I am applying for Wharton, Harvard, Stanford, Chicago and Columbia with matriculation in '10. Do you think this school selection is a risky choice due to the level of schools?
In addition I was curious what you feel of my perceptive weaknesses: a relatively low quantitative and a relatively low undergrad GPA. Does the vast amount of quantitative work I have (went through calculus 4 in undergrad) and receiving a difficult undergrad nullify them?
The following is my profile:
27 year old male Caucasian (28 at matriculation)
GMAT:
-740, 45(77%)Q, 47(99%)V, 5(61%)AWA
Education:
-University of Denver
MS in Real Estate and Construction Management; Cumulative GPA: 3.9
-University of Colorado
BS in Architectural Engineering, dual emphasis in Construction Management and Structures minor in Business Administration; Cumulative GPA: 3.36
Awards Received:
- Outstanding Leadership Award – Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate - 2008
- Employee of the Quarter – Facility Engineering Associates, 4th Quarter 2006
- Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honors Society
- Beta Gamma Business Honors Society
- Recipient of several academic scholarships
Extracurricular activities:
- Board of Directors - USGBC Colorado Chapter
- Founder of Engineers without Borders - DU chapter
- Vice President of Operations - DU Real Estate Club
- Volunteer Ski Patrol – National Ski Patrol/Sol Vista Resort
- Member of BSL Men’s Lacrosse Club – USLIA
- Previous Member of University of Colorado Lacrosse team
Work Experience:
- Project Manager for a mid sized consulting engineering firm, I have 4.5 years of work experience with this firm
Accreditations:
- Professional Engineering License (PE)
- LEED AP (US green building council)
- PMP (Project Management Institute)
Thanks for your assistance!
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Lisa Anderson
- MBA Admissions Consultant
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Dear kolesar,
In response to your questions:
I am applying for Wharton, Harvard, Stanford, Chicago and Columbia with matriculation in '10. Do you think this school selection is a risky choice due to the level of schools?
Yes, I think this list is risky if it is your complete list. In my opinion, top 20 schools are basically a reach for anyone regardless of GMAT/GPA/work experience. The reason being is that you never know what the rest of the applicant pool looks like nor what the school's internal goals are in creating the class. I would suggest applying to at least one safety option as an insurance plan--you might get into 1 (or more) of your top schools, but it never hurts to have alternatives.
In addition I was curious what you feel of my perceptive weaknesses: a relatively low quantitative and a relatively low undergrad GPA. Does the vast amount of quantitative work I have (went through calculus 4 in undergrad) and receiving a difficult undergrad nullify them?
I'm not really seeing a low quantitative profile or low GPA based on your post. While they will not be as high as some of the other applicants, you are right in the mix and by no means low. Likewise, you have an engineering degree and quantitative work experience, so your overall profile is strong.
Admissions decisions are not just based on numbers; you have to present a compelling application demonstrating a need for a MBA and realistic career goals. With the top schools in particular, you will need to have thoughtful, well-written essays, outstanding recommendations and a great interview--on top of your current GMAT/GPA--to be competitive.
Best of luck,
Lisa
In response to your questions:
I am applying for Wharton, Harvard, Stanford, Chicago and Columbia with matriculation in '10. Do you think this school selection is a risky choice due to the level of schools?
Yes, I think this list is risky if it is your complete list. In my opinion, top 20 schools are basically a reach for anyone regardless of GMAT/GPA/work experience. The reason being is that you never know what the rest of the applicant pool looks like nor what the school's internal goals are in creating the class. I would suggest applying to at least one safety option as an insurance plan--you might get into 1 (or more) of your top schools, but it never hurts to have alternatives.
In addition I was curious what you feel of my perceptive weaknesses: a relatively low quantitative and a relatively low undergrad GPA. Does the vast amount of quantitative work I have (went through calculus 4 in undergrad) and receiving a difficult undergrad nullify them?
I'm not really seeing a low quantitative profile or low GPA based on your post. While they will not be as high as some of the other applicants, you are right in the mix and by no means low. Likewise, you have an engineering degree and quantitative work experience, so your overall profile is strong.
Admissions decisions are not just based on numbers; you have to present a compelling application demonstrating a need for a MBA and realistic career goals. With the top schools in particular, you will need to have thoughtful, well-written essays, outstanding recommendations and a great interview--on top of your current GMAT/GPA--to be competitive.
Best of luck,
Lisa
