Which Schools?

[JonPaulsen123]

I am applying for an MBA program for fall 2010 and I need help in deciding what level of school I should be shooting for. I scored a 710 on my GMAT (45 Quant, 42 verbal) My GPA was a mediocre 3.35 at a tier 3 school (Weber State University) I had A grades in all statistics and calculus classes. I have a year of work experience at Fidelity Investments, and will have about 15 months at a personal loan/life insurance company by the start of the fall semester. I feel that I can do very well on the essays and I will receice exceptional LORs from my supervisors. I realize that my undergrad school, gpa, and limited work experience hurt my chances at a top school, but I am still considering applying to schools such as UCLA and Virginia. I also have been looking at Texas, BYU, and Arizona state. Are any of those schools out of reach? Should I apply for any schools above that range? Please help, I have been going back and forth on the decision for some time.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear JonPaulsen123,

I think the schools you mentioned are appropriate choices for you and you have a shot at any of these schools with a strong set of essays and recommendations. Your GPA and GMAT indicate your academic aptitude and ability to handle the coursework. So, your essays, recommendations, resume and interview will factor heavily into your decision. I think you have identified some great programs, but you could certainly add a top 10 school to your list if you feel it is a good match. At this point in the admissions cycle, you just need to put in the effort to submit quality applications and think positively!

Best of luck,
Lisa

[JonPaulsen123]

Lisa,

Thank you very much, that is very encouraging. I am looking to go into asset management. Is there a specific top 10 school you would recommend for that? Do you know if the other schools I had listed will give me a good opportunity to get into asset management, say for a top rated mutual fund company?

[Lisa Anderson]

Most business schools will have a good finance curriculum with elective offerings relevant to asset management. When looking at these schools, you will want to note if there is an investment fund you can participate in and industry connections evident in the placement statistics. The schools in your post probably have what you seek, but you will find many options for schools that are reasonable for you. Perhaps research where the companies you would like to work for recruit and then research those schools further?

Good luck,
Lisa

[JonPaulsen123]

I just received my AWA score, and I was suprised to see that it was a 6.0. I know that there is a lot of talk about this score not mattering at all (I didn't prepare for it for that reason) but does it help my chances at all?

[Lisa Anderson]

Great job! The AWA does not hold as much importance as the GMAT score itself, but a high AWA might be helpful. There are schools that use the AWA more than others in the evaluation of applicants, so you never know how much your AWA can help (in your case) or hurt you.

Regards,
Lisa