Please evaluate my profile for the Carlson School -Minnesota

Expert replies

thisisbrianly: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:50 pm

by thisisbrianly » Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:08 am

Hi Lisa,

I was hoping you could give me some feedback about how my profile looks for getting into the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School Part-Time MBA program for Fall 2008. Here is what my application looks like:

Undergrad: University of MN – Carlson School, Majoring in Finance and Risk Management
GPA: 3.6
GMAT: 670 (45Q, 37V)
Work Experience: 1.5 yrs (1 year in Commercial Banking + 2 summer internships in Financial roles at Fortune 500 companies)
Extracirricular: Eagle Scout Award, was an RA in college, various volunteer roles through my church

I know that my work experience is a little light, and I would be right at 2 years when I start school. Any advice/feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:08 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:21 pm

Dear thisisbrianly:

I think your profile is competitive (above average on the academic profile) for the part-time program. Yes, your work experience will be on the low end of the range, but your strong academic profile will help to balance that. Just be sure to present a strong rationale for "why a MBA now" in your application.

I also think you could be a competitive applicant for many good full-time programs for fall 2009 entry if you have any interest in going full-time.

Good luck!
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

thisisbrianly: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:50 pm

by thisisbrianly » Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:46 pm

Thanks Lisa. That helps a lot. I just had one more question -

On my application, I have a choice to write an optional essay. I know that most people write these to address a negative piece of their application....I don't really have a negative piece, besides the fact that I don't have much work experieince.

Do you recommend using this essay to address that at all, or would that just sound whiny?

Thanks!

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:11 am

Dear thisisbrianly:

If you have something you want to tell the Admissions Committee about yourself, then write the essay. It could be addressing what you perceive as the weakness of your application if you feel you have not adequately addressed it elsewhere in your application. Or you can write on an experience you have had or an organization you are involved with that you believe adds to your application package. It is not necessary to write the essay, but it is there for you if you feel you need it.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

Featured schoolRound 2 closes Jan 7, 2027 63 days left

Chicago Booth

Since 1982, 10 Booth faculty members have received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, more than any other business school.

#3
U.S. News rank: $175,000
Median base salary: 670
Average GMAT Focus: 635
Students in the class

Apply to Booth Visit chicagobooth.edu See the full profile

Photo: Warren LeMay, CC BY-SA 2.0

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review