I have a few questions on my chances for admission to b-school if I apply this coming fall. I already applied to six schools this past January, but am considering trying again (more on this below).
As far as my background -- I'm almost 28, a white male, and graduated from Cornell Engineering with a 3.2 GPA (second two years much better than first two) in May 2007. Since then (for almost 6 years), I've worked in New York as a risk management/performance improvement consultant at a Big 4 firm. My ratings are consistently high and I was promoted to Manager in October. I was selected for a 2-3 month assignment in Brazil, and participated in a week-long environmental sustainability volunteer program in Costa Rica. I have also traveled for pleasure to almost 20 countries. Outside of work, I served as Co-Chair for my 5-year undergrad reunion, have coordinated various community service events through work, and have played drums/recorded music in various alternative rock bands since high school. I have taken the GMAT three times, and my best score is 680.
As mentioned, I applied to six schools in January -- Wharton, Columbia, Booth, Tuck, Yale, and one other school ("School X"). I was rejected without an interview from the first three, rejected by Tuck (I utilized their open interview process), waitlisted by Yale, and accepted at School X. I have a few specific questions which will help me decide whether to attend School X or re-apply in the fall:
1. If I take the GRE instead of the GMAT (which I've taken three times), how is that viewed by admissions committees? Even if I do well on the GRE, will my mediocre GMAT score still work against me at the top schools?
2. I'm convinced that the reason I was accepted at School X and none of the others is that School X has a lower average GMAT score. Given my profile above, what are my chances for admission to schools such as Wharton and Columbia if I can raise my GMAT to around 720?
3. In my essays I explained that I want to leverage my past experience to work in consulting after graduation, but in a different industry and with a focus on strategy. If I were to describe something entrepreneurial instead (i.e., start a business), would that increase my chances for admission?
Any help -- and honesty -- is greatly appreciated.
As far as my background -- I'm almost 28, a white male, and graduated from Cornell Engineering with a 3.2 GPA (second two years much better than first two) in May 2007. Since then (for almost 6 years), I've worked in New York as a risk management/performance improvement consultant at a Big 4 firm. My ratings are consistently high and I was promoted to Manager in October. I was selected for a 2-3 month assignment in Brazil, and participated in a week-long environmental sustainability volunteer program in Costa Rica. I have also traveled for pleasure to almost 20 countries. Outside of work, I served as Co-Chair for my 5-year undergrad reunion, have coordinated various community service events through work, and have played drums/recorded music in various alternative rock bands since high school. I have taken the GMAT three times, and my best score is 680.
As mentioned, I applied to six schools in January -- Wharton, Columbia, Booth, Tuck, Yale, and one other school ("School X"). I was rejected without an interview from the first three, rejected by Tuck (I utilized their open interview process), waitlisted by Yale, and accepted at School X. I have a few specific questions which will help me decide whether to attend School X or re-apply in the fall:
1. If I take the GRE instead of the GMAT (which I've taken three times), how is that viewed by admissions committees? Even if I do well on the GRE, will my mediocre GMAT score still work against me at the top schools?
2. I'm convinced that the reason I was accepted at School X and none of the others is that School X has a lower average GMAT score. Given my profile above, what are my chances for admission to schools such as Wharton and Columbia if I can raise my GMAT to around 720?
3. In my essays I explained that I want to leverage my past experience to work in consulting after graduation, but in a different industry and with a focus on strategy. If I were to describe something entrepreneurial instead (i.e., start a business), would that increase my chances for admission?
Any help -- and honesty -- is greatly appreciated.
