Please evaluate my profile

Expert replies

radi: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:17 pm

by radi » Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:17 pm

Hi Stacy,

I need your help evaluation my profile for MBA in Los Angeles, CA. I was thinking to apply at UCLA, USC, Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount.

640 GMAT(28V,49Q)
108 TOEFL
BE Computer Science from MS University, India- GPA 3.69
7+ years of work experience in software industry. Worked as business analyst for 3 years for leading investment bank.
Completed CFA Level 1

I am not working since 2007 May. I quit work to take care of my kid. But now I want to join the workforce back. I thought to get some formal education before starting work.

With my profile, do you think I have any chances of getting into UCLA or USC? or I would better off applying to pepperdine and Loyola Marymount? Are there any other options in Los Angeles, CA?

I am also planning to complete CFA level 2 and 3. Am I better off finishing my CFA or should I attain a formal degree to enter the job market after gap of 2 years?

Thanks,
R

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:17 pm

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 Sep 16, 2009 10:06 am

Dear R,

In my opinion, you will find earning your MBA to be more helpful in a job search than a CFA after being out of the workforce for 2-3 years. Based on the information posted, UCLA and USC are a bit of a reach for you, but not impossibilities. It will important for you to demonstrate a solid rationale for business school and realistic expectations of your future job search in relation to the gap on your resume. I think Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount are solid options for you and you have a good shot at those schools. They both have a good reputation in southern California. I think you need to decide how many programs you want to apply to and then which ones make the most sense for you.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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radi: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:17 pm

Profile Evaluation Query

by radi » Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:41 pm

Hi Lisa,

Do you think that it would be worth a try to get better scores in GMAT and then apply for USC, UCLA?

Do I have chances at USC, UCLA after getting good GMAT score(700+)?

Thanks,
Radi

Lisa Anderson wrote:Dear R,

In my opinion, you will find earning your MBA to be more helpful in a job search than a CFA after being out of the workforce for 2-3 years. Based on the information posted, UCLA and USC are a bit of a reach for you, but not impossibilities. It will important for you to demonstrate a solid rationale for business school and realistic expectations of your future job search in relation to the gap on your resume. I think Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount are solid options for you and you have a good shot at those schools. They both have a good reputation in southern California. I think you need to decide how many programs you want to apply to and then which ones make the most sense for you.

Good luck,
Lisa

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 » Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:15 pm

Radi,

Your chances will improve at UCLA and USC with a GMAT score in the 700+ range. If you feel you can increase your score, then it is probably worth retaking, especially if UCLA and USC are your top choices.

Regards,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

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