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by dhe18765432 » Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:47 pm
Hi,

I am looking to start a part-time MBA program in Boston this fall. I am looking mainly at Boston College, but am open to others, depending on admissions, etc.

I have a BS in Financial Management from Clemson University. I believe my gpa was a 3.4-3.5.

I studied a fair bit for the GMAT and only managed a 580, with verbal being slightly stronger. I really struggle with the quant section, despite being an analyst.

I am three years out of school, and started with Bank of America in an analyst training program. Since then I have been promoted to Senior Analyst.

I like my job and am not looking to change industries necessarily -- hence the part-time program.

BC has a 610-620 GMAT average and a 3.2-3.3 GPA average I believe. Boston University is roughly the same, but would be less of a fit, given that I would like to focus again on Finance.

Do you think that I would be a good candidate? I'm not crazy about my GMAT, but I am not sure I can really improve it much. My undergrad is at least average and actual work experience should be about average in terms of quality. Any advice?

Thanks in advance!
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Mar 19, 2010 12:34 pm
Dear dhe18765432,

Even with a below average GMAT, I think you have a chance at BC if your application is otherwise strong. Specifically, you will need a strong set of essays that make a compelling case for your admission, a solid interview echoing that compelling case, and a great set of recommendations. If you haven't already, you need to set up a campus visit as soon as possible and establish a relationship with the admissions office. Your 580 is not that far below the average and probably within the mid-80% range; since your GPA is above the average and you have analytical work experience, then I think there is enough there to mitigate the GMAT. Nevertheless, use the rest of the application (essays, recs, interview) to your advantage to close the deal.

There are some other options in the Boston area, but they might not have the recognition outside Boston that BC might have. I do encourage you to look at Bentley, Northeastern, and BU though and perhaps apply to at least 1-2 others so that you have options.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by dhe18765432 » Sat Mar 20, 2010 11:32 am
Thank you so much for your response Lisa.

BC's 80% range is a relatively wild 540-690, so I think I feel better about this. Also, their acceptance rate has historically been above 50% for part time, so another good sign.

I had one more question.

BC actually doesn't have interviews for their part-time program. Their two essays required are pretty open ended. I was planning on focusing on how I feel that the bc part time program is specifically a perfect fit for me, that I am committed to make the time commitment, etc. Within reason, can I go overboard with this? My impression is that they really want people that are both going to take the potential offer to start the program and are going to finish the program.

Thanks again!
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by Lisa Anderson » Tue Mar 23, 2010 11:08 am
I think you are probably right that they are looking for committed folks who intend to finish the program. So, adding in some flavor that you are motivated and committed is a good idea. You might also include a bit on how you will manage your job and other demands with your business school demands to show you have thought about that aspect as well. It will go to your maturity and give the admissions committee another data point to feel comfortable with admitting you. The more you can show the program to be a good fit for you, as well as you a good fit for them (equally important), the stronger your essays will be.

Best of luck,
Lisa
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