BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Profile review

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:34 am
Location: Los Angeles

Profile review

by DjProTek » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:01 pm
Hello all,

I was wondering if any of you had any insight into what MBA programs you think I might be able to get in. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Economics from California State University Northridge. I got a 3.83 GPA my last two years with an overall GPA of about 3.5. I also earned the Certificate of Excellence in Economics from CSUN. I believe only 5 other students received this honor my graduating year.

I've consistently been scoring between 680-700 in practice tests, but only scored a 610 in the actual GMAT a couple of weeks ago. I plan on taking it again in two weeks. Hopefully, I won't have to take it a third time.

As far as work experience is concerned, I've done business to business sales, and am currently a recruiter for a global firm. I also have quite a bit of leadership experience as I've been a sales manager, assistant branch manager, etc. throughout my 10 years of full-time professional experience (I am 28).

Furthermore, I am of hispanic origin, am the only member of my family to graduate college, and worked throughout my college years to pay for tuition.

I REALLY want to go to UCLA, but realize my score is too low to get in. What kind of score do you think I would need to get into UCLA? Also, what aspects of my profile do you think would be helpful in highlighting in my essays? What other programs do you think I would be competitive in?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)
Top
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 226
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 6:00 pm
Thanked: 42 times
Followed by:27 members

by paulsbodine » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:56 pm
DjProTek,

Your profile seems strong enough for UCLA, but I recommend pushing the GMAT above 670 or getting into the 70th percentiles in both the Quant and Verbal scores. Because your demographic is one they want to encourage they will cut you some slack on the GMAT especially since your GPA is high.

In terms of what you should emphasize, highlight your Hispanic background (perhaps through UCLA's personal/autobiographical essay or by discussing your involvement in some Hispanic-related community organization, if relevant). Your optional essay could focus on your academic success, your college work experience, and the fact that you are the first one in your family to graduate from college, all as a way of offsetting your GMAT. Finally, leadership is valued at all B-schools, so make sure you tell your strongest leadership impact stories. As for other things to emphasize I could tell you better if I knew your profile better (feel free to send me your resume).

As for other schools, it depends on what you goals are, but assuming a 650 or so GMAT consider UT Austin, Duke, UNC Kenan-Flagler, CMU Tepper, Indiana, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Georgetown etc.

Hope this helps,
Paul Bodine
Author, "Great Applications for Business School," "Perfect Phrases for Business School Acceptance," "Perfect Phrases for Letters of Recommendation"
https://www.paulsbodine.com/
[email protected]
(858) 869-1959
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:34 am
Location: Los Angeles

by DjProTek » Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:00 pm
Hello Paul,

Thank you for your reply. You seem to have predicted the future. I scored a 650 today. Would you recommend taking it again in hopes of increasing my score? Also, I'll email you a resume in the next day or two. I have to add the current company I work for. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Giovanni
Top
User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 78
Joined: Fri Feb 04, 2011 4:13 pm
Location: New York City, NY
Thanked: 11 times
Followed by:1 members

by bizschoolprep » Sat Feb 19, 2011 8:52 pm
Don't look at your 650 in exclusion. When looked along with Economics undergrad and a 3.5 GPA, 650 doesn't really as bad as you think! Yes, your GMAT score will not be one of the strongest part of your profile, don't consider it a very big hurdle as well. It is not some 500s that would have made it almost impossible to ignore. Moreover, coming from Hispanic background should definitely help you and you should also leverage your family story in your application to present the adcom the context in which you should be evaluated.

Regarding what schools you should target, well, this question can not be answered without knowing what do you want to do post MBA. If you are interested in a particular industry or function or company, look at the schools from where it recruits to give you a fair idea of which schools you should target. Also, look at this post to know how to select your target business schools.

Good luck!
-BizSchoolPrep, MBA Admissions Consultant
www.bizschoolprep.com , Know what makes us different!
Top
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 226
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 6:00 pm
Thanked: 42 times
Followed by:27 members

by paulsbodine » Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:21 am
DjProTek,

Don't bother retaking the GMAT a third time. You are near the scores you were getting in your practice tests, you have a strong GPA, and your Hispanic background will give you some slack in the admissions process. Thanks for your resume; will reply ASAP.

--Paul
Paul Bodine
Author, "Great Applications for Business School," "Perfect Phrases for Business School Acceptance," "Perfect Phrases for Letters of Recommendation"
https://www.paulsbodine.com/
[email protected]
(858) 869-1959
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1