Request for a brief profile evaluation

Launched September 22, 2008
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I would like to get some idea about how much (if at all) my GMAT score might help me get into one of the top 10 schools. Please note that I haven't given my GMAT yet. As of now, I feel I'll land up around 700-720.

My profile:
1. Undergraduate in Computer Engineering from India - GPA: 3.8
2. Masters in Computer Science from University of Southern California - GPA: 3.5
3. 2.5 years of work experience working as a software engineer at Apple. No team leading experience. As a side note, its almost impossible to get to lead a team in R&D at Apple in such a short period of time but I can get some good recommendations.

Other:
1. Have completed many leadership/management/communication related classes for prospective leaders at Apple.
2. Have overseen business and operations related activities including creating business plans for a small non profit organization (based in Belgium but operates also here in the US) working directly alongside the founder.
3. I don't know if this counts but although I don't exactly have a management/leadership profile at work, I was a lead for a project (a team of 4) and it turned out to be very successful. My manager can give me some good recommendation based on my work.

Question: Can a GMAT score of 730-750, help me compensate for my weak profile in order to get into one of the top 10 schools. Do I stand a realistic chance at all of getting into such a school? I wanted to have a very general idea about where I stand with my current profile.

Also, there are many volunteering opportunities (mostly community service related activities) at Apple. I haven't participated in any yet, but would it make sense to participate in one after my GMAT, close to the application time frame? Did read somewhere that desperately trying to do some volunteering work before applying raises a red flag. Is that true?

Also, I would be taking help from one of the consultancy companies to prepare my application so I could have an otherwise strongly prepared application.

I guess my question is, would any of the above count?
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by Stacey Oyler » Fri Apr 01, 2011 12:30 pm
Hi Joe,

Thanks for your post. Please see my comments below:

Question: Can a GMAT score of 730-750, help me compensate for my weak profile in order to get into one of the top 10 schools. Do I stand a realistic chance at all of getting into such a school? I wanted to have a very general idea about where I stand with my current profile.

You'll want to score at least a 720, but keep in mind that others with similar profiles in the applicant pool (Indians with Engineering backgrounds) will also have GMAT scores of 720+, thus the only way to use your GMAT to stand out would be to score 760+.

Also, there are many volunteering opportunities (mostly community service related activities) at Apple. I haven't participated in any yet, but would it make sense to participate in one after my GMAT, close to the application time frame? Did read somewhere that desperately trying to do some volunteering work before applying raises a red flag. Is that true?

I would agree, suddenly showing an interest in and participating in volunteer activities could look contrived and insincere to the adcom. Additionally, in your case taking on an extracurricular activity would be for you to gain some leadership and teamwork experience, and just volunteering won't do that for you.

When it comes down to it, your best bet now is to seek out leadership and teamwork opportunities at work if possible. I realize your team structure may not allow for this, but perhaps you can work with your supervisor to try to find opportunities.

Lastly, standing out in the applicant pool will be critical for your future success. You need to be sure that your essays reflect who you are not just inside the office, but outside as well. Look for topics that show your personal side - these will be much more memorable.

Regards,

Stacey
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Stacey Oyler
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by john.doe.hello.world » Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:04 am
Thank you very much for all the advice! Greatly appreciate it!

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by Stacey Oyler » Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:03 pm
You are welcome!

Regards,

Stacey
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Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
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