GMAT 660: My Journey to Staying in the US After Business School
January 2025 Old GMAT 660 V30 Q50 (Evening Class + Dustin’s Terminator)
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Foreword
Preparing for the GMAT and TOEFL feels like a lifetime ago. Back then, I was hesitant to share my experience applying for scholarships because my scores weren’t particularly outstanding. Compared to the achievements of other accomplished students who shared their scores and their acceptances into top-tier schools, I felt more inclined to hold back. But then again, I did receive a scholarship, so perhaps it’s worth sharing! Since the GMAT has been updated and my score wasn’t exceptionally high, I won’t be detailing my preparation strategies. This post is primarily about sharing my decision-making process from the perspective of a non-top-tier student.
Application Journey and Decision-Making
Looking back, a significant part of my journey has been driven by luck, with many serendipitous decisions leading me to where I am today. I spent a considerable amount of time preparing for the GMAT, over two years in total, transitioning from working full-time to dedicating myself to preparation. I took the GMAT a total of four times, and technically six times if you count two attempts from a long time ago. There were moments of deep frustration. After a consultation with A2, I seriously considered giving up. However, as I was leaving, I saw Dustin walking by and decided to have one last consultation.
Dustin not only patiently pointed out my weaknesses but also offered valuable guidance. When he sensed I was on the verge of quitting, he said, “Perhaps giving up isn’t a bad thing; you could shine elsewhere. But would you consider giving it one last effort together?” It was this encouragement that led me to enroll in the Terminator course. I particularly remember Dustin’s strategies for long reading passages, which significantly improved my ability to quickly grasp key points. The timed practice sessions also helped me manage my time more effectively. The course’s structured study plan and assignments were incredibly beneficial. The systematic approach of the Terminator program helped me organize my time and study schedule, so I no longer felt like I was wandering aimlessly. The mandatory group study system also provided me with many fellow students to discuss problems with, turning what would have been a solitary effort into a collaborative one. The active discussions on Slack allowed me to understand different problem-solving approaches and Dustin’s correct methodologies. After working hard with Dustin and my teammates, I finally achieved my target score and began the application process.
However, after receiving my score, unlike many students who achieve 700+ on the old GMAT and have clear goals and plans, I felt lost about the next steps and lacked a defined path. At that time, my sole focus was applying for an MBA, and my understanding of future career paths, the US job market, and necessary skills was quite vague.
As someone who identifies as 70% introverted, I simultaneously consulted with admissions advisors and, despite my reservations, attended numerous information sessions and QS fairs. I seized every opportunity to chat with speakers and pushed myself to talk to strangers at these events to gather as much information as possible. Fortunately, I received some very useful information that greatly aided my subsequent journey. I learned that, at the time, MBA programs were not STEM-designated (though many have since transitioned to STEM). This meant that graduates would only be eligible for one year of OPT, not the three years available for STEM degrees. For someone like me, who wasn’t an exceptional candidate, the chances of significant career advancement through a post-MBA role were slim. Therefore, I decided to bet on the opportunity that three years of OPT would provide.
With a clear objective to find an MBA or MS program with STEM designation, I began discussions with admissions consultants. Initially, I was drawn to the prestige of M7 schools and the bright futures of their graduates. However, I knew my chances of competing successfully against those outstanding individuals were low. Consequently, I shifted my focus to schools ranked between the top 30 and 80. Admitting my limitations was difficult, and I struggled with the decision to let go of my dream of attending UCLA. However, this decision-making process proved to be a valuable learning experience. It forced me to confront my weaknesses and strategize how to make the best of my current situation to achieve the greatest benefit. Thus, I concentrated my application resources on schools within this range. I didn’t have extensive funds for consultants, and they also indicated that schools in this tier might offer more scholarship opportunities.
I was eventually accepted into a mid-tier MBA program. Because this MBA program allowed me to simultaneously pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), which is a STEM-designated program, I gained STEM eligibility. The decisions I made, though sometimes stumbled upon, have fortunately allowed me to remain in the United States. Shortly after being accepted, the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest black swan event in recent years, struck, leading to a prolonged period of global economic stagnation, significantly impacting the US economy as well. Upon graduation, I encountered the beginning of a wave of layoffs in the US. This series of events had a considerable impact on me. However, I was fortunate that my decision to bet on the three-year OPT proved to be the right one. Compared to students with only one year of OPT, I had an advantage. Furthermore, the experience of pushing myself to talk to strangers had helped me build a small network during my studies in the US. Ultimately, through a friend’s referral, I secured this job and sponsorship.
Conclusion
Reflecting on what I could have done better, I realize that during my study breaks, it’s crucial to start gathering information about your target region. This includes understanding work regulations, the economic development trends of the area, and the government’s immigration policies. For instance, friends who studied Computer Science in the US in recent years have faced significant challenges. Additionally, don’t be afraid to schedule coffee chats. While the answers might be standard, always prepare thoughtful questions and aim to gain a new piece of information from each conversation. Lastly, improving your spoken English is vital. Unless you are naturally very social, having stronger English skills will boost your confidence and give you more leverage when conversing, making it easier for you to be noticed.
In the US, social skills are incredibly important. I know friends who are competent but not exceptional, yet they’ve secured better opportunities through their social skills and humor. Also, during the application process and job search after graduation, there will inevitably be low points. Remember to maintain an exercise routine; dopamine will certainly help you through it. Finally, confront and truly understand yourself. Make calm, rational decisions that are best suited for you. While not every decision will yield a positive outcome, strive to make choices you won’t regret. I hope this sharing offers some help for your future endeavors. I wish you all boundless success and smooth sailing.
