Profile Evaluation and Questions

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Profile Evaluation and Questions

by smcneilpkp » Thu Jun 18, 2009 11:59 am
Hi there,

I'm hoping you can evaluate my profile.

GPA: 3.1 in Communications, Minor in Marketing, from San Diego State
GMAT: 640 (39V, 39Q)
Work Experience:2 years experience with a well known company. I work in a local office servicing San Diego, so I'm responsible for all parts of marketing (creating local marketing plans, MarComm, copy writing, budgeting, and outreach). I manage a budget of $160K to generate $2.6mil in revenue. I also manage two part-time employees who help with outreach. Although I don't technically have a promotion on record (Assistant Director to Assistant Director), I was originally hired in an operations position and I was moved into marketing after displaying quality work (I consider it a promotion).

My target schools are USC, UT-Austin, and UC Irvine.

Now for my questions:
I'm debating between applying this fall or waiting another year. Do you think I have the necessary work experience to get in if I apply now?

My GMAT score is also lower than all of the target schools above. In my practice, I scored 550, 550, 550, 570, 580, 670, 580. Should I take the test again?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

-Sean
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:13 pm
Dear Sean,

If you are ready to go to business school by fall 2010, then you should apply this fall. If you feel like you will have considerable opportunity to progress your career in the next two years, then you might wait to apply in fall 2010 to enter in fall 2011. Just gaining another year in terms of quantity is not going to make much difference; another year of quality experience where you will have demonstrable progression and accomplishments is probably worth the wait.

As for your GMAT, you are below the average for your target schools and your GPA is below the average as well. So, if you have only taken it once, then it might be worth another attempt to try and get your score up. Even a 20 point increase will strengthen your application. Regardless of whether you apply with a 640 or higher, you will need to present a compelling application to make your case for a seat in the class. If you can present a strong overall application, then you still have a chance at your target schools.

Best of luck,
Lisa
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by smcneilpkp » Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:55 pm
Thanks, Lisa.

One more question: how does it look to admissions officers if my GMAT score goes down on the second try?

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by Lisa Anderson » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:18 am
Dear Sean,

Most schools are only concerned with the highest total score, so how you do on other attempts does not really come into play with the evaluation of your application. Of course, if there is a question of fraud or a suspicion that someone took the test for you, then that might be an issue--but that would be a pretty rare case.

Good luck,
Lisa
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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