Prioritizing - Identifying weaknesses in application

Figure out where you wish to apply
This topic has expert replies
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2012 4:05 pm
Thanked: 1 times
I am hoping to apply to some of the top 15 schools. However, I am aware that there are some weak points in my application and I would like some help prioritizing them.

Here are the essentials:

GMAT: Q44 V41 - 700 90th Percentile (1 attempt, should I retake?)
Overall GPA: 3.30 (However, my GPA has an upward curve from freshman year to senior)
Major GPA: 3.85 (Business Administration - Operations and Information Management, Minor - Economics)
Full-Time Experience: At the time of application, 2 years as a Business Intelligence Analyst. However, it is a quite demanding job with a lot of exposure to different verticals.
Recommendations: I have strong recommendations from several professors and both of my bosses (Previous and Current).
Extra: I was active during my undergrad career and founded an Information Systems club at the University of Colorado, which is quite successful now. I also worked closely with professors in helping shape the program and helping to recruit new students to the major. As such, I have strong ties to the professors that I am hoping will help during the admissions process in terms of recommendations and etc.

I should also mention that I used to be in a remedial English class in 5th grade because I was an ESL student. So, the fact that I have now scored in the 93 percentile is something that makes me very proud considering what my starting point was.

My weak links, in my opinion, are these (in descending order):

1) GMAT - My score is unbalanced and a little below the median for the top schools. Should I retake the exam? Does a marginal increase in my score make me a better candidate if I do so? For example, is there a major difference between a Q47 score (what I scored on my practice tests consistently) and a Q44 score of what I have now?
2) Experience - Most schools have an average of 7 years + it seems. I can't help this other than by waiting a few more years.
3) My Overall GPA - It is not exactly great at 3.3 . However, my GPA increased every semester after my 1st semester at college. So, it is on an upward trend.

Does anyone have any input on where I should focus my efforts? Should I retake the GMAT?

Thanks!

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 202
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 7:32 am
Thanked: 40 times
Followed by:4 members

by NextGreatLeader » Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:43 am
1) Are you planning to apply this year? If you have time to retake the GMAT, it would be worth it to improve your quant score.

2) 7+ years is significantly above the average for most top full-time programs. The average is typically around 3-5 years, with quality being more important than quantity. Have you been promoted or do you have any other ways of demonstrating your increased responsibilities?

3) Your GPA isn't stellar, but it's around the average for schools like Duke and Cornell. If you're targeting Stanford or HBS, it may raise some questions, but the upward trend is positive.

At this point, I'd focus on raising your quant score, if possible. If not, then just put your energy toward writing strong essays.

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2012 4:05 pm
Thanked: 1 times

by acchi369 » Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:23 am
1) I am going to apply next year. I have decided to retake it and I'm focusing heavily on my Quant. My hope is to get to around the 80 percentile. I am fairly confident of reaching that score.

2) That is good to know about the average work experience for those schools. I have had multiple raises and increases in responsibility. I'm assuming that this should be showcased in the essays and recommendations?

3) I agree that my GPA is not stellar. I am hoping my upward trend will quell any concerns. My major GPA also indicates that I am capable of performing at a high level. My top reach school is Stanford. However, I know the chances are slim. Therefore, I am putting most of my hopes in Berkeley and Northwestern.