| Author |
 Topic  |
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
 Posted - 03/12/2008 : 12:57:34
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi David,
I am just starting to apply to business schools. I am looking at MS Accounting or MBA/MS Accounting programs. I graduated in May of 2007 with a 2.89 GPA from Binghamton University and scored a 640 ( Quant 44, Verbal 34)on the GMATs. I have 1 year part-time work experience in a small insurance office from my senior year of college and about 8 months experience working as a financial claim analyst for another insurance company. What type of schools do you think I have a real shot at? As of right now I am applying to Northeastern, UMass Boston, Baruch college, and SUNY Albany. I think I will probably get into SUNY Albany without a problem. Do you think i have a realistic chance at getting accepted into the other 3 programs?
Although these schools are a bit outside the ones we generally work with and there is a lot missing from the picture you provide here, (story themes, "wow" factors, part-time vs. full-time), I don't believe you are a presumptive 'reject' based on what you have provided. Put the right application together and you should have a decent shot.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
 |
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 13:03:47
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry!
Hi David,
Thanks in advance for answering my questions! This site is very helpful!!
There is something that has been bothering me about my chances of getting into a top 25 b-school (particularly USC Marshall, UCLA, or UT McCombs). As a way to save money I went to a technical college to knock out my first year of undergrad at an extremely low cost, considering I was paying my own way through college. I then transferred to a "not-so-nationally-known" state university (Georgia State University to be exact) and did pretty well. Here is a brief profile:
*BBA in Finance with a 3.61 overall and 3.9 major GPA
*Moderate amount of extra curricular activity in college (clubs, philanthropy, etc)
*Worked 25+ hours/week through school
*interniship
*plan to score around 700ish on GMAT
I graduated and started working with a big bank (but not I-Banking, it's actually in Risk Management), and though I just started 9 months ago, I have been very proactive so far. I have already passed the Series 7 and 66 (plan to take many more) and had a few small leadership opps so far.
I plan to wait a couple more years to start applying (it's never too soon to plan though) so I can continue to build my resume, work experience, and application, etc. But the technical school issue has been bothering me.
With the limited info given, will you please answer these couple of questions???
***Most importantly- Will the fact that I went to the technical school be an issue in my application to a top 25? How do you think they will view this?
The one year at the technical school should not be an issue if properly spun. The fact that you worked while enrolled as an undergraduate and also performed well once enrolled at a four-year university will reinforce what you present.
I plan to continue my proactive stance as well as take on more leadership roles, community involvement, etc. I hope to have good career progression (so far I am doing all I can to ensure that I do), and at least have a couple promotions before applying. Does it appear I may be on the right track to be competitive in a top 25?
It seems to me that you are on the right track, although again, it's hard to tell from the limited information provided in this forum. Do be sure to prepare adequately on the GMAT. Feel free to check out our GMAT prep section for some extra study augmentation: http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/gmat/
Thanks so much for the honest answers, as well as the hundreds of other postings you reply to. Keep up the good work!
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 13:07:59
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Thanks for your response.
I am not very happy at my current job, as detailed below. I had quit my first job, then was unemployed for 2 months, and now have been at my new job for a month. If I get a better job offer somewhere else and thus leave my current job, will that be a strong detriment to my B-School application? My current job has vague growth opportunity, less responsibilites, less pay, and I am unsure as to how this may fit within my overall plan. Should I stick around here for a year or so or move on to something else this soon? Someone once told me that HBS really values people who are loyal to their companies (as opposed to people who jump around jobs).
First of all, I'm not sure about the advice you're receiving regarding HBS. I wouldn't say they have any more or any less concern about job continuity than any other top b-school based on the results of the applications we've worked on. Also, unless you've done all your due diligence on the school selection process, it could be a little premature to start honing in on one specific b-school.
To specifically answer your question, I can only give the clear-as-mud "it depends" answer. Amongst the variables you would need to discuss in more detail than this board permits are: how soon you plan to apply to b-school, how closely the new job may fit with your post-MBA career path, and what your overall job continuity would look like.
This is something we've counseled many applicants on before. Sometimes we advise them to stick it out. Other times we advise them to make the switch.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 13:39:01
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
A quick question for you. How much does having a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation, or at least being on the CFA path, help in b-school admissions? Anyone who participates in the program knows the full-time commitment that is needed to excel (and in turn, extracurricular activities suffer).
Within the MBA applicant pool, having the CFA designation is more common than many may think. So while this will be a plus in your favor, but probably not as much as you might hope. This said, if it fits in with your post-MBA career plans, it is probably worth pursuing.
Thanks!
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 13:41:25
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry!
Hi
I'm currently preparing to apply next fall (class of 2011). I took the GMATs and got a 700 (49 verball, 36 quant) and AWA 5.5 (should I take them over?). My GPA was a 3.3 from a top school. I graduated in 2003 and have since worked/studied abroad, worked at a market research consulting firm, and am currently working at a consulting firm. Outside of work I am an active alum and also volunteer at a local performing arts center. I would like to go to a school with a solid overall program and also the flexibility or course offerings in social enterprise.
I am trying to assess which schools I should / should not apply to. Right now I am interested in 7 schools and would like to only apply to 4. I'm speaking with students and visiting schools to shorten this list. But are there schools that I shouldn't bother with (HBS, Wharton, Stanford). The schools I'm considering are below.
Chicago GSB
Kellogg
HBS
Stanford
Wharton
Columbia
NYU
Any advice or suggestions would be great. Thanks
It's hard to refine a school list for an applicant based on so little information. While your GMAT is reasonably strong, it seems you've got room for improvement, particularly in the quantitative section. Before you decide to cut schools from your list, I'd take a hard look at your GMAT performance and consider whether you can increase your score. The rest of the factors of your candidacy have potential to be put together for a strong application.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 13:45:37
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Thank you in advance for your response to my inquiry, I just wish that I had discovered this resource sooner in my application process.
I was hoping you could shed some light on admission prospects in general this year compared to the previous year. I was wondering if the recent economic downturn may have increased competition among MBA applicants, especially in a financial metropolis such as NYC.
Everything we've heard has indicated applications were up this year.
I did my undergrad at a state school in the northeast, completing a double major in communication and economics. I was president of my sorority and founded an undergraduate economics organization. My GPA was a 3.5.
I currently work as a high school mathematics teacher at an inner city school in NYC. I have worked here since my graduation from college in 2005. I came into the teaching profession through an alternatice certification program called the New York City Teaching Fellows which is similar to Teach for AMerica but focuses on staffing NYC schools.
I recently completed a masters degree in math education part time while teaching full time. My GPA in grad school was a 3.4. My short term goal is to work as a management consultant for socially responsible or non-profit organizations. My long term goal is to serve on the board or launch my own such organization.
My GMAT was a 710 (v: 97%, q:66%) and my AWA was a 5.0
I submitted applications at NYU, Columbia, Georgetown, Boston College, and Duke. I was wondering what you think my chance were of gaining admission to such schools given my non-traditional backround.
If you put together well-prepared applications, you should be competitive at these schools. Hopefully, you turned that non-traditional background into a successful "wow" factor!
Thank you again
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
|
|
|
aki23
Underclassman
India
1 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2008 : 15:47:30
|
Hi ,
Here is my profile.
-------------
Education :
B.E CSE ( Mumbai University - 63 % )
XII ( CBSE - 89.6 % )
X ( ICSE - 84.5 % )
Work Ex. :
I graduated in 2005.
Working in TCS since past 2.6 years
Have worked in projects for big clients and have lead team as a module leader for 1.5 years.
By the time I join MBA, I will have almost 4 years of Work exp.
Trying to get onsite exp before i join any B School
Extras :
I have been a national level Lawn Tennis player.And have won at State and City level.I have also lead a team which won Inter Schools National Level Lawn Tennis Tournament.Have also lead TT and Lawn tennis teams in college.
Have also lead team from college in robotic events.
Community Services :
I have been engaged in community services in my city with local groups but i am not a member of any NGO or similar group.
GMAT score : 710
--------------
Negatives :
No NGO stuffs
No international work exp.
Queries :
Can you please tell me whether I can get an admit in Top 10 B-Schools.
What B-Schools should i target?
What are the things I need to improve to make my profile look good?
I am also planning to launch a website this year.will this help in improving my profile?
Thanks in advance. |
Edited by - aki23 on 03/12/2008 15:48:30 |
|
|
|
deckardbr
Underclassman
3 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2008 : 09:45:19
|
Hi David,
I need a good reality check before I venture into the MBA application process.
First off: I'd like to apply to Columbia (exclusively) to start in Fall 2009.
Background:
Currently 28 yo, European, non-minority.
Education:
Engineering degree - 4.0 GPA
Additional computer science degree (MS) - 4.0 GPA (aborad)
Extracurriculars: just a linux club over the last 2 years.
First weak point: started a PhD (6 months) and then decided to drop and work in consulting.
Work experience
1 1/2 years in a top consulting firm (Analyst)
8 months in small consulting firm (Consultant promoted to Senior consultant)
Second weak point: decided to leave the company to join a 2-yr leadership program (IT project management) - a graduate program, despite my 2 yr work experience.
I'm currently half way through it and will be done when I start Columbia (hypothetically)
Extracurricular: sports in general, and volunteering for the FSA over the last few months. Not much again.
GMAT: not taken yet, but practice shows 730-750.
Overall self-assessment
Weaknesses
- changed career already (PhD->Consulting->IT project management)
- career progression was good (analyst, consultant, snr consultant), but then I joined a graduate program - slight salary decrease, and career "regression".
- extracurriculars have always being lacking.
Strength
- International exposure (lived in 4 countries, speak 3 languages)
- good academics (GPA)
My 2 reality check worries are career path and progression as outlined above, and less so the extracurriculars.
Any word of advice? Should I stick to the major company I work for right now longer and think about applying in 2 years? My worry there is age, I'll be over 30 by then.
Thanks in advance for your time. |
|
|
|
mbaselect
Underclassman
3 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2008 : 10:02:33
|
Thanks for the reply. I actually got a 49 quant and 36 verbal (sorry about the typo). I know that many schools look at the quant score more closely. I'm hoping to show in my essays and interview, that the verbal score is not a true indicator of my communication skills. Should I still try to take the GMATs over?
My hesitation with taking them over is trying to find the time to prepare and most importantly nerves; I am not at all a good test taker. I think I may be able to increase the score by 20 points (I feel that my quant and verbal score will be closer). But unless I have a really good testing day, I don't know if I can get 740+. |
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2008 : 11:20:11
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi ,
Here is my profile.
-------------
Education :
B.E CSE ( Mumbai University - 63 % )
XII ( CBSE - 89.6 % )
X ( ICSE - 84.5 % )
Work Ex. :
I graduated in 2005.
Working in TCS since past 2.6 years
Have worked in projects for big clients and have lead team as a module leader for 1.5 years.
By the time I join MBA, I will have almost 4 years of Work exp.
Trying to get onsite exp before i join any B School
Extras :
I have been a national level Lawn Tennis player.And have won at State and City level.I have also lead a team which won Inter Schools National Level Lawn Tennis Tournament.Have also lead TT and Lawn tennis teams in college.
Have also lead team from college in robotic events.
Community Services :
I have been engaged in community services in my city with local groups but i am not a member of any NGO or similar group.
GMAT score : 710
--------------
Negatives :
No NGO stuffs
No international work exp.
Queries :
Can you please tell me whether I can get an admit in Top 10 B-Schools.
What B-Schools should i target?
What are the things I need to improve to make my profile look good?
Given your GMAT score and your competitive demographic, I don't believe that you are going to be competitive at a top 10 school. I recommend that you weigh your options of retaking the GMAT (and getting a higher score) against expanding your school list. Please see my red font comments on page 104 of this thread about recommending specific schools based on information presented in this forum. With respect to improving your application -- beyond boosting your GMAT score -- it seems you have a lot of the pieces of the admission puzzle; you just need to put them together in such a way so that your story themes successfully differentiate your candidacy.
I am also planning to launch a website this year.will this help in improving my profile?
I think if development of the website fits and makes sense within the themes you establish for your application, then yes, it will be a plus to your profile.
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
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2008 : 11:25:37
|
Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi David,
I need a good reality check before I venture into the MBA application process.
First off: I'd like to apply to Columbia (exclusively) to start in Fall 2009.
I recommend that you don't limit yourself to just one school. Even if you are tied to the New York area for personal or professional reasons, there are other schools in the area that you ought to consider adding to your list.
Background:
Currently 28 yo, European, non-minority.
Education:
Engineering degree - 4.0 GPA
Additional computer science degree (MS) - 4.0 GPA (aborad)
Extracurriculars: just a linux club over the last 2 years.
First weak point: started a PhD (6 months) and then decided to drop and work in consulting.
If carefully spun, you can work this into your career progression. (i.e., why an MBA makes more sense)
Work experience
1 1/2 years in a top consulting firm (Analyst)
8 months in small consulting firm (Consultant promoted to Senior consultant)
Second weak point: decided to leave the company to join a 2-yr leadership program (IT project management) - a graduate program, despite my 2 yr work experience.
I'm currently half way through it and will be done when I start Columbia (hypothetically)
This second 'weak point' is far less concerning than your lack of extracurriculars and you should be able to mitigate using any number of story themes.
Extracurricular: sports in general, and volunteering for the FSA over the last few months. Not much again.
GMAT: not taken yet, but practice shows 730-750.
Overall self-assessment
Weaknesses
- changed career already (PhD->Consulting->IT project management)
- career progression was good (analyst, consultant, snr consultant), but then I joined a graduate program - slight salary decrease, and career "regression".
- extracurriculars have always being lacking.
Again, the career path shouldn't be a major impediment if your application is well put together.
Strength
- International exposure (lived in 4 countries, speak 3 languages)
- good academics (GPA)
My 2 reality check worries are career path and progression as outlined above, and less so the extracurriculars.
Any word of advice? Should I stick to the major company I work for right now longer and think about applying in 2 years? My worry there is age, I'll be over 30 by then.
I don't think you necessarily need to put off your application plans for another year or two. You don't have an actual GMAT score in hand, but that looks like it will be strong. Nor do you mention the list of the schools you target. However, with well-prepared applications that address concerns about your extracurricular involvement and that PhD program misstep, I see no reason why you can't be competitive in the MBA admission process in the next cycle.
Thanks in advance for your time.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
|
|
|
AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2008 : 11:28:51
|
Hi and thanks for your follow-up inquiry,
Thanks for the reply. I actually got a 49 quant and 36 verbal (sorry about the typo). I know that many schools look at the quant score more closely. I'm hoping to show in my essays and interview, that the verbal score is not a true indicator of my communication skills. Should I still try to take the GMATs over?
My hesitation with taking them over is trying to find the time to prepare and most importantly nerves; I am not at all a good test taker. I think I may be able to increase the score by 20 points (I feel that my quant and verbal score will be closer). But unless I have a really good testing day, I don't know if I can get 740+.
For the schools you are targeting, 20 points may very well make a difference. I would at least consider retaking the test.
Best of luck with your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
|
|
|
|
hshomersimpson2
Underclassman
2 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2008 : 17:18:13
|
Hi-
I am an undergrad doing engineering and I'm wondering if it's possible for me to attend a top tier school (HBS,Stanford, NYU).
My strong points:
Worked internships every summer since freshman year in high school and a variety different companies (including Microsoft).
Worked on side entrepreneurial web projects, have seen some success with them.
Attended business conferences at young age and into college
Weak Points:
Poor grades with a GPA of 2.34 currently. I will be in my fifth year next year, so I have four semesters in which I will show STRONG improvement academically, but the past has been full of dropping courses and not the best grades.
Once I graduate, I'd like to work for a year or two at a top tech company, and then goto business school. Are my chances low of getting into H/S/NYU?
-David
 |
|
|
|
hshomersimpson2
Underclassman
2 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2008 : 22:05:01
|
| also didn't mention above - I attend UT Austin. |
|
|
|
eblue2003
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2008 : 13:37:05
|
Hello David. I would like to know whether or not I should retake the GMAT in pursuit of acceptance to Columbia's Accelerated Program.
I have owned and operated 3 companies (2 in Real Estate and 1 Restaurant) for the past 9 years and I am looking to expand my financial background in order to expand the current businesses and/or develop a new one. I had a fair academic record, graduating from Fairfield U. in '96 with a 3.0, but nothing to brag about. Upon becoming an entrepreneur I have really become a different person, motivatated due to a personal loss to pursue much higher goals. My GMAT score was 700 with a quantitative score of 46 and a verbal of 40, and my AWA was 5.0.
I guess I was hoping that 9 years of entrepreneurial experience would take the focus off of my undergraduate performance, especially considering my intention to apply to the Accelerated Program(which is custom-taylored for entrepreneurs). What do you think? |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Ask AdmissionsConsultants
