Hi Steve,

You are correct that a GMAT score of 700+ will help your overall academic picture, but it is also strongly encouraged given the average GMAT score at most top 5 programs is 720+.

You mention that you have been a journalist for one year. Is this your only job since graduating or is this just a recent career change? Work experience is an important component in your applications. You'll want to highlight your experience to date and build a strong case for why you need an MBA to successfully change careers. It appears you have a steady interest in non-profits given your history of involvement, is this what spurred your interest in wanting to change careers?

If you can provide me with a few more details based on my questions above, I should be able to offer you with more strategic advice.


Best,

Stacey

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for your reply.

When I graduated I took my first job as a journalist (for one year). After that I joined UBS where I worked for 3 years as a derivatives analyst. Becuase of the financial crises there were headcount issues and in May 2009 our team was let go. since then I have been working on my non-profit organisation which has grown massively. Yes, my interest in non-profit has been spurred by my extra-curricular activities and I guess to an extent, having left the world of finance.
There are still jobs in my business stream (in finance) but I've made a conscious effort to move away from finance and hope to convey this in my application. I'm slightly concerned that I'm not actually working at the moment (in full time employment), despite the fact that I am working for my organisation. Do you think this will hiner my prospects?

Regarding the GMAT do you think there may be slight leeway for me given that I do not want to move into consulting, banking etc post graduation (in other words would a 650+ score coupled with very strong recommendations and essays be enough). At the moment I'm hitting 640 on practice tests and am really worried about this.

Thanks for your time.

Kind regards,

Steve.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the additional information. Good for you for taking advantage of your unfortunate layoff and doing something you enjoy. This will certainly prove to the adcom that you have sound reasoning for your goals.

In regard to your GMAT score, unfortunately the adcom won't be making a correlation between your post MBA goals and your score, but rather your work experience to date (which seems rather quantitative) combined with your GPA and undergraduate quant coursework. The GMAT isn't the only deciding factor in the admissions process. Given that it just one component, you can certainly find ways to compensate for it by highlighting the strengths you are bringing to the table.

In regard to your question about being unemployed while applying... This is the unfortunate reality for many bschool applicants these days. The important thing to focus on is the work you are doing with the nonprofit and how it is helping to build your skills set to achieve your post MBA goals.

Best,

Stacey

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for your e-mail.

Just had another question for you sorry (!).

Good for you for taking advantage of your unfortunate layoff and doing something you enjoy. This will certainly prove to the adcom that you have sound reasoning for your goals

In regards to your above response, do you think I should use the additional essay option to state that I am currently working on my non-profit at the expense of working in finance? Obviously, I would mention other things in the addtional essay also. At the moment I am finding it difficult to incorporate this fact in the HBS essays but want to explicitly state it to the admissions committee.

More generally, now you have a clearer idea about my candidacy, how would you guage my chances at a place like HBS? I will also be applying to LBS.

Thanks again Stacey.

Best,

Steve.

Hi,

In general I recommend that the optional essay only be used to explain potential red flags (low GMAT score, GPA, gaps in employment). If you feel that you aren't able to clearly state your current situation in your application forms or in another essay, then yes, it does seem that using the optional essay is a good idea. Keep in mind that it should be as brief as possible since you are essentially asking for more more of their time to review it. However, it might just make sense for you to respond to the "career vision" essay thus allowing the adcom to see the natural connection between your goals and your current role.

Best,

Stacey