Ask Stacy Blackman

I just finished my GMAT and I am somewhat surprised to say the least. I scored completely opposite of how I thought and what the GMATPrep showed I would. Anyways:

GMAT was 600 (V44, Q28). I was doing much better with verbal and not so well with Quant during the practices. None-the-less, that is what I have for now.

GPA is 3.81 in Business. While my school was less known, the actual business school is recognized for top quality students. They recently won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Not sure if that helps offset my lesser knwon school or not?

WE will be 2 years by Fall of 09. I work for a marketing and political research company in project management. While no formal job title promotion has been given, I have progressed in responsibilities. Started with small clients and small projects to the point of managing multiple projects across multiple countries all varying in scope and size of budget. Have quite a few diferent six-figure projects that I oversee the outsourcing of.

LofR can come from current Director of my department and also a former Professor. During my time in my UG program I had a fellowship where I worked closely with my Professors to aid them in their research or assist them in their classes. I have multiple Professors from my department willing to write letters on my behalf.

EC: Only really have past experience in helping coach youth hockey. I did this as volunteer work and continue to do so every now and then. While it isn't EC the other thing I have to my resume is extensive experience with other cultures. I have lived in Germany for quite some time and studied the language for 8+ years. My job and my travels have me looking internationally for my MBA as opposed to a US school.

My school list (heavily international):

1. GISMA in Hanover-Purdue (Avg GMAT is 620)
2. ERASMUS in Rotterdam (Avg GMAT is 630)

**EDIT** to note that choice 1 and 2 are a distant 1st and 2nd place

3. HEC
4. ESADE
5. ASU or CU-Leeds School of Business

That list is pretty much in order of my preference. After my GMAT today I am worried my GMAT may be low and my WE (although interesting) may still not be enough to get me into one of these programs. I know GISMA has an avg of 620 for their GMAT score so would bumping mine up any really help?

Many thanks for your help in advance!

Lisa Anderson wrote:Dear uncbeers,

I think you are in a competitive range for your top two choices. Of course, increasing your GMAT to the program's average (or higher) will put you in a better position. Your GPA is high and you do have interesting work experience, despite the short tenure of your career. What will be important for you is to effectively convey your accomplishments, career goals and quantitative aptitude in your application. Your assessment is correct that your current areas of concern are minimal work experience and GMAT. However, I do not think either are significant enough that you cannot assuage those concerns in your application.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Thank you very much for your response Lisa. I definitely will have those areas you mentioned covered in my application package. I am really thinking about just beginning the admissions process and working on all other areas of my application to make it competitive in all areas. A few quick questions if you do not mind:

1. Would AWA scores help or further hurt my score on GMAT if they come back high or low? I feel like essay writing is where I shine and think these will come in high. Then again, I thought my verbal went well on the test

2. I am thinking it may be worth it to look into admissions consulting to ensure the remainder of my application is strong. Would you mind providing a thought on this?


Thanks!
Brent