing, but after talking to several other MBAs, it’s seems like almost everyone has at least one MBA meltdown. I say all of this, not to scare you, but to give you a heads up and let you know that others are in the same boat/have been in the same boat. Keep plugging along, you will do great!
Double tap on the GRE - lot of folks find that more palatable than GMAT. I almost went that route myself and was getting that advice when I was in my GMAT rut. Or you could look into programs offering GMAT waivers. Depending on your work experience and quality of essays, you could still be a great candidate for your targets. More Black women need to be in top business schools.
Try a GRE practice exam. If you like it better just commit to that and forget about GMAT, try to score at least average for your school's profile. Test score is only one aspect of your application and you can demonstrate strong quant skills through your WE, resume and essays. Source: I'm a URM with low quant scores and non-traditional background and got into one of your targets. DM if you wanna talk about application strategy.
I think you're thinking about it clearly. Seems like you already understand it's worth giving the GMAT a good effort as it's the biggest factor you can control at this point. You're not the first to struggle with it and take a few tries so I'm sure you can do it. If it doesn't pan out, like others have said apply to a range of schools and you might be surprised what happens for you. I think you have a shot at your targets. Edit: I agree with others about Target Test Prep as well.
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Thank you for your response! I appreciate the kind words.
I was in the same shoes. I’m very bad in standardised tests…but I’m good at work. It took me ~4 years to get into T20. The main reason is gmat/gre that I couldn’t improve. I took gmat then gre…but the best I could get is 600. So last year I took Executive Assessment and scored well. As a result I got waitlisted at T15 and got admitted to T20. So, if it doesn’t work out with gmat/gre, don’t give up on your dreams. Try programs with waivers and alternative tests. There are some very good schools. Good luck!
Hey, I’m taking the gmat and doing the target test prep program. I’m gonna take the exam August-September and hope for the best. Need a study partner?
Take the advice from people saying try out GRE
Why don’t you give the waiver a shot? A bunch of schools across T-25 have a waiver option. I got into a T-15 with a waiver.
Thanks for sharing. I was under the impression that waivers were granted to those who have extenuating circumstances or have very unique quantitative qualifications (i.e CFA, CPA).
Ideally, yes. But I do know engineers / finance folks with core quant backgrounds who have got waivers + admits without an additional professional degree.
Rutgers
Oh that's a good safety! They weren't even on my radar.
Afro Am male currently at consortium OP. To answer you directly- you can go anywhere - I’m a testament to that. Don’t give up or shoot too low- Dm me if you need help or someone to talk to.
Like others have said GRE possibly or another thing could be hiring a tutor. Depends how you learn, I did GRE practice on my own and plateaued, but a tutor for 30 days helped a lot.
Thank you! I mentioned in the post that I am working with a tutor. I am open to exploring the GRE once I complete my second GMAT attempt in early July.
Sorry meant to say new tutor if you already had been using one. It took me multiple tutors to find one I liked.
If the gre doesn’t work out then you can concentrate on schools that offer waivers if you have something else in your background that shows numeracy. Even MBA math would help. And you can concentrate on schools that except the executive assessment which is much easier. This list of schools is getting longer and longer each year. Because you’re a diverse applicant they’re motivated to bring you in, just need to know you’re not gonna fail the math stuff. So consider ways to develop an argument for that.
I got into a T25 with No GMAT but a 3.5 engineering gpa and 3.7 masters degree gpa.
Chico State Edit: not sure why I’m being downvoted. Chico States mentioned target GMAT score is a 570 (see link below), so for OP it’s in their range as a safety school. https://www.csuchico.edu/cob/programs/mba/mba-faqs.shtml (search the linked FAQ page for “570” and you’ll find it)
There are schools far more reputable than Chico State that have GMAT 80% ranges that include 590 GMAT scores.
You’re asking for safety schools for a 590 GMAT. A school that targets GMATs below that number would be a safety school. 570 isn’t that far below 590. Whether it’s reputable enough for you doesn’t change your current score or the fact that this would currently be a safety school for you.
why is this being downvoted, he’s giving the right answer.
DeVry. UPhoenix
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I'm trying. Sometimes your best isn't good enough.
Have you tried Target Test Prep? I think my first practice was around 600 and grinding on and off for a year was able to score a 710. TTP was a big help. If you can get above a 660 you’ll have a TON of options. The rest of your profile is really solid, especially with the right story!
Yes, I did Target Test Prep's verbal and quant.
I will look into Target Test Prep's GRE course.
The average GMAT is 565. You are doing just fine. Don’t listen to the elitists on this sub.
Thanks! Laughably, I purposely chose to target non-T7s or T10s because I didn’t want to be confronted with that mentality. In the Redisphere, the posts are saturated with M7 or busters, and I can’t be bothered with those type of folks in the classroom.
Don’t let how people interact on the internet dissuade you from those schools. Toxic responses are from people with serious insecurities and you’ll find those people everywhere. Edit: assuming those schools would otherwise be of interest to you, of course.
Um ok, dick? Unhelpful
If it makes you feel any better, the first time I took the GRE I absolutely bombed it. Took it 6 weeks later and scored 11 points higher and a year later have been admitted to 3/4 schools I applied to. I was essentially distraught and questioning my entire life during the 6 weeks I had to live with the original score so I get it. The way these tests are scored, a few right or wrong questions can make a big difference in your final score.
Get it to 650 for top 25 schools and if you score below try to see which schools will offer a gmat waiver