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Profile Request

by Akra » Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:45 am
Hi Lisa,

I would like to have you review my profile for potential of admissions to a top 10 MBA program.

I studied Industrial and Systems Engineering for my undergrad at The Ohio State University, Overall GPA: 2.75, Major GPA: 3.15 Upward trend for Junior and Senior years. Decided that I needed to improve my GPA, so I enrolled at the University of Houston for MS Industrial Engineering and my current GPA is 3.25 and I am half complete with the degree as I work full-time. I have had extremely valuable experience (both domestic and internationally leading teams and conducting workshops) and have been promoted several times and am now in a Senior Leadership role as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt with 3-4 years of experience. I plan to finish my MS degree in 1.5 years, take the GMAT and then apply to the top MBA programs. What do you think I would need to achieve on the GMAT to achieve this and compensate for low overall undergraduate GPA?
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by Akra » Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:04 am
Also, I am a white-american male. I work for a multi-national conglomerate in their Energy-Oil&Gas Division in Houston. I work at the Divisonal level as well. I would say, I am somewhat unique nationally but not specifically for Texas, especially if applying to U of Texas.
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Apr 07, 2011 2:19 pm
Dear Akra,

To be in the competitive range for a top 10 program, your application needs to be stellar. When you already have a potential weakness, like a below-average GPA, then that means your other application components need to mitigate that weakness. Your graduate level coursework will help some as earning high marks in a graduate program while working demonstrates academic aptitude, motivation, and a commitment to your education. A high GMAT score will further mitigate the undergraduate GPA, so you do want to aim for a score in the 700's and ideally above the average of any program you target. I would not say you are out of luck if you score a 680 or 690, but a score that starts with a 7 would put you in the best position. Finally, you need all the remaining components (essays, resume, recommendations, interview) to further strengthen your application. Use those items to your advantage and get started early on your applications--first round is where you want to aim for submission.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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by Akra » Thu Apr 07, 2011 4:57 pm
Thank you Lisa for your timely response! I had a hunch that my GMAT score should be 700+, roughly 720 or 730. I was hoping that my experience would help a lot, as well as applying when I had slightly more years of experience than the average. I am continually trying to increase my graduate GPA as well so that it would show a better reflection of my academic ability. Either way, Thanks again!
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