NEED HELP!!! Chances of Admission

Expert replies

MCollier: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 6; Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:41 am; Location: Los Angeles, CA

by MCollier » Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:55 am

I need some help and advice on my chances of admission. Took my GMAT last Saturday and tanked!

Some background info:
22 year old Black Woman
Undergrad degree in Construction Engineering & Management
3.0 GPA that trends up from freshman to senior year (achieved while working to support myself all four years)
TONS of community service
Countless awards from industry, work and community organizations
3 years of quality part-time/internship work experience
1 year of post bachelor full-time work experience
Great letters of recommendations
Horrible GMAT score of 540 (embarrassed BBM face)

I'm thinking about the following: University of Chicago, Wake Forest (MA in Management), University of Illinois, Georgetown, George Washington, Emory, BU, Boston College, Vanderbilt, Purdue.

Hoping I can get some help here. I'm very worried about being denied everywhere...

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Clear Admit | Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:55 am

Stacey Oyler: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 900; Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 6:49 amFollowed by: 81 members; Location: San Francisco, CA; Thanked: 106 times

by Stacey Oyler » Tue Jan 25, 2011 4:50 pm

Hi,

Thanks for your post. I am sorry to hear about your frustrating experience taking the GMAT. I can understand your disappointment.

As I read through your profile I was rather impressed. Your professional and extracurricular activities are great and in line with what the programs on your list are looking for. I'm sure you'll be able to craft excellent essays using your experiences. I also think it's important to note to the adcom that you worked to support yourself and put yourself through school. This will help them understand not only your strong desire for an education, but also the 3.2 GPA.

As for the GMAT, at this point you may wish to consider retaking it. You'll see that every single business school in the top 30 admits someone with a 540 GMAT, but that is really the exception for these programs and not the norm. Putting together a solid study plan and retaking the the GMAT in a few months will still give you plenty of time to get a jump start on applications when they come out in June/July.

Best,

Stacey

Sign up for my MBA admissions course, featuring me and other Clear Admit experts, by visiting: https://www.udemy.com/business-school

Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

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