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

Redeem

Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

★★★★★5.0559 reviews
GMATLiveTeach 7 seats left
Chris Peckover
NEXT LIVE COHORT

Oct 13 to Jan 7, 2027

with Chris Peckover

Schedule
Tue, Thu · 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Included
40 live hours + 6 months of GMAT OnDemand
  • Live instruction and real-time questions
  • Class recordings and assigned practice
View class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeach 5 seats left
Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
Live EA class + 6 months of EA OnDemand
  • Expert-led weekly online sessions
  • EA Masterclass access between classes
View EA class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

130-point score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

Lack of Work Experience

Launched June 18, 2009
Expert replies
by adamv30 » Sun Jul 19, 2009 6:46 pm
I will be graduating Spring of 2010 with a Management degree from a large state school (GPA 3.6).

I am targeting the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State as my top choices and was wondering how much my lack of work experience will hurt my application? Also, would scoring well above a school's average GMAT score help to offset flaws in my application?
Join the discussion
Source: — Ask mbaMission |

by mbaMissionJessica » Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:31 am
Thank you for your inquiry.

I don't know very much about either program, but on the surface it looks like you will have a better chance at University of Pittsburgh than at Penn State. Penn State is really looking for candidates with work experience; their average student enters with four years of work, and 80% of their applicants have between 2 and 6 years. Unless you have tremendous work and leadership experiences during college, you may find gaining admission there to be a challenge. The University of Pittsburgh accepts more students with no work experience (their average is 3 years but 80% of their students have less than 5 or so years, including no experience).

As for your second question, without knowing more about your profile I can't give you a complete answer, but a strong GMAT can definitely help offset a weaker GPA. In your case though, you have a strong GPA; you want your GMAT to reinforce your academic abilities, not make up for them. A strong GMAT cannot really compensate for lack of leadership or work experiences; it measures a different attribute.

I hope that helps; best of luck.
Jessica Shklar
Senior Consultant
mbaMission (www.mbamission.com)
646-485-8844

Sign up for a free consultation with mbaMission, the only admissions consulting firm that leading GMAT prep companies, ManhattanGMAT and Kaplan, recommend.
www.mbamission.com/consult.php
Join the discussion