Healthcare MBA

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Healthcare MBA

by lizjo22 » Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:45 pm
Stacy or Amy,

I would greatly appreciate it if you would evaluate my profile and provide feedback.

-24, female
-3.4 overall gpa from private university; 3.6 major gpa (Biology w/ minor in Biotechnology - did lab research for 3 yrs in college)
-very active in activities and clubs undergrad, formed an unbiased club to raise awareness of political issues, volunteered through many organizations, etc.
-will have 3 years of experience before starting MBA program in Fall '08
-1 year at a life sciences management consulting firm, consulting to biotech and pharma companies
-2 years at a life sciences investor relations firm, counseling biotech and pharma companies on the IPO process and investor relations
-5-yr goal to work at the Director level in product marketing/management at a biopharma company, or in management at a healthcare non-profit org

I'm looking at pursuing a dual degree- either an MBA/MPH (public health) or an MBA/MHA (health administration), or at least attend a school where I can get a certificate in biotech/health. Based on this, the school's I'm looking at are: Duke, UNC, Columbia, Berkeley, U Mich, Emory, Yale, and maybe Harvard or Wharton.

I took the GMAT and got a 670, which was much lower than I had been getting on practice tests (around 700). I want to take it again, as I know I can do better, but know that I should also start working on essays and applications.

My question is: what would make the most sense timing wise? Apply to schools now in time for R1 and let them know I'll be retaking the test and do so directly following? Or retake the test now and then apply in time for R2? Also, based on my "story" and stats, are these schools realistic?

Your advice is much appreciated.

Thanks!

E
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by Amy » Fri Aug 17, 2007 2:47 pm
Hi E,

It looks like you have a good chance at the schools you are targeting, though certainly a stronger GMAT score could help your overall academic profile.

Your GPA is respectable but not stellar, so it makes me wonder whether you know your class rank? And what was the reputation of the undergraduate institution you attended? Your GMAT is also respectable but not stellar, so you will want to make sure you stand out in other ways.

Were you promoted at work? What extracurricular activities have you done lately? All of these elements will contribute to the strength of your application.

Good luck!

Amy
Amy
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting