Profile Evaluation (Low GMAT - 650)

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:28 pm

Profile Evaluation (Low GMAT - 650)

by dary410 » Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:40 am
Dear Admssion Experts,

I just finished my GMAT with a disappointing 650(79%): Q49 (86%), V31 (58%).
I live in bay area, graduated from UC Berkeley in architecture.
I am applying to local schools. Santa Clara U, my main hope and hopefully aim for Haas.
I know my score is extremely low for Haas. But I was wondering if my different background from most engineering/business applicant can make up for some of my low score.

Some of my profile:
- 3 year work experience by the time school would start. Work in a mid-size architectural firm (100+) ppl focusing on educational facilities.
Designed three new buildings (library, admin, gym) for an elementary school campus modernization project. Est. construction budget $15 million.
Created a facilities master plan for a community college district with 4 campuses in a full book publication.
- Won first place in an international urban design competition out of more than 250 entries.
- Professional accreditation in sustainable design
- Summer internship in top three architecture firm in Taiwan
- Fluent in Mandarin
- Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity East Bay to build low income housing

Thank you for all your comments/suggestions in advance!
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1255
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 2:08 pm
Location: St. Louis
Thanked: 312 times
Followed by:90 members

by Tani » Wed Oct 20, 2010 12:00 pm
Your architecture background should help you stand out from the huge groups of technical IT and engineering types applying. Also, the fact that you have won a competition and have experience with two hot topics - education and sustainability - should help.

As for your score, yes, it is low for Haas, but remember, 1/2 their students score below their average and 650 is not entirely out of the question. The good news is that your quantitative score is strong since that is the one that most worries schools. If you have close ties with your former faculty at Haas, a recommendation there might help.

You will have to have killer essays and glowing recommendations, but, although a long shot, Haas is not out of the question.
Tani Wolff