Profile Evaluation and Application Advice

samisone

Hello,

Thank you for such an amazing site! Keep doing what you are doing. Smile

I was hoping you could give me some advice on a few things. First, here is my profile information:

Undergrad: University of Iowa, B.A. Biology/B.A. Spanish, GPA 3.01
I studied abroad for a semester in Costa Rica and a semester in Chile. My most time consuming extracurriculars were marching band and holding offices in the Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity.

GMAT: Overall 710 (94th percentile), Quant 44 (73rd percentile), Verbal 41 (93rd percentile), AWA 5.0

I've worked for Wells Fargo Financial since September 2005. Currently I am in a Technical Service Specialist position that provides internal procedural support.

So, here is the twist. In July 2006, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Looking back at my undergraduate years, this diagnosis makes total sense. Unfortunately, it was not caught until after I had graduated. So, my GPA was a result of mostly raw talent. I did study, and I did go to lecture. But, I always struggled to pay attention or study consistently.

In November 2006, I took the GMAT and scored a 710. I had just started treatment for the ADHD at that time. I hadn't practiced any college math for at least 2 years and I studied for about 10 days of cramming, averaging about 5 hours per day. I am preparing to take it again, now that my ADHD is under control. I think that I will easily beat the 710 score and am goaling for at least 750.

So, how would you recommend that I present the ADHD in my applications, if at all? I do not want to come across as giving an excuse, but it definitely did effect every aspect of my undergraduate experience, my life in general and my career path. In truth, now that I am receiving treatment for the ADHD, I have no doubt that I can succeed at any school. I am now able to combine talent with focus and am very excited to start this new chapter in my life. Unfortunately, the damage to my GPA is already done. So, now it is about convincing the admissions committees that my GPA is in the past and that their school is the one that will help me build my future. But, do you think that there will be too much of an anti-ADHD bias for it to be worth bringing up? Will I actually be reinforcing the existence of a weakness just by mentioning it?

Also, 710 is a high score for most schools. If I were to retake the GMAT and score above a 750, would I have a chance at a top ten school? Or, should I save my testing fee, stick with the 710 and only apply to top 50 schools?

I want to If so, can you recommend any strategies or give any pointers?

Thank you for your time!! And kudos again for such a great site!

Lisa Anderson · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject:

Dear samisone,

Congratulations on your 710! It is a competitive score for all MBA programs, including the top 10. Regardless of where you ultimately apply, if you feel you can increase your score, it could be worth the time and money to retake the test as your score can impact scholarship decisions as well as admissions decisions.

Regarding your ADHD, it is really a tough call in your case as your 710 GMAT does balance your GPA. If you feel you must address your GPA, then use the optional essay or additional information section to write a brief paragraph explaining your issue. After stating your diagnosis as contributing to your grades, I would spend the bulk of the paragraph highlighting how it will not be an issue in business school. I'm not sure you really need to address the GPA, but ultimately only you can decide what you feel is best for your application.

Best of luck,
Lisa

VP_Tatiana · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject:

Samisone,

Your 710 is quite impressive, especially in light of your ADD. I'm not sure if you're aware of this already, but in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, testing accomodations are made for individuals meeting certain criteria. Accomodation decisions can take 6-8 weeks, so you need to petition for accomodations far in advance of your test date.

I'm not sure if this would apply to your particular situation, but I wanted also to let others in a similar situation aware of this. There is a Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities, which you can obtain from mba.com.

Best wishes,

Tatiana