Research MBA Programs

Before we get to anything else, let me say this. It seems you love Stanford. More than most who want to apply (most just want to because it's #1)! So to you I say apply to GSB. You only do this once. If you're dying to go to Stanford then you would be foolish to not apply. The worst that can happen is they say no. But what if they don't? Do you want to spend your entire life wondering to save yourself a few dozen hours and a few hundred bucks on the app? I'm inclined to think not...

Ok, so your undergrad is solid. A 3.3 isn't the highest thing in the world but you were a varsity athlete. Adcoms know how absolutely rigorous your life was in undergrad. Your fellowship is also great to note. AND you're a female and from an underrepresented pool. You have a lot of great things working for you.

Now, let's also be honest about some things. Your work experience isn't exactly high impact or amazing. It's good that the company name has pedigree, and you are in HR, which is slightly less common. But without knowing more about your role and work experience, I'm a little bearish on the raw components from your professional experience. Also, your goals would need significant work depending on where you apply. I'm not saying the goal you've stated is bad by any means - but for the schools you would be applying to you'd need to put more thought into it and adjust it as necessary.

Ok - to your GMAT. It isn't that bad. Should you retake it? I think so. But a 640 isn't the end of the world - and the 100 pt improvement is great. For your demographics, a 640 is in play. Would a higher score help? Of course - so I would say retake it and prepare for R2.

The fact of the matter is your profile is unique enough that you don't need to rush to get into R1. You can take your time, retake the GMAT, and put forward a stronger application in R2. I think that's a better idea honestly.

I think your school selection is a little stacked on the top range with Harvard, Stanford, Kellogg, and Haas. I'm not saying you shouldn't apply to them but you only have two programs that would be more classified as "aligned" and that introduces a lot of risk into the process. If you're going to apply to 6 schools, I would suggest you more surgically choose schools. I would say pick Harvard OR Stanford (and we know which you prefer). Then add another school that would be more of a safety. Perhaps Emory? Charter schools are really taking off in Atlanta and that might be a good story for that program.

I hope this helps - let me know if you have any questions!

Sorry to hear that - thanks for the update and we've got our fingers crossed for the other programs to pull through!

Bhavik