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

Redeem

Some advice... what's realistic?

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 9:26 pm
Location: Arizona
Thanked: 1 times
GMAT Score:710

Some advice... what's realistic?

by DownsJM1 » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:37 pm
Hello,

I'm taking my GMAT on Jan. 3rd... a little late, but so be it. I have a number of schools I'm looking at, and a lot regarding where I will apply will depend on what I get on my test (I'm going to have to really rush a few apps out before the 2nd deadline, but I've got no one to blame but myself there)

The schools I'm looking at?

My "swinging for the fences" picks - Stanford, Harvard
My not-quite-first-pick-but-would-be-happy-anyway pick - Duke (Fuqua)
My sorta-back-up-school-but-a-good-one-at-that - Arizona State (Carey)
Back-ups - University of Arizona, University of Colorado

My last timed practice test, I got a 710... Quant=48, Verb= 40. Unless I get that up to a 720, I probably wont bother with Harvard or Stanford... or should I?

Some of the other things...

BS in Biochemistry from Grove City College... GPA over a 3.0, but not much. That's the big thing keeping me back, IMO. I took from Calc 1 to 3... went from a D+ in Calc 1 to an A in Calc 3... it's all about the teachers you have.

Work experience - several years in a few different labs doing analytical chemistry. My last position was in sales, selling lab instruments... now I'm a day trader of currencies.

Letters of recommendation - no one of major prestige, but they shouldn't stink at least. I've done well at whatever's been put in front of me.

Essays - haven't done them yet, but I've been told repeatedly that I'm an excellent writer (at the risk of sounding arrogant). I think that I may be able to pick up a few points here.



So... what are your thoughts? Considering my GPA for my undergrad, should I bother with my top-tiers with under a 720 GMAT? That was basically my own personal cut-off.
700+ or bust.
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:42 am
Dear DownsJM1,

I don't think your GPA is prohibitive by any means as you had a tough major. In terms of your stretch schools, I would think your cutoff should be more of a 680 than a 720. The reason being that decisions are made on more than a GMAT/GPA number. What makes the difference for any applicant is how well you convey your rationale for a MBA in relation to your background and career goals. Additionally, you much present a compelling case for admission and demonstrate that the program is a good match. Thus if you put together a strong overall application (well-written essays, outstanding recommendations, and a great interview), I think you have a chance at any of your schools with a GMAT over 680 and a decent shot at ASU, UA and CU with a GMAT over 620.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me