Profile Evaluation: 710 GMAT 5 years work ex

Hello chaosgirl, thanks for your question.

In terms of academics, your overall GMAT is solid, as is your quantitative score. Your verbal score is on the low side (80% is the usual target I recommend). Your undergrad GPA is also a bit on the low side. Given that you come from an underrepresented demographic (female engineers), however, I don’t think these are insurmountable challenges.

It is your work and extracurricular experience that will distinguish you. I wouldn’t worry that you haven’t managed people or a team, per se, but I would ask you: how have you demonstrated leadership, driven results, shown initiative? You can certainly prove those attributes and abilities without having been an official manager.

Also, how have you shown true leadership – not just active participation – through your extracurriculars? You mention organizing multiple work events – were these challenging experiences that required problem solving? The more you can call this out, the stronger your candidacy will be.

Finally, what are your post-MBA goals? Do they require an MBA? How does your future connect with your past and present? The better you can answer these questions, the more compelling your story will be to the admissions committees.

I think Harvard is a reach, as are Sloan and Columbia. For safer choices, you might consider a program like UNC or Cornell. I think you could be competitive at programs like Ross, Fuqua, and Darden.

Best of luck,
Brian