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

Redeem

Profile Evaluation 2011

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 36
Joined: Tue Feb 02, 2010 1:33 pm

Profile Evaluation 2011

by islandgurl918 » Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:16 am
I'm looking to gauge the realistic chances of getting acceptance into some of my target schools when I apply in R1 this year for entry in Fall 2012. 1 and have listed below my work and volunteer experience, as well as important stats.

Graduated UC Berkeley with a degree in Mass Communications, GPA of 3.5
Worked for Nielsen Mobile-Production Associate (07-08)
LookSmart (Account Coordinator then Promoted to Account Manager of Western Region) (08-09)
Pandora Radio (Campaign Manager-Inside Sales) (09-Present)

GMAT: 610 (re took a second time, and this was my score)
Marketing Chair-Northern Ca Chapter of 85 Broads; I help to promote and market all our events, geared towards professional women in all industries.
Other stats: 24 year old Chinese-Fijian American, female

I would like to apply to these schools based on my campus visits and their various offerings and programs:

1) USC
2) NYU
3) Georgetown
4) university of maryland smith
5) Duke Early Action (this is my #1 choice)
6)Emory
Top
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 » Sun Apr 17, 2011 2:22 pm
You have several strong factors in your application including a great GPA from a top school. Your GMAT will be the stumbling point. You are 50 to 100 points below the average for all your target schools. Generally, anything 30 points or more below the average is a problem. That doesn't mean you won't get in, simply that the rest of your application will have to be exceptional to give the school a reason for taking on a marginal GMAT score.

You will need to emphasize those things that make you stand out from the other applicants. Schools are looking for diversity of background and perspective. Your volunteer work should provide material for a solid essay. Be sure to give them specifics - show that you are a leader, not just a member and show how those experiences relate to your job goals and your ability to contribute in the classroom.

It looks as though there are both positive and negative aspects to your work experience. Schools do not see as many applicants from sales as from other disciplines, but they also will question whether an inside sales position has really given you exposure to management. Be sure to focus on those aspects of your experience that involve managing people and projects.

On balance, unless you see the possibility of significantly increasing your GMAT score, you should consider adding a safety school or two to your list. Look for a school that shows a GMAT range that includes your score.Business schools will look especially closely at the quantitative score. If yours is 50%ile or below, that will be a problem.

You might also consider taking the GRE. Over 450 schools are currently accepting the GRE rather than the GMAT. Try a practice GRE to see whether your score on that test is more competitive.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1