Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi, Stacy/Amy.

Do you think it is possible to offset my mediocre quant records with my work experience?

GMAT - 670 (Q42, V40)
Undergrad - business degree from one of the top universities in the Philippines. 3.1 overall GPA. I got a B+ and a B in my freshman algebra classes. However, my grades in my accounting and finance subjects were only Cs.

Work experience is heavy in quant:
5 years in IT (despite being a non-IT degree holder) with experience in the US and Singapore

1 year (and counting) in market research

I believe I will be able to get good recommendations from work.

Target schools (concentration in marketing):

Ohio State - Fisher
Michigan State - Broad
Penn State - Smeal
Arizona State - Carrey
Thunderbird

Any other school I should consider?

Thanks so much!

Hi fifthu2,

The application process is holistic, therefore your work experience will be taken into account when evaluating your quantitative abilities. It isn't a strict "offset." Since you had Cs in some classes, I would write an optional essay about your academics and mention your quant background.

Good luck!

Amy

Thanks, Amy, for your quick reply. I will definitely address this weakness in my essays.

Do you think I have a good chance at any of the schools I have mentioned?

Thanks again.

Best regards,
fifthu2

Hi fifthu2,

Yes, I think that if you are able to put together a strong application you have a good chance at your target schools.

Good luck!

Amy