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What are my chances for Oxford Said?

Launched April 26, 2006
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by northsixty » Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:33 pm
I am a 33-year old Canadian who will be attending business school next fall. I am applying to two Canadian schools, but my stretch goal is the University of Oxford Said Business School.

Your assessment of my chances and any advice would be most welcome.

* BA in Communication, Simon Fraser University, 3.0 GPA.
1.5 years of credit were transferred from my local college, 3.84 GPA.

* GMAT 750, 47 verbal / 46 quantitative / 4.5 writing.

I studied for a couple of weeks for the test but did not prepare for the written essay. I believe that my essays were too short -- writing for brevity is part of my job. I could pull that score up easily enough but I would risk the 750 score.

* Six years working in government in progressively senior positions. Currently a Cabinet Policy Analyst: My job is to provide concise analysis of legislation and major issues that are going to cabinet for decisions. I am also leading our department's strategic planning. Before this I worked in municipal affairs and in communications/PR.

Prior to government I have some IT and communications/PR experience in educational and non-profit settings.

* I have a wide range of volunteer activities from search and rescue missions to sitting on a national committee. I have taught non-profit board devolopment workshops, spent four years on the city Board of Variance, and led marketing for an annual charity event that broke its own fundraising record.

* I did not graduate high school. After three years of low-level work, I secured a place in college and then transfered to university. I supported my own education, switching between full and part time work and studies, and at times taking classes by correspondence. I finally completed the last course for my degree in 2004, after being in my current career for two years.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Regards,
Anthony
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Oct 10, 2008 9:08 am
Dear Anthony,

You do not need to retake your GMAT. Your essays for school entry are what counts and will demonstrate your writing skills. I think you have an interesting profile and compelling story. If you submit an overall strong application, then I think you are in a good position for a positive decision. By strong application, I mean well-written, engaging essays, outstanding letters of recommendation and a great interview. You did not mention what your career goals are, so my answer assumes you have a good rationale for why you want an MBA and how it makes sense for your career goals.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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