Navy Profile Evaluation

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Navy Profile Evaluation

by hjbiv » Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:01 pm
First off thanks for the help, I appreciate the resource. I'm working with a non standard timeline and profile so I'm having a little difficulty pinpointing my acceptance chances. Planning on applying for a fall 2010 start date.

For the stats:

Just took the GMAT for the first time scoring a 640 (37/40/5.0).
Undergrad in History from LSU (3.3, 3.8 last two years, B's in Calc 1&2)
Post Grad Certificate from Naval Postgraduate School in Information Systems and Operations, 4.0.
Naval Flight School for 2.5 years with eventual winging and selection to fly F/A-18s.

Five years as an officer in the Navy with 2 years (three by the time I apply) in a fleet squadron flying actual missions with a deployed squadron. Leadership specifics include heading a division of 35 sailors and more junior officers, as well as the responsibility of managing the jet and ordnance in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Other resume notables include volunteer service with the Big Brother Big Sister program as well as several rebuilding efforts going on in my hometown, New Orleans.

I plan on beginning the application process when I get home from yet another upcoming deployment and am hoping that I'll be able to work my way over to the D.C. area, depending on whether or not the navy will give me the green light. While I have little control over exactly when and where I'll be stationed next, I've decided to focus on Georgetown and Maryland, with Georgetown being the heavy favorite. Additionally I'll be applying to their part-time programs.

I recognize that my GMAT score is about 25 points below Georgetown's average, but it is an average, right? 50% below and 50% above. And I know that the baseline answer is if you have the time, take the test again. I feel that I could perform better if I retook the test; I'm just worried about the logistics of scheduling another test and allotting the required study time while living through this often unpredictable work schedule. Especially since I'm slated to be out of the country for a large chunk of 2009 and would like to apply R2. I'll have solid recommendations from senior officers in my command. What chance to you give my work experience covering the shortfalls of a mediocre GMAT score, GPA, major and university? That was a depressing sentence, but I just trying to get a feel.

Also, I'm curious if programs take post MBA career plans into their acceptance criteria? Specifically since I'm not planning on focusing in finance or accounting will my lack of quantitative qualifications will carry less weight?

Thanks again for your help.
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by VP_MBA_Guru » Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:13 pm
Hi H,
First of all, a big thank you for your service to our country!

You have a great background and many top MBA programs value the leadership and teamwork training from military experience. That said, next year looks to be another brutal year for MBA admissions and therefore you will need to be stellar in all aspects of your application. Your GPA is fine for the schools you mentioned, esp with the strong finish toward the end. But as you noted your GMAT score is on the lower end of the schools' average.

Would you consider retaking the GMAT? If not, then I think you are still competitive, but will be a slight weakness in your candidacy... although I am sure you can overcome any concern with strong essays, LORs, ECs, etc..

I would also consider applying in R1 if you can. And since you are already thinking about applying (which is great!), you might want to reach out to the schools now and start networking with students/alum/faculty... esp if they have a Veterans Club or something similar (which many top MBA programs have)

Let us know if you have any other questions

Regards,

N
Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep

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by hjbiv » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:17 am
Thanks for the fresh perspective. I've dabbled with the idea of contacting the schools early and try to build at least a baseline relationship prior to submitting my application if only to help with an unstable timeline.

Any recommendations on how to get this rolling, short of emailing the dean directly.