Profile Evaluation

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bussy123
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Joined: 20 Oct 2009
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Topic: Profile Evaluation
PostWed Oct 21, 2009 1:55 pm Reply with quote
Hi I just took the GMAT and did slightly worse than expected. I got a 680 and plan on taking it again and hopefully scoring in the low 700's where all of my practice tests were. For the purposes of this evaluation let's say that I don't improve. My math was in the 69% and verbal in the 87%. I did do well in math driven classes i.e. finance, econ and accounting.

I had a 3.44 GPA from Boston University majoring in International Business.

I have worked at a boutique real estate investment firm for 3 years and have gained more and more responsibility throughout my time here-working directly with our partners and traveling throughout the US to look at new potential acquisitions. I also oversee 6 properties and oversee about 1 million square feet--managing staffs in each of the buildings. My concerns are that it is not a name brand company and that, although my responsibilities and pay have increased throughout the years, there are no titles here so I guess I have not received an official "Promotion".

I have also become a "team leader" in a local community service organization, volunteering fairly regularly.

Anyway-my target schools are Duke, Cornell, Georgetown or NYU. Do you think I have a good shot? Any other schools that you believe would be in my range in the top 25? Would I have any shot at Dartmouth?

Thanks-
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Paxton Helms - Kaplan
MBA Admissions Consultant



Joined: 12 Nov 2008
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PostWed Nov 04, 2009 1:34 pm Reply with quote
Hi and thanks for your post. That is an interesting profile.

Taking things one-by-one...

- Working for a boutique-y outfit is just fine and will in no way be held against you. There is a finite number of people that can work for "brand" companies; and, in my opinion, the smaller companies like yours are better opportunities to go further faster. So...I think that will actually be to your advantage...

...as long as you get good recommendations. You will obviously position your work experience as great and your company as high-powered; but, you will really need your recommenders to back this up. So...be on top of that.

- The GMAT is a hair low. It's not impossibly low and it's not a crisis but, like you, I would like to see it in the 700s for the schools that you are applying to.

- Having said that, even with your current score, you are a legitimate applicant to those programs. Of course, as I always say, have a few safety schools if for no other reason than to give you options.
_________________
Keep me in the loop about your thinking and let me know if you have any more questions.

Paxton



Paxton Helms is an MBA admissions consultant for Kaplan Admissions Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA and specializes in helping clients that are applying to top twenty and "reach" programs. He can be reached directly at paxton.kaplan@gmail.com.

To begin working with Paxton immediately, follow this link and request him specifically: http://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Admissions-Consulting/business-school-admissions-consulting.html
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