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Columbia ED: Help

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Columbia ED: Help

by benjiboo » Thu Sep 13, 2012 5:53 pm
Top 50 Private University, graduated 2009
3.56 GPA
GMAT: 680 (Q41 V42)
Background/Exp: Family real estate business, then 2 years at large private real estate firm working on acquisitions and development. Promoted to MBA position in last year. Left family business because the goals I had for the company required me to gain external experience. Family business owns substantial amounts of real estate assets. Recently redeveloped a small building in NYC - made me realize I need an MBA.

Age: 26
Male
White

Top choice: Columbia ED (or non ED if you would recommend)
Second: Wharton
Third: MIT
Fourth: HBS (Is it worth a try?)

One thing I'd really like answered: Do I send in my Columbia Early Decision App with the 680? I dont have time to retake before the deadline, and I dont think I'll crack a 700. If so, I would need help with my application ASAP.

Thanks.
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by milimbamission » Sun Sep 16, 2012 10:42 am
Hi there,

I think your career story is really strong. Professional experience is great. Academics wise, as you're aware, your GMAT is slightly low for your target programs. The other weakness I see in your profile is a lack of extracurricular and community leadership/activities. I think you're at risk of coming across as a very one-dimensional candidate (I'm the real estate guy!); in actuality, you want to come across as multi-dimensional/balanced (I'm the real estate guy who coaches an at risk youth soccer team and is a 1st chair violinist in the national symphony orchestra! (or whatever :)).

I'm pretty certain that you'd have to submit your 680 score if you apply to Columbia ED - I recommend calling them to confirm that though. Either way, I do suggest that you retake the GMAT and try to break that 700 if you're really set on Columbia, Wharton, MIT etc. With your current score, these programs (including HBS) are reaches, especially in the absence of any extracurricular/community activities. I'd say: retake the test, try to break 700. If you do, apply to these schools regular decision and also add one or two safeties to your list. If you don't break 700, I'd adjust your list to reflect one or two reaches and more mid-tier targets.

As for Columbia -- I really can't say whether you should apply ED or not - that's got to be your decision. But, I think that taking your entire profile into consideration, you'd basically be resting solely on your professional experience if you apply early with a 680 score. In the end, it depends how confident you are about breaking 700 on the GMAT.

I hope this is somewhat helpful. If you decide you need help with your apps and are interested in our services, I invite you to sign up for a free 30 minute consultation with one of our consultants: https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Best of luck,
Mili
Mili Mittal

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