Could you please evaluate my profile (especially GMAT ques?)

Launched April 26, 2006
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I could really use some advice on this:

GMAT #1: 680 (Q38, V45) - Focused prep on verbal
GMAT #2: 640 (Q44, V34) - Did no verbal prep this time around

I had planned on applying to a top tier school in technology/entrepreneurship (Stanford, MIT, Berkeley etc.)

Undergrad: Engineering (81% cumulative avg, graduated /w honors)

- 7+ years work experience, with good product development/team leadership/project management roles that brought in millions of $ in revenue for the company.
- Can get good letters of recommendation.
- Not much in the way of official (organized) extra-carricular or volunteer work etc.

I would like to go into business development/product management for a medium to small size tech company.

Could you please let me know if I have a shot at my choice of schools? I had planned on submitting a stronger GMAT score and think I could do it if I prepared well enough since I was scoring 720-730 on the practice exams, but my nerves got to me during the test. I am concerned about the skewed and weak quant score on the first test. I'm pretty sure I can get a score in the low to mid 700s if I prepare enough, but I don't want to postpone the application until next year either since I feel I am already at the higher end of the age range (30).

I am now unsure of whether I should spend time on studying to re-take the GMAT by round 2 deadlines, instead of spending that time on my apps (I will also be working long hours full-time).

Please let me know what you think my chances are to get into these schools, and whether it makes sense for me to spend time studying to retake the GMAT again. Also, if you have suggestions for other schools, I would appreciate that advice as well.

Thanks in advance for your help - it is much appreciated!
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by Amy » Tue Oct 23, 2007 6:50 am
Hi paradox,

With your background and goals a key element to your application will be differentiation. I would focus on the essays heavily and show how you are unique compared to similar applicants. While the GMAT is important, if it's a trade off between submitting a well crafted application and taking the GMAT again, I think the application is very important. Both would be ideal.

Good luck!

Amy
Amy
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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by paradox » Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:36 pm
Hi Amy,

Thanks a lot for the feedback.

Do you think I have a shot at getting into one of these schools (Stanford, MIT, Wharton, Berkeley) if I put together strong essays? I know it's a tough question to answer, but I'm just looking for your opinion, even if it is "your chances are slim..".

Also, do you think it makes sense for me to point out that I did better on verbal in one GMAT score, and better on Quant in another?

I do have another GMAT test scheduled, but at this point I think I may just have to take it cold (without much additional prep) and hope for the best. My understanding is that this can't hurt, since I will only have to submit my best score....

Thanks again for your help.

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by Amy » Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:02 pm
Hi paradox,

I think that essays are going to be crucial for you. I think if you are able to really craft incredibly strong stories and demonstrate leadership, interpersonal skills and management potential you have a chance. I would also probably broaden your schoool list to include a few non-top tier. This is a competitive year, and you have a fairly typical background.

Some schools combine the best scores on each section - If the school doesn't analyze that way it's probably a moot point.

Good luck!


Amy
Amy
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting