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by kmdodd » Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:30 pm
I am looking to reapply to the Georgetown EMBA program for fall 2013 enrollment and I wanted to get some opinions, advice from admissions advisors, etc.

I took the GMAT twice last year (450 and 450 - you know they call insanity right?) - I am going to take it for a third time, this time with a proper test-prep system and take time to prepare. My hope is to exponentially raise my score. If I do that, say from 450-720, how much will an admissions committee look at the other 2 scores?

My college calculus grade was not good, but I was able to graduate from the program with a BS. Should I retake calculus, or focus all my attention on the GMAT?

I was unemployed from 2008-2010 (like the rest of the country), but has since thrived at my job. Should I explain this in my essay, or focus on the present?

Is there a bias for those who apply in Round 1, vs. Rounds 2 or 3?

I know that each school is different, but I am really interested in any opinion from those who work in the admissions process for EMBA programs. Many, many thanks in advance for you advice. It's really appreciated!
Kathy Dodd
BS, University of Akron 2001
Marketing Manager in Higher Education
Looking to leap from 450-720 by November 2012!
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by machichi » Thu Jul 26, 2012 10:13 pm
If you can score a 720, they will be impressed by the raw score AND the improvement. I don't know much about EMBA stuff, so I can't say for certain how much they'll care about undergraduate grades--my impression is that since you'll have been out of college for so long, it won't matter too much (assuming you really do rock the GMAT).

Definitely explain your unemployment--they will specifically ask why you have a break in employment. Be honest and say what you did with yourself. My guess is you didn't just sit around, you probably volunteered or demonstrated initiative in other parts of your life.

Definitely don't apply round 3. Round 1 or 2 works as long as your application is ready!

Good luck!
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by kmdodd » Fri Jul 27, 2012 4:27 am
That was my thought about the GMAT, if I have demonstrated that much improvement they would forgive the other 2 scores. I've signed up for a course that begins in September and runs through November. I plan to take the GMAT less than a week after my final class.

With EMBA the essay question is very broad. Basically, it asks what I am planning to do with this degree once I'm done. Last year, during the admissions events, they indicated that we should use the essay as a chance to explain "black marks" in our past.
Definitely explain your unemployment--they will specifically ask why you have a break in employment. Be honest and say what you did with yourself. My guess is you didn't just sit around, you probably volunteered or demonstrated initiative in other parts of your life.
You're right, I did do a ton during that period. I trained for a marathon to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (raising nearly $4K for them); was a pro-bono brand manager for the Taproot Foundation and was on a project for about a year; coordinated DC's first "pink slip party" - a networking event that garnered local and national media attention (I was shocked). Once I got a job, it wasn't the right fit, and after 8 months I quit and went to my current job where I have been for 15 months.

My essay is going to be hard to write, but I think I am going to address these issues head on vs. just addressing my grades like I did last year. That seemed to be the wrong approach.

Thanks again for your candor!
Kathy Dodd
BS, University of Akron 2001
Marketing Manager in Higher Education
Looking to leap from 450-720 by November 2012!
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by myEssayReview » Sat Jul 28, 2012 5:18 pm
You have done a wonderful job during your period of unemployment , so you should highlight that in your essay.I have a question. Do you have only one essay question for EMBA?
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by kmdodd » Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:00 am
Thanks! Yes, the EMBA that I am applying for has only one essay, which is a personal statement. Candidates have a lot of latitude when writing this essay; but, it should be along the lines of who you are, where have you been, what you plan to do, how will this program help with those goals. I'm struggling with calling out in that essay that I am a re-applicant.
Kathy Dodd
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Marketing Manager in Higher Education
Looking to leap from 450-720 by November 2012!
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by myEssayReview » Mon Jul 30, 2012 9:22 pm
I don't think you need to worry about your re -applicant status because you have done lot of worthwhile stuff during that period . All you need to do to do now is to advocate your case persuasively and convincingly to presents your candidacy in the best light. I would suggest take professional help for your essays and resume.

Good luck with your application.
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