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Application to a Non top 50 program?

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Application to a Non top 50 program?

by hurleycr » Fri Jan 08, 2010 8:45 am
I'm not applying to a top tier school. I am applying to the University of Tennessee. I have just recently decided to pursure my MBA. I was wanting to start this fall. I have 9 years of work exp., and a less than stellar GPA. Given the time that I have to prepare for the GMAT I don't expect to get much more than a 600 on it.

Do I have a chance to get into this program or should I wait and give myself more time to prepare and maybe take a class or two to improve my GPA. Would it hurt to go ahead and apply and possibly get rejected, then reapply next year?
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:05 am
Dear hurleycr,

You might have a chance, but it will greatly depend on how strong your application looks overall relative to the applicant pool. So, if you can score in the 600s on your GMAT, that will help to demonstrate your academic aptitude. It has been quite a while since you were in school, so you will want to write the optional essay on your undergraduate performance making the case that you are different person now with how you will approach your studies. You have 9 years of work experience. Hopefully, you have a successful track record you can point to there as evidence of your motivation and commitment. I think it might be helpful for you to visit the campus and meet with an admissions representative to get an idea of whether you should go ahead and proceed with applying this year or wait and apply next year. He/she should be able to give you some insight there as well as on your profile. In the event you do apply and get rejected, you can certainly re-apply the following year. You will want to contact the admissions office though to determine what you need to address and get that application in by the first round deadline to demonstrate your commitment.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by hurleycr » Sun Jan 10, 2010 11:00 am
I think my application is quite strong, all essays revolve around the work experience and what I had accomplished with it. Specific short terms plans as well as long term, an emphasis on community and business throughout all essays, as well as metioning the importance of continuing career eduaction and development training. Two stellar recommendations from a VP of HR and the President of the company I worked at. I wrote the optional essay detailing the less than stellar GPA, and gave detailed reasons why. Also, I also emphasized the lessons learned through my experiences such as what is required to succed at goals.... i.e. Such as knowing the difficulty level, and preparing for it accordingly through practice and work.

I have met with the director of admissions twice, once as an informative meet and greet, and the second to discuss my profile and if I would be competitive. She expalined their system and the four barometers they use. I would beat nearly everyone on the work experience, my GPA would hurt, and that without seeing my application we assumed it would fall somewhere in the middle, leaving the GMAT.

Looking up the profile of admissions for last years class the 80% range for the Gmat was 540 to 720. Thats a large range to fall in. Is there anything else I can do... will be taking the GMAT in 8 days. I wanted to leave myself enough time for a retake if necessary.
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