| Author |
 Topic  |
|
ghessler
Underclassman
2 Posts |
 Posted - 12/11/2007 : 01:45:00
|
David:
Little help here from the expert...
2004 graduate of VaTech (undergraduate GPA of 3.6). I took a GMAT prep course and scored much lower than I would have liked, 620 (72% verbal / 66% quant). I was scoring in the 660-700 range on the practice exams and think I just had a bad day.
I have some good work experience...two years at a private equity firm...associate at a real estate focused hedge fund and now I work at a middle market investment bank as a 3rd year analyst. The equivalent experience didn't carry over to the new job bc the real estate hedge fund was a niche product which went the way of the dinosaur when the resi real estate market crashed. Anyways, I need an MBA.
Trying to narrow down my target list, here is how it stands:
UMD - Smith
Vandy - Owen
Babson - Olin
Colorado - Leeds
Dream School:
Wash - St. Louis
My Q is, should I pick a safety school given my low gmat score (I was thinking American - Kogod), or do I stand a pretty good chance at getting into one of these? What are my REAL chances of getting into Wash - St. Louis? I'm hoping solid banking experience will carry me.
|
 |
|
|
LaurenB
Underclassman
4 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2007 : 22:20:22
|
| This question is for David. Hope you can provide some valuable insight. What is a baseline GMAT to get into the top programs (for me, Yale, Cornell, NYU and Columbia) for a female candidate coming from a think tank background in DC, hitting the range for GPA, 3.3, from Emory (with Major GPA of 3.7), and with good recs from senior level supervisors? 3.5 years work experience to date. Also, any advice on good safety schools? Have had lots of trouble picking one that's a fit. Took GMAT and got a 640 and having seen all the scores people have on here I am a little concerned. Plan to take the test again but do you think I have a shot with my current score? Thanks, David! (Oh and it lists me as an undergraduate but I'm, as stated above, 3.5 years out of school) |
Edited by - LaurenB on 12/13/2007 10:33:06 |
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2121 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 17:10:43
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi David,
I am planning on applying for an MBA program for the '09-'10 school year.
-I graduated from UC Davis in 2006 with a double major in Human Development and American Studies and a 2.9 GPA.
-I have not taken the GMATs yet but I am aiming for the full time MBA at UCLA
-Much of my undergrad and out-of-college work experience has been in education aside from a one quarter sales/marketing internship.
-I have been working for a market research company since 2005 doing ethnographic market research on and off (project based).
-I have been working in account services at an ad agency since August and plan on focusing on marketing/advertising in an MBA program.
I have a few questions.
-What score range would you say I need to acheive on the GMAT in order to have a chance at UCLA?
It is difficult to work at the application process from this angle, particularly since the numbers (GPA and GMAT) constitute less than half of the overall decision making process. You should use the figures published by UCLA as your guide (median around 700). At the very least, you should be aiming for that median mark as your undergraduate GPA is at the lower end of their range.
-How detrimental is my undergrad GPA to my application and are GPA's recalculated based on major classes or is the cum GPA used?
The cumulative GPA is the number commonly used in decision-making models and published statistics, so it therefore carries the most weight. That does not mean that you can't put this number in context or put a spin on it if you performed much better in your major classes. With that said, the admission committees will probably be somewhat concerned about your undergraduate GPA – you will need to offset these concerns, possibly by developing an alternate transcript.
Do you feel that my work experience (by the time I apply for '09) will be adequate enough for a strong application? If not, what would you advise?
Depending of course on what track your professional development takes and that the progression is cohesive and shows increasing in responsibility, four years of work experience should be enough. What you have not provided here is information on your extracurricular interests and activities, which are an important part of your candidacy, as well.
Thank you for all your help.
I also forgot to add that I have started taking marketing/business courses through the local community college (since I didn't really take any business-oriented courses in undergrad). I am doing well in those courses but was wondering if they're going to make any difference in the strength of my application?
Typically work done at the community college level will not do anything to strengthen your application. You might think about taking some classes at a four-year university if there is one close to you.
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 |
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2121 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 17:14:10
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hello David,
First of all, I am really thankful to you for taking time to answer our questions.
Academics
I graduated in June 2006 from Fisher School of Business (OSU) with a GPA of 3.76 (Magna Cum Laude) and was on Dean's List every quarter. My major was in Accounting and Finance
Work Experience
I have been working with a Big 4 Accounting firm since I graduated. Total work experience 1.5 years
Professional Qualifications
I have completed my CPA
And have passed CFA Level 1
GMAT
I have not yet given my GMAT
My Target Schools - Wharton, Harvard, Standford, Columbia.
My questions -
1. Is my undergraduate academic backgroud strong enough?
Your undergraduate work is competitive for your target schools.
2. How many years of work experience would you recommend before applying? (Range is alright)
We’ve worked successfully with many Big 4 applicants over the past 11 years (this obviously includes the time when it was the Big 6) and the “sweet spot” for work experience tends to be between 2 and 5 years though there have been many exceptions on the high and low ends.
3. Whats a good GMAT score? (Range is alright)
Without any idea about your story themes, extracurricular positioning, ‘wow’ factors, etc., the best I can do is tell you that if you’re above the 25 percentile range for the school, you are probably going to be fine.
4. Would they consider that I have completed CPA and working towards CFA right out of school? Does this give me an edge over others?
These are qualities that will contribute to the overall strength of your application. However, I would expect these to be fairly common among applicants to the top schools and accordingly, might only give you a slight rather than significant edge.
With a good essay and extracurricular activities, do I stand a chance?
Without the GMAT score and a full picture of your work and extracurricular experience, there are still a lot of assumptions. However nothing you have told me here seems to preclude you from admission to a top school.
Thanks a lot. I really want to get into those schools, been always a dream without even knowing what it meant. But i guess now i know.
Thanks again
My pleasure. Feel free to call our office if you would like to discuss your situation in more detail.
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 |
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2121 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 17:31:05
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
hi there
I would like to know about the mba requirements.
i have a bachelor score of 72% and have completed my degree.
I would like to know if any experience is required to get throught some of the top universities.
your reply would be a great help
You might want to do some basic research and perhaps start with a book such as the BusinessWeek guide. We have a number of these books profiled on our website. (You can go to www.admissionsconsultants.com/mbabooks/ to see the books we recommend based on the feedback of thousands of previous clients.)
You’ll learn that most applicants benefit from work experience and that extracurricular activities and well thought-out story themes often make the difference for successful 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 |
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2121 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2007 : 17:33:16
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
David,
I have a sub par undergrad GPA(below 3.0) from a top liberal arts college, 4 years of work experience as a prop trader at 2 major investment banks on wall street and have received the CFA designation. I recently scored a 710 on the GMAT with a 47 verbal and 40 quant. my verbal score is in the 99th percentile, and my quant score is in the 61st percentile. I know that my quant score is low, and am confident that I can bring it up to at least a 46 as it was my strongest area in test prep. However, I am not sure that I could maintain my verbal score if I were to retake the test. I am applying to Kenan-Flagler, Owen, Darden, Texas and Florida. I'm uncertain if my CFA and experience as a trader in a quantitatively intensive field is enough to compensate for my low quant score and undergrad record. Should I take the GMAT again?
It does not seem as if you need to retake the GMAT, especially since you nailed the verbal first time around and have doubts about your ability to maintain that part of your score. Additionally, your professional experience speaks directly to your quantitative skills and will help offset that portion of your GMAT. Finally, your overall score is already competitive for the schools on your list.
Much 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 |
|
|
|
Jason1214
Underclassman
3 Posts |
Posted - 12/14/2007 : 16:47:34
|
Greetings,
I posted this elsewhere on the site and realized that this is probably the proper place for it, so I've just reposted it here. Sorry.
I am strongly considering earning an MBA in a few years, but I do not have the same sort of background that most of your forum members do. I was a non-traditional student in college (University of Colorado), graduating at age 28 with a BA in biology and a minor in finance.
Since then, I have served as a wildland firefighter for the US Forest Service throughout the west. This line of work has provided me with ample opportunities for leadership training and experience, as well as public service. I intend to continue in this path for another three to four years, culminating (I hope) with a few seasons on a smoke jumping crew (the most selective crews in the field).
My chief concern is that a career path of engine crew-member to Hotshot crew senior firefighter, to smoke jumper is fairly obscure and may not be understood by anyone in the selection process. Additionally, earning an MBA represents a significant change in career, and I will be about 35 when I apply.
To my credit, though, I earned a 3.73 gpa in college, receiving some merit scholarships and making the dean's and president's lists nearly every semester. I also received a 660 score on a PR practice GMAT without studying or preparation, so I assume I could do better on the real test. I haven't done much research regarding the individual schools, but would I stand a realistic chance at the top 25 schools?
Thanks,
Jason |
|
|
|
sacirema7
Underclassman
3 Posts |
Posted - 12/14/2007 : 17:18:06
|
I have a rather unique background and was wondering about my chances getting into a top program (my goal is admittance to HBS, Stanford, Wharton or Kellogg).
In my junior year of college at a top 30 school I founded a community center/church which required full time work. I served as the executive pastor there, leading teams, teaching, assisting in aid work, managing budgets, fund-raising - the list goes on and on. The membership there grew from 0-300 over the three years I've been there.
I graduated in 2006 (BA - International Political Economics, GPA 3.3, on merit scholarships) and would like to make a career transition and get an MBA, but I don't know if my work background is sufficient.
My GMAT was 720 and I have done some post-graduate math (Calculus and Linear Algebra) and gotten A's.
So, while my leadership experience is strong, will my work record in a faith-based environment, which hasn't been in business, be taken seriously? If not, how might I position myself?
Thanks for your help! |
|
|
|
tps24
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2007 : 21:16:16
|
This forum is very helpful. Thanks for answering questions about our upcoming application decisions.
I would love to hear your honest opinion on my situation.
Here it is:
28 year old white male
First GMAT score:
660 GMAT
45Q, 35V, 5.0 AWA
Second GMAT score:
720 GMAT
48Q, 41V, 5.5 AWA
3.2 overall GPA: B.S. Economics
3.0 GPA in 1.5 years at Holy Cross, 3.3 GPA in 2.5 years at Villanova
Div I Soccer for first 2 years of undergrad
Work Experience: 6 years
3 years in client service with AllianceBernstein - Private Client: 3 promotions, managing a team of 3 when I left.
3 years as financial advisor with Merrill Lynch - Private Client. Right now, I am a Junior Partner of a team managing $300 million in assets.
Volunteer Work
About 3 months of volunteer work at local children's hospital and about 1 year of work with a local animal rescue group.
Letters of Recommendation
I will have letters of recommendation from alumni for my applications to Harvard, Wharton, NYU and UVA.
Side note: I scored an 800 Math on the SAT. Will that help at all?
I am considering applying to Harvard, Wharton, NYU, Berkeley, and UVA. I plan on attending school in fall 2009 and will apply during the first round of admissions in fall 2008.
What do you think are my chances of getting accepted? Should I take the GMAT again?
|
|
|
|
uwkhan
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2007 : 16:02:12
|
Hello,
I am just wondering if I have a hope to get into a MBA program
Age 29. Undergrad GPA was a dismal 1.68(worked full time to support my family... but really no excuse just couldnt hack working full time and going to school, partied too much). Since then have turned things around... 7 years work experience in Finance now working as a Sales Manager with 8 direct reports, excellent career progression with excellent references from previous employers. I did the GMAT and got a 690 Q49 and V35, AWA 6.0. Have written and passed CFA level I & II exams and writing Level III in next june. Excellent references. Helped start up two non profit enterprises. Speak 4 languages grew up on two continents.
Should I go back to university and take another degree, should I do the GMAT again.. or would it be worthwhile for me to apply.
Thanks for your help. |
Edited by - uwkhan on 12/17/2007 16:02:34 |
|
|
|
jleen888
Underclassman
3 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2007 : 18:03:44
|
Hi David,
I was placed on academic probation in college for a semester due to an incident where 1/5 of the class was accused of cheating on a homework assignment. The record has now been deleted from my school profile,should I still disclose this information on my application? If I do, what are the real chances that the admissions office will show leniency on being honest. (I do plan on disclosing this information)
Thanks in advance. |
|
|
|
sacirema7
Underclassman
3 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2007 : 18:09:48
|
Hey David,
I wanted to add one more question to my previous post. I am considering a MS in Finance to quickly transition into the field, but understand that this might not be a good idea if I'm certain I want to do the MBA down the road. If the MS in Finance doesn't infringe on my ability to gain work experience, is it still a bad option? Also, have you found most people who pursue this option regretting their decision?
Thanks,
Marcus |
|
|
|
kolesar
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/20/2007 : 18:42:59
|
David,
In advance, thanks for your help. I am curious my chances for a top 5 acceptance.
-I received a 740 on the GMAT, a 45(77%)Q 47(99%)V 5(61%)AWA
-My undergrad GPA is 3.36 my major was Architectural Engineering with a dual emphasis and a minor in business administration at the University of Colorado. Member of the Chi Epsilon Honor society, academic scholar and deans list
-Masters of Science degree in Real Estate and Construction Management, GPA is 3.7 at the University of Denver. Member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor society.
-I have 4.5 years of work experience. I am currently employed at a consulting engineering firm as a project manager.
-I have received the following accreditations:
Professional Engineering License (PE)
LEED AP (US green building council)
-Extracurricular activities:
University of Denver Real estate club Director of external events
Engineers without borders Denver professional’s chapter (nonprofit organization) director of fundraising
Was a member of the CU lacrosse team
|
|
|
|
natesan
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/21/2007 : 11:16:08
|
Dear David,
The forum is indeed quite helpful. I was hoping you would be able to give me some direction with regards to my MBA applications. My application is a mixed bag and I am not sure how to present certain bits of information.
The good stuff:
GMAT : 760
Work experience: Tier-I Investment bank for 3 years based out of London (lots of international exposure)
The bad stuff (had a horrible time with my undergrad career)
GPA: 2.7 (From Carnegie Melon)
Was caught for academic misconduct and failed a course :/
Am hoping to apply to the top schools (HBS, Wharton, Kellog, Stanford, Chicago) in the US
1. Should I be honest about the academic misconduct part (my undergrad school maintains records for another two years)
2. How do I best present the disparity in between my extremely low GPA and relatively high GMAT score.
I really do look forward to your insights.
Thanks!
N
|
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2121 Posts |
Posted - 12/22/2007 : 08:07:22
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Let me just start by saying we have been extremely busy and we've had a ton of phone calls and emails with similar questions. As I've stated many times before, those inquiries get answered most promptly and, with deadlines quickly approaching, those questions and the extra workload due to the seasonality have slowed me from answering questions here as quickly as I'd like.
Hi David,
I would like to try to gain admission to an MBA program in Supply Chain Management/Sourcing in Fall 2009. My top choice would be Langone for obvious reasons. I am a 27yr old female with a Bachelors (GPA 2.6) and Masters in Chemistry (3.1) from a state university. Yes, I know my GPAs for both are embarassing (thus the desire to switch to a different field). During my undergraduate years I worked a lot of hours part-time(usually 20+) to support myself financially. I was also attending graduate school while working full-time and also had to deal with the sickness, care, and death of a parent which didn't exactly help me in the GPA area either. I really have no extra-curricular activities. I have not taken the GMAT yet, but would study hard to get into the 700 range to mitigate damage from my GPAs.
While your GPA is a bit low, it is certainly something that can be mitigated to some extent by placing it in the right context. Do be sure to prepare for the GMAT thoroughly. You can find GMAT prep information on the following page on our website: http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/gmat/index.asp
On the flip side, I feel that my career progression has been quite strong...but not in the business area...I have 5-6 yrs of working experience in R&D in a Fortune 50 company and have had 3 promotions (current level I am at usually is held by people with 10+ yrs of experience) within this time. I am a technical lead in my dept for wide portfolio of projects and also have responsibility for overseeing contract agreements/budgets. I am also six-sigma certified and supervise 2 people. I am doing well in this technical role, but ultimately I really would like to change the direction that my career is going and I feel that sourcing would be a good fit for someone with my background.
This can certainly be successfully spun in your applications.
Based on my profile, would I be competitive at a school like Langone? I am also considering full time programs, but still am trying to evaluate the financial aspect of it. Should I be aiming for a Top 25? Top 50? less than that? Do you think that it's worthwhile for me to take any classes in economics to build an alternative transcript since I haven't taken any business curricula before?
Depending on what exactly you want to do, an MBA from a top school may be more beneficial than one from a lower-tier school.
I would only recommend the alternate transcript if you are seeking admission to top schools and because of your low GPA. Not because of your lack of business classes.
We have an article on our site at http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/alternative_transcript.asp that discusses alternate transcripts.
Thank you in advance for your guidance.
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 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Ask AdmissionsConsultants
