Ask Stacy Blackman

In desperate need of advice:

I am scheduled to re-take the test in 5 days. I just spent time with MGMAT staff and realized I have not been using the most effective studying methods. I believe I could do better on quant, given time to prepare. 5 days from now is also Round 1 deadline for HBS. My application is nearly completed, but I could spend more time polishing it. My question: should I concentrate on the test, spent more time on the application - or postpone till the second round to work on both?

The real question is: are my chances of getting into HBS or Sloan higher in Round 1? And do I have a chance in general?

Stats: GMAT 660/84%, Quant 42/66%, Verbal 39/88%.
GPA: 3.1
BA in International Relations, BA in Psychology, Boston University '97
Essentially no undergrad math classes, but worked as statistical programmer
Age 32, female, mother of a 2 year-old
Originally from Russia, fluent in Russian, English and French. Lived in Russia and France, conducted business throuhgout Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Work background: owned a translation business, worked as statistical analyst of market research data, for the last 5 years employed as Director of Marketing for a small aerospace technology company. Leadership includes product innovation, marketing campaings, high-profile world-wide clients (F1 Racing teams, Scaled composites, Boeing). Volunteer activities: professional organizations, kids with autism, various performing arts activities and fund-raising campaings in Boston area over the past 8 years.

Any honest feedback is greatly apreciated - I'd rather hear the truth than deceive myself.
Thank you, in advance, for taking time to answer this!

Hi Milonga,

See the sticky thread on R1 vs R2, we advise applying in the round you are most prepared for.

Have you thought about part time programs? Given your level of experience and family situation, it might be a better fit for you.

You have strong work experience and extracurriculars. Your GPA and GMAT are a little low, but you may be able to mitigate that if you do much better on the GMAT.

Good luck!

Amy