Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi Stacy,

I retook the GMAT last night and unfortunately ended up with the same score (Q 47 V 30 - 640). I had been scoring in the 720s on my practice tests and I have no idea what went wrong. I am interested in applying next year and would like to target 1 ultra, 1 semi and 2 top 10-20 schools (for ex. Chicago, Michigan, Duke and Stern). I might give GMAT one more shot..but only after my applications.

Here's some background on me..I graduated from the Ohio State University (major:Industrial Engineering, minor: Info. Systems) with an overall GPA of 3.25. I am a consultant at Deloitte and have been working in the Healthcare IT field for about 3+ years. Prior to joining Deloitte, I worked for a Healthcare software company (Cerner) for about 2 years. I am interested in pursuing a marketing strategy career and would like to combine my healthcare experience as well. Due to my constant travel, I am unable to actively participate in community service events but I do volunteer occasionally. I have been invited to help organize a basketball tournament for the Multiple Sclerosis society in Chicago and will be involved with the event from Nov-Jan. I wanted to enhance my public speaking skills and therefore joined Toastmasters in Oakland, CA (Feb-current). I am also involved with a few internal acitivities within the firm.

Just some additional info: Born in Tanzania, lived in India and the US (US citizen).. Not sure if I fall under the Indian Male pool..

So based on my limited information, do you think I have a chance at a top school? Any ones in particular? Is there anything else I could do to be more competitive at these schools? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

AR

I am interested in Healthcare and my ideal job would be to work in healthcare marketing strategy (pharma, biotech etc.). I am going to be leading 2 project management tools/resume workshop sessions (Jan 07)for members of a non-pofit organization. I can relate this to my toastmasters experience. I am on a project in the West Coast and I helped create a biweekly team building/knowledge transfer session where we encouraged our project team/ other colleagues to talk about their projects or any additional topics (presentation skills, tools, internal stuff etc.) Also, I will be on the subcommitte for the MS society from Nov-Jan 07.

I am hoping to address my low verbal scores through my essays and recommendations. However, can you recommend schools that I might be competitive at? I am looking to enhance my healthcare experience but would like to learn more about strategy and marketing. I am also looking to get some international exposure due to the global marketplace. Thanks again for all your support.

AR

Hi Stacy,

I gave this some more thought over the weekend and have decided to apply only to 1 school this year. I am interested in Duke's Healthcare Sector Management program and am going to give it a shot. I am going to work on strengthening other aspects of my application this/next year in order to be more competitive at the ultra elite schools. However, I would go to DUKE in a heartbeat.

I have also decided to retake the GMAT for the last time and was wondering if I should retake it for the 3rd time. I do feel like I can score over a 640 but if I were to get the same (or lower) score, will it have a negative impact on my application? Do you recommend applying to Duke with the 640 and giving it my best shot?

If all fails, this whole process will help me better prepare for next year (Fall'0. Thanks,

AR