Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear d.himabindu10,

Your score is a solid score, but it might not be high enough to be competitive based on the rest of your profile. As an IT professional from India, you are part of an over-represented profile in the global MBA applicant pool and thus you will be compared to that subset. As such, your GMAT score is low relative to other Indian IT professionals. That is where your extracurriculars and community activities can help to distinguish you from the competition. Your undergraduate GPA appears to be good and the quantity of work experience is fine, but what is the quality of your experience? have you progressed at a quick pace in your career? do you have successful leadership and teamwork experiences to write about in your essays? In terms of the schools noted in your post, these are all good institutions where you might have a chance with your current score and an otherwise outstanding application package. The Katz School is worth considering if you believe it offers what you seek in a business school. However, I do think it is possible your GMAT score and common profile might be an issue--especially if you are applying in the final round for fall 2010 entry.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Hima,

I think you need to both work on your profile and retake your GMAT to be competitive for these schools--especially if you want a chance at any scholarship money. It is a lot to do in the next 6-7 months, but it will be worth it to give yourself the best chance at these schools.

Good luck,
Lisa