Dear Stacy... here's my Quantitative dilemma

[blacksand]

- College GPA: 3.7
- GMAT: 640: 78% V, 68% Q
- International: 3 citizenships, very diverse background (raised abroad), speak 3 languages
- Engineer working for a Fortune 10 company
- Will have 3 years work exp. upon matriculation
- Applying for MARKETING at: Kellogg, Berkeley, USC, MIT, Stanford

My greatest concern is my GMAT quantitative result... i have NO idea how I did so poorly. I plan on addressing this in my optional essay with the following supporting evidence:
- High SAT math score (740: 95%tile)
- excellent grades: A, A- and B+ in my college calc courses
- High Honors Engineering Graduate (demonstrates math proficiency)
- Hired by fortune 10 company as Engineer
- I even tutor students in AP Calculus, one moved up from D--> A/B the other from D --> B since my assistance.

So my questions:
1. Do you think I can get into any of the above schools?
2. Do you think my evidence showing my Quantitative strengths will help make up for my low math GMAT score?

Thanks a ton!!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear blacksand,

While your GMAT is below the average for your schools, you have a good GPA and quantitative work experience to demonstrate your ability to handle the coursework. What makes the difference for any applicant is how well you put your application together. It is imperative you present a strong rationale for why you want a MBA, how it fits into your overall career plan, and why the school you are applying to is a good match for you. Likewise, you must distinguish yourself from the competition and demonstrate successful leadership experiences/evidence of leadership potential. In essence, you need to make a compelling case to offer you a seat despite your low GMAT.

Since admissions is not an exact science, I would also strongly encourage you to rethink your school list. While I think you should apply to some of your current target schools, I think you need to broaden your list with schools that are not as much of a reach for you. These would be schools with GMAT averages in the 630-680 range. Finally, if you have only taken the GMAT once and feel you can do better, then it might be worth taking the GMAT a second time to improve your score.

Good luck,
Lisa