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What GPA/GMAT is needed to get into a top 5 school?

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Lisa Anderson
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Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:04 pm

If you took business courses for credit during your PhD program, then these should be on your transcript. Other than that, you can always mention them in your essays if it makes sense and does not seem forced. Your job search is ultimately up to you. You determine what types of jobs to pursue, you do the interviews, and you get the offers. The career center at any business school is there to help you with resources and advice, regardless of which program you are in. So, it really comes down to which makes the most sense for your career goals. Many schools do have a limited number of scholarships available for full-time students only. How many and the amounts of the awards vary greatly. It is not something you should expect as scholarship awards are tougher to receive than an offer of admission, but something you should be aware of and consider when determining where to apply. The majority of MBA students are financing part or all of business school with loans. Regards, Lisa _________________ Lisa Anderson Consultant Stacy Blackman Consulting Learn more about me

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OdotPrime
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Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:53 pm

Lisa, I've been following this blog and your feedback has been amazing. Thanks for the generosity. As for me, what are the ~chances of me getting into at least one of the following MBA programs: Kellogg, Wharton, Haas, MIT, Chicago? 710 GMAT/ 6 on AWA 3.51 GPA , majored in econ from a "top 20 " liberal arts school 4 yrs -midmarket investment banking , plan on working for a startup in 2 months until school starts to diversify exp. - segue into VC community 3.5 years of nonprofit experience/ technology healthcare nonprofit - simultaneously w/ ibanking work i.e. the 3.5 yrs overlaps w/ my 4 yrs of ibanking undergrad extrac/ leadership: several student govt. roles, debate team [traveling], several clubs Currently US citizen, but was a citizen of Asian country for 25 yrs. Currently live in MN I plan to visit all of the aforementioned schools, put in leg work into 'geting to know' them.

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Reply from GMAT/MBA Admissions Expert

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Lisa Anderson
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Tue Aug 18, 2009 9:11 am

Dear OdotPrime, You certainly have the profile for a competitive application to any school. What will get you to the admit pile versus the reject pile will be how you present your background and rationale for business school in your applications. Likewise, you will want to find a way to distinguish your application from the other similar applicants in terms of professional experience. Based on your post, perhaps the work with the nonprofit will help in that regard? Good luck, Lisa _________________ Lisa Anderson Consultant Stacy Blackman Consulting Learn more about me

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OdotPrime
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Tue Aug 18, 2009 1:42 pm

Thanks Lisa - You are totally awesome. Excellent feedback. PS I owe my 710 to the kind folks at Knewton

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smudi
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Sun Sep 13, 2009 3:56 pm

Hi Stacy, I have a few questions, I am really confused if I want to do my Full Time MBA or a Executive MBA. Here are some details about me so you can help me with my decision 1. Undergrad in Engineering with a GPA of 3.4 2. MS is Operations Research from Engineering Management Information Systems SMU (Dallas, TX)GPA 3.34 3. Own my Own IT Consulting firm since 2006. 4. Initiated a new International business with import and export of Textiles in 2009. I also work full time through my own consulting firm as a contractor to Large health Insurance co as Manager and below are a few highlights of what I have done * Over 11 + years of experience in IT industry * Over 8+ years experience working as a Senior Manager experienced in the field of Healthcare & Biotech industries. * Expert in Managing Merger projects and teams that are Geographically dispersed * Managed several Multi-Million-Dollar projects. I really am interested in getting in one of the Top 3 schools for the fall '10 program. Would appreciate any kind of help. I plan on taking the GMAT in Feb 2010. Thanks, Shawn

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Lisa Anderson
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Sun Sep 13, 2009 6:23 pm

Dear Shawn, Based on the amount of experience you have and what you have recently been doing in your career, I think an executive MBA is probably a more appropriate choice for you. You did not indicate your rationale for going to business school or your career goals; however, if you plan to continue growing your own business(es), then I think you will find an EMBA to provide what you are seeking in a program. I highly encourage you to speak with the admissions folks at the schools you are considering to gain insight into the programs and determine whether they are a match for you. Good luck, Lisa _________________ Lisa Anderson Consultant Stacy Blackman Consulting Learn more about me

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mohitsharda
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Target GMAT Score: 760+
GMAT Score: 740

Sun Oct 25, 2009 10:03 am

Hi Lisa, I am planning to apply for full time MBA next year, for the class of 2013. I am targeting the top-10 MBA programs. My GMAT score is 740 (Q 51/ V 38). I am a Mechanical Engineer from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (one of the best universities in India) and my GPA is 8.737/10 (Stood in top 5 of my batch). I am currently working as 'Project Manager' in a MNC at one of its manufacturing plant. By the time I apply, I will have only a year's experience and by the time I intend to join, my work ex would be about 2 years. Can you help me figure out my chances of getting into a good program and what I need to do further?? _________________ MS

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Lisa Anderson
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Mon Oct 26, 2009 12:16 pm

Dear mohitsharda, You have the GMAT and GPA for a competitive application. Now, you need to have quality work experience demonstrating progression and accomplishments. It is also imperative you have a way to distinguish yourself from similar applicants. Many applicants do this through extracurricular or community activities and/or unique personal stories. Start thinking about how you can stand out in the applicant pool and gaining quality experience over the next year. Good luck, Lisa _________________ Lisa Anderson Consultant Stacy Blackman Consulting Learn more about me

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jessicsd
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Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:57 am

Hi Stacy Do you think I have a change at a top 10 grad school with a gmat of 700 and a gpa of 3.1 from USC business undergraduate. My resume is not that long, I graduated in 2006 and I spent a year trying to start my own company but was unsuccessful. I dont know if that is looked down on or not? Thought, please! Thanks

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Lisa Anderson
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Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:19 pm

Dear jessicsd, Your GMAT and GPA are competitive for a top 10 program. While your entrepreneurial venture did not succeed, it is what you learned in the process and how that experience has shaped your perspective that is important. Likewise, the quality of your resume, essays, recommendations and interview will be instrumental in your evaluation for business school. Good luck, Lisa _________________ Lisa Anderson Consultant Stacy Blackman Consulting Learn more about me

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mp2437
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Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:14 am

Hi Lisa, My background is similar to the poster above me in that I also have 3.1 gpa (Ivy engineering) and 700 GMAT (Q50 V34). I worry if I should retake the GMAT as the verbal score isn't so high (would be my third time at GMAT). Do b-schools look more favorably at the quant, verbal, or overall score as a better gauge of performance? I would have 3.5 years experience (as I graduated 1 year early) from 2 finance-related jobs involving increased leadership and responsibilities in each. I am looking to apply to either Columbia or NYU's Langone program - do you think I have a competitive profile for either? Also, would you know if schools look more favorably at applicants applying at their alma maters? One final though I had that I hope you can answer - for recommendations, do you think it is more valuable to get 2 recommendations that are work-related (1 from supervisor and another from someone I have worked with much), or is it better to get an academic recommendation from a professor I've worked with at the alma mater? Would the academic recommendation balance out the low GPA, or will it trigger the adcoms to scrutinize it even more? Thanks for reading. Best, mp

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harshavardhanc
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GMAT Score: 680

Mon Dec 07, 2009 1:40 pm

Hello Lisa! First of all, I really appreciate the kind advice which you are giving to the applicants! Now coming to my story & question : GMAT : 680 ( Q49, V34) GPA : 2.6 (in Computer Engineering from one of the top 15 institutes in India) I am a male Software engineer from India with 3.5 years of experience and some international exposure as well during this stint. So, I fall into a category which generally has a GMAT score of 700+ and has numerous applicants. Saying that, I seriously believe that I can easily increase my score and can make it more than 720 if I retake the test. I am hoping to get strong recommendations and I have a good story to tell in the essays. I will be looking at schools from an entrepreneurial perspective. Problem : I took my GMAT on 2nd Dec. GMAT policy says that you can retake the test only after 31 days, which means I will miss the second round deadline if I retake. Will you suggest me to enter the third round with a greater score OR apply in the second one with 680 ? Thanks in advance! Harsha _________________ Regards, Harsha

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mp2437
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Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:09 pm

Third round is usually a very bad idea. I would say go for second round.

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November Rain
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Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:44 pm

Hi mp2437 I'm new around here so could you please tell me why is it a bad idea to apply for third rounds? I just wanted to check if what I've heard is true: an applicant can have the best chances if he/she applies in the first round, and the latter he/she applies the worst chances his/her chances are. Thanks

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mp2437
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Mon Dec 07, 2009 4:07 pm

November Rain, Welcome! Reading through the forums, many admissions consultants have uncovered that there is little difference between Round 1 and 2, and schools do not give any reason to believe otherwise. Historically, the percentage has been slightly higher statistically, but it isn't meaningful. Round 3 is a different story. Most of the slots will have been filled in the first 2 rounds, leaving very little room for Round 3 candidates. Not saying it's impossible to get in, however, you are limiting yourself by applying at this time.

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