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I was curious to hear my chances at getting into a Top-MBA program.

My stats are as follows:
GMAT-700 (Q42/66%; V44/97%)
GPA-3.5 ( economics degree form regional school)
3 years work experience Big4 accounting firm.
Also have a masters in accounting 3.6 GPA
CPA license

extracurriculars-Some leadership roles in college
since starting my job I have made it a priority to be involved and have been involved in all projects taken on by employer (community service, mentoring etc.)

Ok well first off, I was curious to hear your opinions on my low Quant. score. I am actually very good in math and just happen to think I was focusing so much on the verbal that I kind of put off brushing up as much as I should have on my math skills. Does the fact I have an economics degree, an accounting degree and a CPA offset any questions about my abilities when it comes to math?

I am confident I can score at least the 85% in math if I studied harder, however I have reservations about retaking the GMAT because I do not think I can replicate my performance on the verbal and thus my score may drop. I have actually heard from some people that having a 700 with a high verbal score would be more useful to me because being a CPA the questions would most likely be about my verbal skills as opposed to my math skills. Is there any truth to this?

Also, does the fact I have a professional designation help my case at all?

My target schools are top 15 or bust. outside the top 15 i would consider yale, gtown, and tepper.

I would really like to attend NYU, Columbia, or Cornell.These are my real targets, and I would be happy attending any one of these programs. How do you think I stack up at these schools?

How about schools above them such as Chicago, Wharton, MIT, Haas, HBS, Stanford, Tuck? Do I have a legit shot at these schools or is it a pipe dream?

Also, will the fact that I attended a regional undergrad (read:not top-ranked) effect my chances at all?

Besides writing compelling essays and getting involved as much as possible, what else can I do to strengthen my profile?

Thank you in advance.

Hi MBAWonder,

Thanks for your post. To your questions

1. I would not worry about our Quant score. Like you said, since you have a CPA and worked in accounting for several years, AdCom knows you have the quant skills necessary for the MBA program. I think 700 and a 3.5/3.6 GPA is a strong foundation.

2. Based on your profile, I believe you are competitive for a top 25 MBA program. As you probably know, this year is going to be ultra competitive for MBA admissions, so even safety schools will be difficult to get accepted into. Aside from Tuck, I think the other 'pipe dream' schools mentioned will be a stretch. Maybe pick one or two as your stretch schools. NYU, Cornell, GTown, Tepper, SOM are all possible.

3. Make sure you apply in the first round. At this point, that is the best advantage you can give yourself. Also, if you are concerned about your quant score, you could take a Calculus or Statistics class at a local college. However, I don't think it will have a significant impact on your candidacy.

Good luck!

NP

NP,

Thanks for the response. However I should add I do not plan on applying this year I plan on applying in 2 years. That being said what can i do to better my chances at one the top tier schools you indicated may be a stretch, my gmat and gpa seems to fall within their ranges, so what is it that I can do to better myself as far as admissions are concerned with those schools?

what about columbia, what kind of a chance do I stand there? that is actually my first choice.

THANKS AGAIN!

Overall, you have a good foundation, so I dont think there is much you can do, other than 'keep on keeping on'

As I mentioned before, you could take a stats or calculus class, but I dont think it will have a significant impact.

If Columbia is your top choice, make sure you apply for the school's Early Decision round. I would also encourage you to reach out to the school / admission events / students / alumni to learn more about the program and demonstrate your interest to AdCom.

Good luck!

NP