Ask Stacy Blackman

I don't agree that a high GMAT compensates for poor work experience. This is a holistic process and to be admitted to a top school, you need to show excellence in all areas. GMAT and work experience are so different that one would not really compensate for another in the way that a high GMAT can help, to some degree, with a low GPA.

The adcomms will look at the work experience before entering, so the time that you work after submitting your app, but before starting will be factored in - it sounds like you will have 2 full years? 2 years is below average but it certainly does not have to hurt your chances of admittance if you demonstrate maturity, career focus and excellence on the job. I am not clear on why you feel your work experience is weak. Many applicants do not have formal managerial exerience but are able to speak to excellence in a team setting, cross functional teams or informal leadership. If you and your recommenders canbuild a case along these lines, you may be okay! However, if you do feel that it is very weak, you may want to wait a year or two to bolster it.