Some advice... what's realistic?

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Some advice... what's realistic?

by DownsJM1 » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:37 pm
Hello,

I'm taking my GMAT on Jan. 3rd... a little late, but so be it. I have a number of schools I'm looking at, and a lot regarding where I will apply will depend on what I get on my test (I'm going to have to really rush a few apps out before the 2nd deadline, but I've got no one to blame but myself there)

The schools I'm looking at?

My "swinging for the fences" picks - Stanford, Harvard
My not-quite-first-pick-but-would-be-happy-anyway pick - Duke (Fuqua)
My sorta-back-up-school-but-a-good-one-at-that - Arizona State (Carey)
Back-ups - University of Arizona, University of Colorado

My last timed practice test, I got a 710... Quant=48, Verb= 40. Unless I get that up to a 720, I probably wont bother with Harvard or Stanford... or should I?

Some of the other things...

BS in Biochemistry from Grove City College... GPA over a 3.0, but not much. That's the big thing keeping me back, IMO. I took from Calc 1 to 3... went from a D+ in Calc 1 to an A in Calc 3... it's all about the teachers you have.

Work experience - several years in a few different labs doing analytical chemistry. My last position was in sales, selling lab instruments... now I'm a day trader of currencies.

Letters of recommendation - no one of major prestige, but they shouldn't stink at least. I've done well at whatever's been put in front of me.

Essays - haven't done them yet, but I've been told repeatedly that I'm an excellent writer (at the risk of sounding arrogant). I think that I may be able to pick up a few points here.



So... what are your thoughts? Considering my GPA for my undergrad, should I bother with my top-tiers with under a 720 GMAT? That was basically my own personal cut-off.
700+ or bust.
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by Lisa Anderson » Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:42 am
Dear DownsJM1,

I don't think your GPA is prohibitive by any means as you had a tough major. In terms of your stretch schools, I would think your cutoff should be more of a 680 than a 720. The reason being that decisions are made on more than a GMAT/GPA number. What makes the difference for any applicant is how well you convey your rationale for a MBA in relation to your background and career goals. Additionally, you much present a compelling case for admission and demonstrate that the program is a good match. Thus if you put together a strong overall application (well-written essays, outstanding recommendations, and a great interview), I think you have a chance at any of your schools with a GMAT over 680 and a decent shot at ASU, UA and CU with a GMAT over 620.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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