r/MBAIndia • u/Alive-Aerie4128 • 2h ago
Other MBA Exam Prep Got DSE MBA (BA) offer, but confused between joining vs. re-attempting CAT/GMAT (IITian, ~2 yr gap). Need honest advice.
Hey guys,
Need some objective feedback on my situation:
My Profile:
- UG: B.Tech from an old IIT
- Work Ex / Gap: Worked for ~4 months at a startup, then took a break. Currently assisting with ops/analytics at a friend's small-scale venture to cover the gap on paper.
- Current Situation: I recently converted DSE MBA (Business Analytics) and the fee deadline is right around the corner. However, Iām deeply conflicted:
- DSE BA: Low fees/high ROI, but Iām worried about peer group alignment, placement stats for the BA track, and whether Iād be settling too early.
- Parents' Push: My parents are pushing me to go abroad for any Masters/MBA program, but I only want to target top-tier MiM programs (HEC Paris, INSEAD) if I go abroadāand I frankly lack the confidence to score a 660+ on GMAT Focus right now.
- The Dilemma: Should I take DSE as a safety net, attend classes, and prep for CAT/GMAT on the side? Or is it better to skip DSE, work at a full-time job/startup to fix the gap, and target CAT?
Would appreciate brutally honest takes from current B-school students or alums.