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need expert advice on next step

by hskhan » Fri Feb 11, 2011 8:11 am
Hi All,

I found all of your suggestions to others on Beat the GMAT very useful and would like to know what your opinion is on my prospects. I applied to University of Michigan and University of Texas full time programs this admission year but did not have any luck. I believe it may have been my GMAT score and GPA that prevented me from getting an admission. I would like to give one more shot in applying but would love to hear your take on this matter.
The following is my info.

1) I have 5 years of experience in the aerospace manufacturing industry working as an individual contributor Industrial Engineer in Iowa City, IA.
a) I have led multiple process and quality improvement projects
b) I received a promotion last year
2) My graduating GPA at University of Texas at Arlington: 3.05 in BS Industrial Engineering
3) My GMAT scores are 540 (Q40, V25), 600 (Q36, V35), 640 (Q47, V31). I am willing to put the effort in for a fourth attempt.
4) I am taking 2 MBA classes this semester at University of Iowa in hopes of showing that I can make the grades to combat a somewhat low undergrad GPA. One class is technical (Data and Decisions) the other is non-technical (Management and Organization).
5) For my extra curricular activity, I am a member of a local mountain biking association, which helps promote outdoor biking activities for the local residents. This year I have also joined Big Brother Big Sister organization in hopes of helping a child set goals and develop a successful relationship.
6) My passion is operations and renewable energy. Michigan has an excellent program on operations and sustainability. Texas has a respectable operations program but an excellent CleanTech program, which focuses on renewable energy. Texas is also where I would like to end up after graduation, so the location was a plus for me.

Any suggestions or ideas would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

-Husnain
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by Tani » Fri Feb 11, 2011 9:00 am
Your GMAT score was certainly a factor, since it was well below the average for both schools. On the other hand, it is always a concern when an applicant takes the test four times. If you do retake it, however, you need to understand why your section scores are fluctuating. Although your overall score has climbed steadily, your section score percentiles jump wildly. That says to me that you are not secure in the fundamentals in either section. You need to go back to your practice work and identify the mistakes you make consistently. Simply doing a ton of problems won't help. You have to understand what you are doing right as well as what you are doing wrong so that you can replicate the former and eliminate the latter.

You have several things going for you: your interest and experience in a "hot" field, your years of experience, and your success on the job. However, I am confused about your job description. You say you are an individual contributor and then say you have led projects. Schools are looking for applicants who have led people. "Individual contributor" tells me you have not. If possible, pursue assignments this year that definitely show you as a manager.

Many schools look on re-applicants favorably because they show strong interest in the school. Check out the websites to see whether there are different essays for re-applicants. Take a hard look at this year's essays to see whether they are pretty typical or whether they make you stand out as an individual. If they are less than sparkling, think about using a consultant to help you put your best story forward.


Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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by hskhan » Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:41 am
Tani,

Thanks for your advice in regards to my questions. I gave some thought to what you said in the last post and have few more questions and a response to your confusion on my job description.

When I say I am an individual contributor what I meant was that I do not have any direct reports. However, due to the environment of my job as an Industrial Engineer there are a number of opportunities that lead to leadership type projects. I am currently creating a scheduling strategy so production floor supervisors can use it to predict resource requirements such as people and machines more accurately. I have also taken on the responsibility for teaching Lean Manufacturing principles to shop floor operators and support personnel on the manufacturing floor. Are these the types of assignments you were referring to when you say "show you as a manager"?

Furthermore, I am also doing a teaching role for a community organization that I have been a part of for multiple number of years. This community initiative will not be as extensive at my job but I plan to show leadership skills through it.

Another question I have for you is in regards to taking the GMAT the fourth time. How much of a concern is this? Is this something I will need to address in an optional essay on why it took me 4 times to reach my goal? I have taken on your advice and have been reading blogs and starting a reviewing process on my previous work to manage my weaknesses - keep doing the things I am doing right and eliminating the things I am doing wrong.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Husnain
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by Tani » Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:31 am
Those are exactly what I meant. You need to show the admissions committee that you recognize that leadership goes beyond title. Any time you are motivating a group to work together toward your goal, you are leading. The projects you mention also show initiative and communication skills - both bonuses.

If you have a clear, straightforward, simple explanation for taking the test 4 times, by all means use it. If you explanation is just that it took you that long to grasp the material and overcome anxiety I would stay away from it and simply let your highest score speak for you.

Good luck
Tani Wolff
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by bizschoolprep » Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:07 pm
hskhan,

It seems that GMAT is a major hurdle that you are facing. It is very low compared to the average GMAT of the schools that you applied to. I'd hardly recommend you retaking the GMAT and get a good ~ 80-100 points jump. Moreover, reach out to the schools with a feedback request. Most probably, the request will be turned out but you never know! If it is entertained, you will know if it is just the GMAT or other parts of your application that are also troubling you (for e.g. low leadership level, etc).

Also, we are currently offering a limited time free ding analysis over view, so if you want us to look over your application, please feel absolutely free to email us.

Good luck!
-BizSchoolPrep, MBA Admissions Consultant
www.bizschoolprep.com , Know what makes us different!
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