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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
 Posted - 06/11/2007 : 07:44:55
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Hi Jason and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi and thank you for posting such great information for all to see.
I am currently working through my core business courses at the university of west florida to eventually obtain a degree in finance. My lower division GPA is only 2.5, but i am holding onto a 4.0 for my upper division classes. I am confident that i can continue the upward trend in my grades and also obtain a good gmat score since i have corrected my personal situation to allow me to be a better student and work to my full potential.
I have read on here that one of the important aspects of work experience to the b-school admission process is to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and career progression. My question is what should i look for in prospective employment that will help me demonstrate the qualities listed above? I ask because i would hate to take a job and be pigeon-holed or be forced to "do my time" even if i can demonstrate leadership and produce high quality results. This is the one factor that i feel is really out of my hands and would like to know if things such as volunteer work with a local small business development center could help mitigate such a work situation. Pensacola is a small town and my job opportunities will be a little limited if i chose to stay in the area. should I consider moving to help increase my chances of quality employment that will allow me to demonstrate my abilities to be an effective financial leader? Thanks in advance.
These are some very open ended questions, so there's only so much that can be communicated via this communication medium but here goes.
You have to follow your heart when making these decisions. However, if you really want to maximize your admission chances, it might be beneficial to consider jobs outside your home town.
If you position yourself correctly via internships, extracurricular activities, etc, you should be able to show a level of personal and professional development that will encourage a recruiter to take a chance on you and consider you for a position where you would be able to show and further develop your leadership, initiative, and organizational skills. Think openly about your future career goals and be willing to consider opportunities that might appear a bit non traditional. Often times, these are the ones that will be distinguish you in your future applications.
Please don't hesitate to contact us directly if you would like to discuss any of this in more detail.
-Jason
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2007 : 07:51:52
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Thank you for the time.
I'll give my story.
I graduated with a double major, Economics and Computer and Informational Science. GPA 3.1
I have an MSIS. gpa 3.5
My GMAT was 690. 42 - 42 - am planning on retaking this.
My extra curricular's are somewhat slim.
I have never managed anyone but have been in charge of projects and coordinating what gets done and who does what.
I want to get into Cornell's accelerated program.
Will my average quantitative score hurt me?
Since your application will be holistically, you can't pinpoint just the quant GMAT score. Your undergrad GPA isn't great, the schools tend to put more focus on the undergrad than graduate transcripts, and you said you will be retaking the GMAT.
Does an Economics undergrad help that?
Will they weigh my grad school GPA over my undergrad?
It depends on how you can realistically spin it, but, as I stated above, they tend to put more weight on the undergraduate transcript.
Is it as hard as it seems to get into their program?
It's competitive, but we've seen many applicants successfully navigate the admissions process and not all of them had perfect transcripts or GMAT scores if that's what you mean.
Thanks in advance
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2007 : 08:03:00
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi and thanks in advance,
I am a spanish candidate for fall 2008 (will be 27). Studied Civil Engineer (5 years) with some great scores (others not so good) but it took me longer (7 years(which is about the mean in the engineer studies in Spain)) partly because I worked in the university's mechanical department (investigation, 26 months) and also did an internship in IBM Business Consulting Services (6months). (don't ask me about GPA because I've no idea about the conversion rate. I guess something good but not terrific).
I got an Erasmus schoolarship to study one year in Austria (speak intermediate German).
Now I am working in a Management Consulting spanish firm (unknown but with international offices and projects) but I will only make it to 2 years of full-time work experience (plus almost 3 years of part-time exp.) by fall 2008.
A few quick things. The schools are familiar with how the European engineering programs work and how long it takes to complete them. Also, it's the work you do and not the prestige of your employer that will impress or unimpress the admissions committees.
I got 104 on IBT TOEFL
and got a 740 on GMAT (Q48,V42,AWA 5,5) (I guess 95% verbal and 5,5 AWA compensates just-ok-toefl.
I think I can manage some good recomendation letters but extracurricular activities and leadership proof....not really.
Seeking a school with good recognition and alumni basis in Europe and particularly in Spain, I wouldn't want to move down from the ...top 12-15 ranked b-schools.
Do you think I have any real chances with my profile? Which schools would you recommend? I was thinking something like Tuck, MIT, NYU...
See the red font post at http://www.admissionsboards.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18&whichpage=104 to learn why it would be grossly incompetent of me to recommend schools and why the school selection process it the cornerstone to successful applications.
What about Columbia early decision? Does the a early decision really make a difference?
If you meet the criteria and show a strong fit with the program, it can help a bit. But don't apply there if you don't really want to attend the school.
Is Wharton out of sight??
Based on the little I've seen, it probably is a stretch for you. The school is a stretch for most applicants and you mentioned your leadership and extracurriculars are going to be tough to spin. So, unless we find something there, you're not going to be competitive at Wharton.
Thanks a lot!!
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2007 : 08:35:13
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hello,
In one of your earlier posts you said it would not be "that much harder" for a Canadian citizen to gain admission. Just wondering why it would be harder at all?
It's been well documented that the schools do look at applicants differently and some demographic groups are far more competitive than others.
Also, how aware are ad-com's of varying academic standards from different countries? Canadian engineering schools rarely give out A's and most class averages are at around a C.
Good question. All of the top schools spend a consider amount of resources to research the grading policies and try to ensure that they interpret the various transcripts as accurately as possible.
Thanks
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2007 : 08:39:52
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OK. It looks like I'm caught up again.
I've got a few other posts I'll try to make to this discussion board over the next few hours. (In between phone calls of course.)
Just a reminder, the fastest responses go to phone calls and the second fastest replies go to direct email inquiries.
We do get busy and when that happens, it means these discussion board posts get less prompt responses. Besides, the top b-schools are not seeking the more passive applicants.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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sid3699
Underclassman
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2007 : 20:58:20
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Am 28 yrs old (indian citizen working in US).Gmat 720.Following are my education achievements:
Bachelors of Commerce. (Univ of Bombay)secured distinction
Masters of Commerce. (Univ of Bombay)topped the College and got a gold medal for securing first place.
Diploma of Financial Management. secured distinction.
Masters of Accounting (Univ of Florida)gpa 3.5
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
2 years with PriceWaterhouseCoopers(PwC)in Acoounting and Financial Advisory and 1 year (will be 2 by the time I start the mba program next fall) with Merril Lynch doing Equity Research.
Very little leadership instances to share..some extracurricular..
What are my chances for getting into HBS/Wharton/Stanford |
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mbadream08
Underclassman
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 06/13/2007 : 18:12:31
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Hi,
Am curious to know what chances I would have applying to HBS/MIT/INSEAD based on my information.
Gmat-700
Bachelors of Commerce.
Chartered Accountant (India)
Work exp-6 years (5 years public accounting with BIG4 and 1 year consulting as internal auditor)
Have some situations where I can relate about leadership. No extracurricular activities.
Thanks.
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b_rock
Underclassman
4 Posts |
Posted - 06/14/2007 : 15:29:28
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I will be attending SDSU and was wondering if the schools average ranking (Undergrad Business program ranked mid pack nationally, 2nd among public CA schools, US News and World Report) will affect my ability to be admitted into a top tier MBA program.
Brock |
Edited by - b_rock on 06/14/2007 18:19:38 |
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mba_undecided
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 15:22:24
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Dear Mr. Petersam,
How are you? How can I decide whether or not MBA is for me. Is there career counselling available that will not only help me decide, but also help me evaluate proper school choices for me in case I decide to apply.
Is MBA one of those degrees that if you have to ask yourself the question "is it for me?", then the answer is automatically "no"??!!
My worst fear that I will end up in the same industry that I am trying to get away from, and that all the time and money investment won't take me to greener pastures. |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 16:57:47
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Am 28 yrs old (indian citizen working in US).Gmat 720.Following are my education achievements:
Bachelors of Commerce. (Univ of Bombay)secured distinction
Masters of Commerce. (Univ of Bombay)topped the College and got a gold medal for securing first place.
Diploma of Financial Management. secured distinction.
Masters of Accounting (Univ of Florida)gpa 3.5
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
2 years with PriceWaterhouseCoopers(PwC)in Acoounting and Financial Advisory and 1 year (will be 2 by the time I start the mba program next fall) with Merril Lynch doing Equity Research.
Very little leadership instances to share..some extracurricular..
What are my chances for getting into HBS/Wharton/Stanford
Your grades are great, but that will only get you so far. Without a strong career progression and extracurriculars, I don't see you having a great chance at the 3 most selective b-schools in the world.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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yelsayed
Underclassman
2 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 17:07:01
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Hi,
-I am 33
-Egyptian Father black)
-Gmat 660 (48/Q 34/V)
-BSc Electerical engineering (Top School in Egypt, first on Class)
-MS in computer sience from PSU (3.87 GPA)
-12 years of full time work experience, 6 in Egypt and 6 in the US (software developer/project lead/staff engineer)
-Speak Arabic, English and some German and learning French and Spanish
-Captin of college Basketball team (Egypt)
-Head of college student union, organized many exhibits and student trips (Egypt)
-Founded a software training company in Egypt and sold it before I come to the US
-Couple years of project lead experience, none in the US
volunteer in my son school to teach math and computer
What are my chances for getting into HBS/Wharton/Stanford? |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 17:09:49
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi,
Am curious to know what chances I would have applying to HBS/MIT/INSEAD based on my information.
Gmat-700
Bachelors of Commerce.
Chartered Accountant (India)
Work exp-6 years (5 years public accounting with BIG4 and 1 year consulting as internal auditor)
Have some situations where I can relate about leadership. No extracurricular activities.
Thanks.
I only have the most minimal information here and the schools are going to consider far more when they evaluate your applications. There are many ways to spin leadership and extracurriculars and many of you guys have more essay fodder than you at first realize.
But if your assessment is accurate and you combine that with a below average GMAT for your demographic, you're likely a long shot at these schools.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 17:16:24
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Hi Brock and thanks for your inquiry.
I will be attending SDSU and was wondering if the schools average ranking (Undergrad Business program ranked mid pack nationally, 2nd among public CA schools, US News and World Report) will affect my ability to be admitted into a top tier MBA program.
Good question. The quick answer is a resounding "no." The more convoluted answer is still no, but ... you will need to level the playing field post undergrad in terms of your career progression to catch up to the applicants at the very top schools who have a bit of an advantage on you at the moment.
The good news is there are plenty of things you can do now to ensure you are optimally positioned for your future applications. Call us if you'd like to learn more.
Brock
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 17:26:10
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Dear Mr. Petersam,
How are you? How can I decide whether or not MBA is for me. Is there career counselling available that will not only help me decide, but also help me evaluate proper school choices for me in case I decide to apply.
Absolutely. This is something we cover within an initial one hour consultation.
Is MBA one of those degrees that if you have to ask yourself the question "is it for me?", then the answer is automatically "no"??!!
My worst fear that I will end up in the same industry that I am trying to get away from, and that all the time and money investment won't take me to greener pastures
Give us a ring and we'll be glad to help you out.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2119 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2007 : 17:34:52
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Dear Mr. Petersam,
How are you? How can I decide whether or not MBA is for me. Is there career counselling available that will not only help me decide, but also help me evaluate proper school choices for me in case I decide to apply.
Absolutely. This is something we cover within an initial one hour consultation.
Is MBA one of those degrees that if you have to ask yourself the question "is it for me?", then the answer is automatically "no"??!!
My worst fear that I will end up in the same industry that I am trying to get away from, and that all the time and money investment won't take me to greener pastures
Give us a ring and we'll be glad to help you out.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885 |
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