Profile evaluation: Chinese reapplicant

Expert replies

ChienK: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:07 am

by ChienK » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:53 pm

My Profile:
Personal Background
Age – 27, Male, Chinese

Educational Background[/b]
GPA 3.86, Bachelor degree, Major in Computer science and information management from top university in Taiwan

GMAT
710 (92%)
Q50 (94%)
V38 (83%)
AWA 3.5

Toefl
IBT 100

Work Experience
3yrs in the global IT company (one of IBM/HP/Cisco...)
Responsible for project engagement and new offering development and maketing.
1.5 yrs in marine corps as database administrator and programmer.

Extra-curricular
1. As a band manager and bass guitarist,
I was awarded the best bass guitarist in national band competition.
And my band was awarded the best band in that band competition.
2. Won a business plan competition with an internet business.
3. Excellence Award from Microsoft Software Competition

I just got a rejection letter from Haas and Kellogg and planned to apply for 2010 MBA program of Kellogg, Haas, Stern, Dartmouth, Anderson.

My Questions:
1. Do you think this profile is competitive for the aforementioned top schools?
2. What else I can do to improve my candidacy?
3. Should I improve my standardized test score or focus on essays improvement?

Thanks for your time and I would be thankful if you could answer my queries.

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:53 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 Mar 25, 2009 6:35 pm

Dear ChienK,

I think your profile is competitive; however, decisions are made on more than just your profile. While you have an excellent GMAT score, for many of your target schools it is slightly below the average for the international applicants admitted. In my opinion, I would say your time will be best spent on essays and perhaps retaking your TOEFL. Your AWA score might raise a concern on your English ability, so if you can demonstrate a strong command of English then that will help. Similarly, your essays need to be well-written to show you have the writing skills needed to succeed in the program.

You are targeting five of the most competitive/selective business schools. As such, your essays, recommendations, and interviews are critical to the ultimate decision. Be sure to convey your successful leadership and teamwork experiences in your essays as well as a solid rationale for getting your MBA in relation to your past experiences and future career goals. Finally, you might want to add 1-2 safety schools to your list; it is always good to have a backup plan.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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