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gmatlady: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 17; Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:37 pm; Location: USA; Thanked: 1 times

General question - Applicant evaluation

by gmatlady » Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:01 am

I am just wondering.. what would the adcom look for in a candidate who's African.. with an undegrad degree from Africa?

I ask this question since I ve read in a few posts that applicants from India are generally expected to have high quant scores... so I am wondering if anyone knows how I would be evaluated in relation to other applicants from Africa.

I am a 28 year old lady, scored 600 (36/37)in GMAT recently but re-taking the test in two weeks with hopes of raising my score considerably. Scored 273 in TOEFL, worked for an International Hotel chain, very successful while I was there for 2 years, since then I ve worked as an Academic Advisor part time and a sales coordinator.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:01 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times; Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:47 am

Dear gmatlady,

Applicants from Africa are not as common as applicants from Asia, so that should work to your advantage in helping you stand out. Schools do not have differing standards per se for applicants from different countries or regions, but expect all applicants to meet certain criteria.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

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Jay Allen: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 69; Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:04 pm; Location: Colorado; Thanked: 8 times; GMAT Score:760

by Jay Allen » Sat Dec 13, 2008 7:34 am

I agree with Lisa's comment. You have a wonderful opportunity to use your unique positioning to your advantage. I suggest two parallel strategies.

First, use your African heritage as a strength. You will be a valuable perspective to the classroom and you want to tout that in your essays. Talk about unique experiences and show a passion for communicating your perspectives on Africa and the world to other classmates.

Second, make sure you cover all your weak areas. You may get a little break on the GMAT because of your background, but don't get lazy. Aggressively cover every weaknesses with clear stories that show you have demonstrated experience or determined aspirations--and hopefully both!

Best,

Jay