BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Honest advice needed - low GMAT

Launched January 9, 2010
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:28 pm

Honest advice needed - low GMAT

by stew123 » Tue Jan 12, 2010 4:42 pm
Good evening all,

I was wandering if someone could please offer some honest advice for an international applicant looking to apply to HBS for 2010 entry.

Stats
GPA: Converts to around 3.5
Pre MBA - Investment banker (3 years sales and trading)
Post MBA plans: Non-profit.
Extracurriculars: Extensive social and charity work/consistent leadership for 5 years
GMAT: 550 (retaking on 16 Jan)
Recommendations: Very strong,

Since being laid off from my job in Feb 2009, I set up my own non-profit organisation which has grown massively in the past year, into one the largest of its kind in my home country. I am particularly attracted to HBS because of its social enterprise programme.

I know the stumbling block is the GMAT. What I need to know is whether I have a fighting chance to gain admission if I don't get higher than 550.

I am applying for the second round deadline and would appreciate your thoughts.

Regards.
Top
Source: — Ask Veritas Prep Admissions Consulting |
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 1090
Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 4:06 am
Thanked: 175 times
Followed by:68 members
GMAT Score:750

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:20 am
Thanks for your question. Once you fall outside the 80% range for average GMAT, things get a bit unpredictable. While Harvard and other top programs certainly admit "outliers" every year (applicants with paper qualifications outside their typical range), the odds of getting in drop precipitously. What you may have going for you is your startup non-profit success and your post-MBA vision for work in that area, which will certainly differentiate you from the typical applicant looking to take the for-profit business world by storm after graduation. Emphasize your leadership in your application and try to offer up evidence beyond the GMAT that you will be able to handle a rigorous academic curriculum. As encouragement, I had a client this year with a background in banking and similar goal to work in non-profit, and he received four offers from top ten schools. Remember, it's not only about the GMAT. Your application is considered in its entirety. You are definitely facing an uphill climb, and the odds are not in your favor, but such a scenario rarely discourages true leaders. Good luck.
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant


Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1