Can I get into Harvard OR UCLA b-school?

Stockmoose16

Hello,

Just wondering if I have a decent chance of getting into Harvard or UCLA b-school. Here's my current resume:

-Undergrad GPA: 3.97; Syracuse University; Valedictorian; Double major: Television, Radio, Film AND finance

-National Business Plan competition finalist

-Work experience: 5 years working on TV shows in Los Angeles, including the hit sitcom, "Will & Grace"

-GMAT: Haven't taken it yet, but am currently scoring in the 650 range on practice exams

-Don't know if this adds anything, but my uncle attended Harvard Business School.

... I don't expect to get much better than a 650 on the GMAT, but I'm hoping my strong GPA will make it obvious that I have the aptitude to perform at a high level in the classroom.

Lisa Anderson · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:37 am Post subject:

Dear Stockmoose16,

I think you have an outside chance at UCLA and HBS if you can score a 650. It is definitely a reach, but you have all the other aspects working in your favor. You might want to look at some other program as safety options, just to cover your bases. I know schools will be intrigued by your profile and you will be able to stand out, so it just comes down to whether or not you make the cut for a particular admissions cycle.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Stockmoose16 · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:47 am Post subject:

Lisa Anderson · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:56 am Post subject:

Once again, you are correct that celebrities seem to get into Ivy Leagues but that is usually for bachelor's degrees. I used the term "outside chance" because your GMAT will be on the low side for those programs. I also said I thought ALL of the other aspects work in your favor so it is possible. However, it is important to understand that these schools receive thousands of applications every year and have goals they try to achieve with each class. There is no way to know, definitively, if the rest of your application will be strong enough to get accepted as the applicant pool each year is different. Hence, I think it is possible you will get in to UCLA or HBS, but it is always a good idea to have a "plan B" when it comes to MBA admissions.

For plan B, I would suggest staying in the top 30 and identifying programs that are a good fit for your career goals.

Regards,
Lisa

Stockmoose16 · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:03 am Post subject: