700goal –

Thanks for your post. I believe the bigger issue for you in gaining acceptance to one of your target schools will be your limited and somewhat spotty professional experience (2 jobs in less than 2 years). Most top-tier MBA programs prefer that applicants have anywhere from 3-5 years of work experience with demonstrated success in progressively challenging assignments. Admissions Officers are looking at patterns of success in the workplace as an indicator of future success. I’d recommend that you continue your job search and gain some more work experience prior to pursuing an MBA.

Regarding application timing, applying in the earlier rounds of the admission process (Rounds 1 & 2) is preferable. The longer you wait, the fewer spaces there are available. I believe gaining acceptance in round 3 would be exceptionally challenging for you given your profile. If you hold off until next year, you will have the time to retake the GMAT (if you feel you can improve on your 640) while also building the valuable professional insight and maturity top programs are looking for.

Regarding other programs to look at, it’s tough to make any recommendations without any insight into your goals following bschool and what you are looking for in a bschool program.

I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out to us if you have additional questions or we can be of assistance.

Jill
Elite MBA Consulting
877-655-7277
https://elitembaconsulting.com/

700goal wrote:I am looking for an evaluation of my chances of getting into Oxford Said, Carnegie Mellon Tepper and University of Rochester Simon. I took the GMAT three times 530 640 (Q40 V37) and a 570. The last was extremely disappointing considering i was scoring 670- 690 on my prep tests. I had a 3.6 undergrad from a liberal arts school. Double major in Economics and Government. The other drawback is i am young... I graduated May 2007 worked for two hedge funds (the second fund was <4 people great exposure) from June 07- September 08 and I am not currently working. I have a really strong passion for markets. Should I take the GMAT again and apply third round or do I keep trying to get a job? Any suggestions on other programs that might be a good fit would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Since you are young and you were scoring much higher on practice tests, I suggest you retake and apply next year. Yes, that means you should also continue your job search.

The other possibility is to apply now and just see how you do. Then retake after you find out if accepted or not. Your best chance of acceptance at this point is Rochester.

Best,
Linda