Round 3 admissions, low gmat score, odds?

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2011 1:23 pm

Round 3 admissions, low gmat score, odds?

by adamluc » Sun Feb 13, 2011 3:43 am
Just want to pre-emptively say thank you. This seems like a really great community, and a great place to get answers to questions pertaining to an mba.

My background:
I have a 3.4 GPA from a good school and a 480 on the gmat.

I co-founded a CTA (commodity trading advisor (hedge fund)) about 2.5 years ago, left about 8 months ago. The fund made money, but not very successful given the tough capital raising environment. I was the primary trader and traded commodities, FX, and interest rates.

I also co-founded an internet website business when I was working on the commodities trading floor after college. That business did ok, but it was too time intensive and I shut it down.

I am looking to get into a relatively good mba program for fall 2011(round 3 admissions) with a specialization in technology management or entrepreneurship.

Do you guys have any ideas about how I can do this? What are my odds?

Thank you!
Source: — The Application Process |

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 » Tue Feb 15, 2011 6:02 am
Tough to say. The third round is generally considered the toughest to get into, mostly because there are precious few seats left. At that point in the game, some say you have to have cured cancer to get in. On the other hand, the reality is that schools are looking to fill specific niches in their lineup of new students and if you happen to have a story or background which they feel would add value to the makeup of the class, you have a shot. My biggest concern is your GMAT score, but then again, I personally witnessed a student matriculate to a top five school with a 480 GMAT because she filled a hole they were looking for. Your WE is unique and your entrepreneurial achievements are impressive. Also, this late in the game, the classes average incoming GMAT is pretty well established, so one low score will likely not damage it too much. In other words, you may find some schools that are willing to take a shot and suffert the GMAT ding to their average if they feel you are bringing good stuff to the class. Write some compelling essays and make sure you address how your GMAT is not reflective of your abilities. Good luck.
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant


Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2011 1:23 pm

by adamluc » Fri Feb 18, 2011 11:58 am
Bryant,

Thank you for your reply! That info is really helpful!

Adam