McCombs / Olin / Mays / Cox / Price

SigGolfer

Hello! I think this topic is worth supporting, so I thought that I would add a little bit about my ongoing admissions struggles. Here's a run-down of my stats:

27-year old male, US citizen
BS in non-technical field
3.3 GPA, but it started REALLY low and got progressively higher
Served 7 years in US military
740 GMAT

I am applying for Fall 08 admission to:

McCombs @ UT-Austin
Olin @ Washington University in St. Louis
Mays @ Texas A&M
Cox @ Southern Methodist University
Price @ University of Oklahoma (safety school)

Since my GPA isn't that impressive, I really focused on my essays and my GMAT. Thankfully, the GMAT worked out and I am currently working on the essays. So far I have three main "types" of essays. I have a "Why an MBA/this school" essay, a "Diversity" essay, and a "leadership example" essay. I've adjusted these essays to each school and I've come up with several additional essays because some questions are significantly different from the norm. I wrote two drafts for each essay with minor editing in-between and then I had two relatives QC the final product for me.

I'm trying to apply for R1 because I need scholarship money. I believe that applying in R1 will really give me an advantage. Other than that, I'm not sure what else to add. I'll try to keep everyone posted. If anyone is applying to the above schools (eh, you all are probably applying to HBS and Wharton), please drop me a line! Also, I encourage others to post their own admissions stories. Good luck!

beatthegmat · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:32 am Post subject:

Thanks for sharing your story, SigGolfer. Good luck with your apps!

SigGolfer · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 6:54 am Post subject:

Well, I got all of my applications in for the Round 1 deadline. I thought that I would feel a huge sense of relief, but now I'm worrying about being accepted and getting solid financial offers.

Thankfully, I got some good news yesterday that relieved a little bit of my stress. I got the 'green light' from Olin at Washington University. I'm pretty stoked that Olin responded so quickly. Hopefully, their financial aid package will match my enthusiasm for the school.

Also, I received an invitation to interview this Saturday with McCombs. We'll see how that goes.

Thanks for checking out my rantings. Good luck with your GMAT and applications!

beatthegmat · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:17 pm Post subject:

Congrats! What a huge relief that you've gotten into a great business school!

I'm sure the rest will follow--please keep us posted and let us know where you ultimately will go!

All the best,

SigGolfer · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 11:35 am Post subject:

The Results..... (drum roll, please)....

Well, I've heard back from all of the schools. The details of the financial offers and admission decisions are below

McCombs @ UT-Austin - Denied admission (still don't know why, maybe I forgot to shower before my interview)

Olin @ Washington University in St. Louis - Offered admission with a full-tuition scholarship (Woo hoo!)

Mays @ Texas A&M - Offered admission and an aid package including scholarships and a graduate assistantship that covers tuition 100%

Cox @ Southern Methodist University - Offered admission and a scholarship that covered about 75% of tuition

Price @ University of Oklahoma (safety school) - Offered admission and an aid package including scholarships and a graduate assistantship that covers tuition 100%

So, I've committed to the Olin School of Business at Washington University. Not only did Olin offer me the best deal, but it was also the best at keeping in touch with me and answering my questions in a timely manner. Also, my visit to Olin was amazing and I really think I'm going to enjoy my MBA studies there. Anyways, I'm happy with the whole process and I wish you all good luck with the GMAT and your applications!

beatthegmat · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

Congratulations, SigGolfer! We did a great job selecting you as one of our Beat The GMAT Scholarship winners--you turned out to be worthwhile investment. Smile

Good luck!

parore26 · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:50 am Post subject:

Congratulations on getting into Olin. I love the campus and the architecture of its buildings etc.

faraji13 · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject:

Congrats. you got some great offers. Nice to have that luxury of choice.

tfa2mba · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 3:54 pm Post subject:

Sig!

Awesome that you got a full scholarship to Olin.. I just finished my app (round 3) and hope to get a hefty amount of money from Olin as well.

Is it just me or are there admissions people the nicest out there? Other schools seem so stuffy it kills me.

What is your focus going to be at Olin?

I'm looking into brand management and Olin had fairly good statistics, but like you I am a career changer from education and am worried about opportunities for people like me...

Anyways, congrats on the scholarship and I hope to follow in your footsteps..

SigGolfer · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:27 am Post subject:

tfa2mba,

Good luck with your application at Olin! As far as the Admissions staff and students, I agree 100%. They never hesitated to answer my questions and were always very friendly. As far as a focus goes, I'm still pretty open, but I'm leaning towards Marketing/Brand Management. Anyways, please let me know how everything works out for you!

SG