I have few questions regarding MS in Business analytics . I have graduated in Computer Science Engineering from VTU India, in 2013, with a percentage of 71, working as Software Developer since Oct-2013. I have a GMAT score of 570 and a work experience of over 2 years (2y 2m). which universities do you suggest for this score? Or should i have to retake my GMAT ? please suggest.

It's hard to say. In general, since analytics is a highly quantitative field, my sense is that the better b-schools will be looking for exceptional quant scores on the GMAT. For this kind of MS program, however, business schools don't often publish their cohorts' average GMAT scores, so the best strategy would be to approach the schools directly and ask them to give you a frank overview of your competitiveness.

A ton of good business schools now offer MS programs in Analytics: NYU, Drexel, the Simon School...

With your level of experience, an MBA in analytics might also be an option; however, you'd certainly want a much better GMAT score for the best schools in this field.

Thanks for the reply. How about SMU? Is it worth doing it in SMU?

So there's Singapore Management University (SMU) or

Southern Methodist University (SMU) - Cox - in Texas

Both are good schools. Cox would be a great choice for analytics, given its strong Master of Science in Business Analytics program.

Thanks for the reply Laurie. Any idea about the GMAT Requirements in Southern Methodist University (SMU) - Cox - in Texas?

For the MBA program? Average GMAT is 650 currently:

http://www.smu.edu/CoxGrad

I agree with Laurie that SMU-Cox's average GMAT is 650. However the applicability of Average GMAT score varies with the color of your passport.

I applied to and interview with Cox in Sept 2012 (re-applicant from 2009/10) when they visited India with the MBA Tour (or maybe it was QS Top MBA). Shanna Davis, addressed all attendees that even though their average GMAT was 640 (at that time) for Indian students it was 695.

So if you are from a overrepresented International applicant pool, put 40/50 GMAT points premium the average GMAT score. This is true for many US schools. One of my classmates from undergrad is currently studying in SMU Cox, and he is not happy with his experience related to Career Services / Alumni engagement.

Good luck!

I agree with Laurie that SMU-Cox's average GMAT is 650. However the applicability of Average GMAT score varies with the color of your passport.

I applied to and interview with Cox in Sept 2012 (re-applicant from 2009/10) when they visited India with the MBA Tour (or maybe it was QS Top MBA). Shanna Davis, addressed all attendees that even though their average GMAT was 640 (at that time) for Indian students it was 695.

So if you are from a overrepresented International applicant pool, put 40/50 GMAT points premium the average GMAT score. This is true for many US schools. One of my classmates from undergrad is currently studying in SMU Cox, and he is not happy with his experience related to Career Services / Alumni engagement.

Good luck!

Hi Donho199,

From my limited knowledge. I think SMU MBA program is statistically better than W&M MBA. Average GMAT for SMU MBA is 650 vs 620 at W&M. Also average salary for SMU MBA is $100,000 while for W&M it's $80,000. additionally SMU is at a better location than W&M. Both the MBA programs have a regional reach.

SMU MBA's curriculum looks more refined with concentrations/major/minors and international exchange in place. The sticker price is also $90k for 2 years tuition. In comparison W&M MBA for out of state is $81k for 2 year's tuition and $60k for VA residents.

W&M curriculum focuses more on general management than on specialization. the Carrier Acceleration Modules are little rigid, the program office is working on several ideas from students. W&M's unique feature is the Executive Partner program. Many C-suite people retire in Williamsburg and are engaged by the school to act as mentor. Every student team gets 2 EPs. (Student team is group of 5 students). Also W&M MBA faculty is highly ranked most notably in Princeton Review.

As a university, W&M is better known than SMU. W&M is a public ivy that provides a good bang for the buck. For the MBA program, SMU is much more attractive than W&M. SMU will be hard to beat if they have provide students scholarships to lower their investment.

Hi Donho199,

From my limited knowledge. I think SMU MBA program is statistically better than W&M MBA. Average GMAT for SMU MBA is 650 vs 620 at W&M. Also average salary for SMU MBA is $100,000 while for W&M it's $80,000. additionally SMU is at a better location than W&M. Both the MBA programs have a regional reach.

SMU MBA's curriculum looks more refined with concentrations/major/minors and international exchange in place. The sticker price is also $90k for 2 years tuition. In comparison W&M MBA for out of state is $81k for 2 year's tuition and $60k for VA residents.

W&M curriculum focuses more on general management than on specialization. the Carrier Acceleration Modules are little rigid, the program office is working on several ideas from students. W&M's unique feature is the Executive Partner program. Many C-suite people retire in Williamsburg and are engaged by the school to act as mentor. Every student team gets 2 EPs. (Student team is group of 5 students). Also W&M MBA faculty is highly ranked most notably in Princeton Review.

As a university, W&M is better known than SMU. W&M is a public ivy that provides a good bang for the buck. For the MBA program, SMU is much more attractive than W&M. SMU will be hard to beat if they have provide students scholarships to lower their investment.

Hi Donho199,

From my limited knowledge. I think SMU MBA program is statistically better than W&M MBA. Average GMAT for SMU MBA is 650 vs 620 at W&M. Also average salary for SMU MBA is $100,000 while for W&M it's $80,000. additionally SMU is at a better location than W&M. Both the MBA programs have a regional reach.

SMU MBA's curriculum looks more refined with concentrations/major/minors and international exchange in place. The sticker price is also $90k for 2 years tuition. In comparison W&M MBA for out of state is $81k for 2 year's tuition and $60k for VA residents.

W&M curriculum focuses more on general management than on specialization. the Carrier Acceleration Modules are little rigid, the program office is working on several ideas from students. W&M's unique feature is the Executive Partner program. Many C-suite people retire in Williamsburg and are engaged by the school to act as mentor. Every student team gets 2 EPs. (Student team is group of 5 students). Also W&M MBA faculty is highly ranked most notably in Princeton Review.

As a university, W&M is better known than SMU. W&M is a public ivy that provides a good bang for the buck. For the MBA program, SMU is much more attractive than W&M. SMU will be hard to beat if they have provide students scholarships to lower their investment.

Hey Donho199,

That's exactly what I had in mind when searching for MBA programs. I grew up and went to undergrad in New Delhi. I liked a welcome break from the hustle bustle. In williamsburg, people are really friendly. One time I was running on the sidewalk wearing a suit to catch my bus to school. People stopped their cars rolled down their windows to ask if I was ok.
Everyone in the Deli, grocerry store, bus routes, professors, student will know you. People walking on road would greet you and mean it. you won't ever hear a honk.

Few times I was given a ride by complete strangers when I was waiting for the bus. I had a complete opposite experience in NYC, Boston, DC where people just hustle. I guess studying in a college town have its own merits :)

Where are you based at? What career goals do you seek?

Hello everyone,

As i said earlier i have a GMAT Score of 570 a work experience of over 2 years as a Software developer with decent academics. I dont see any realistic chance of improving my score since am not getting enough time to prepare due to work pressure and also i am unable to take a break from the work. So i would like to go ahead with this score. It would be really helpful to know the options for this score for a Masters Degree in Business analytics. I know i have a Average GMAT score but i would like to know the best available options for this score.

I agree with Laurie that SMU-Cox's average GMAT is 650. However the applicability of Average GMAT score varies with the color of your passport.

I applied to and interview with Cox in Sept 2012 (re-applicant from 2009/10) when they visited India with the MBA Tour (or maybe it was QS Top MBA). Shanna Davis, addressed all attendees that even though their average GMAT was 640 (at that time) for Indian students it was 695.

@Maury,

Yes they do treat one set of applicants different from others. I think most B schools confirm that each applicant is evaluated against the applicant pool from their country. So Indians are evaluated against Indians. I remember that University of Iowa - Tippie used to publish two Avg. Gmat (one for domestic, one for Internationals that was 30 points higher)

@srujankadnur,

Do you have a target city / location ?

Am looking to select the best options for my score. So Location No Bar.

Am looking to select the best options for my score. So Location No Bar.

With a 570 GMAT score a lot of those will be reach schools. Kogod and Stuart are maybe the most realistic, but neither is particularly well-known for analytics.

There's this list:

http://find-mba.com/lists/top-business-school-by-speciality/top-business-schools-for-business-analytics-and-big-data

... depending on the year, McMaster, while still a reach, might be doable.

Hello everyone,

Does anyone here have a idea about Queen''s University Canada. Its offering Masters of Management Analytics. It would be great if anyone can tell me more about this. And also
MIP Politecnico di Milano which is offering Masters in Business Analytics and Big Data.

Thanks in Advance

Can anyone suggest good school or university in Europe offering Analytics and big data