Am I over reaching?

Expert replies

CalCpa: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:40 am

by CalCpa » Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:13 pm

Hi All,

I am expected to take the GMAT next week and should get a 680-710 per my preparations.

I went to a top ranked undergraduate school and my GPA was a 3.2. However, my overall college GPA (i was a transfer student) was a 3.6.

I am a CPA and certified in IFRS by ACCA. I have audit and Forensics Accounting Experience from national and well reputed firms. I have three years of experience. My career growth has been good and my extra curricular activities are well above average. I interview very well.

I hope to get into a school in round 1.

I am applying to the following schools-

Duke
U of Michigan (Ross)
Cornell
Carnegie
Columbia
Yale
University of Virginia

Shall I add any more schools to the mix?

Do you think I stand a good shot? Am I over reaching?

Source: Beat The GMAT — Research MBA Programs | Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:13 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacy Blackman: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 1048; Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:59 pmFollowed by: 113 members; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 50 times

by Stacy Blackman » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:58 pm

Hi CalCpa,

I would not recommend adding too many more schools to apply to, as you may not give yourself enough time. If you are absolutely set on attending business school next year, than I recommend that you add 1-2 safety schools.

With your GMAT score and the schools you are aiming for, I would look to score at least a 700, as that is a number top programs like to see. Remember that your score is self-reported on your application, so business schools will only be looking at your highest score. You can always retake the test if you do not do as well as you had hoped.

I would spend your time now thinking about how you want to differentiate your application through your personal essays and letters of recommendations. What do you want an admissions team to take away after reading yours?

I hope this was of help.

Cheers,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

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