GMAT 600

[HealthcareMBA]

Hi Stacy,

I took my GMAT last week. Scored 600, 36Q, 36V. I was shooting for 640/650 and am pretty disappointed with this score. I'm a nurse anesthetist, 5 years work experience, master's degree, 29 and female. I'm looking to stay within the healthcare sector. Since I will not be competing against finance/consulting types and I'm female, what are my chances at Duke, UNC, UMich with a low GMAT of 600? Are these schools totally unrealistic for me?
I'm debating whether or not to retake the exam early December. If I spend more time studying and retake the gmat, it would be difficult to complete applications in time for 2nd round deadlines. Since I'm already on the older side for an MBA, I really don't want to push back applications until 1st round 2010. What's your opinion on 3rd round applications? I know there are few spots left by this time and everyone advises against applying in the 3rd round. But them why do schools even have a third round??? They must intend to accept some applicants at that time???

Thanks

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear HealthcareMBA,

Schools do accept applicants in the third round, just very few. Thus these are usually outstanding folks would have been competitive in other rounds. I think you have two options here, both with a level of risk:

1) apply R2 with your 600 and see what happens
2) retake the GMAT and get your application in as soon as possible, whether R2 or early R3

You have a chance at Duke, UNC and Michigan, but these are reach schools for you based on your GMAT. You did not note your GPA, so that can help to bring the schools closer within reach or push them further away depending on how you performed academically. I think being a nurse anesthetist will help to distinguish you and make for an interesting perspective in the classroom though. You could also apply to more of a reasonable/safety option as a backup plan--perhaps Vanderbilt or Wake Forest?

Finally, you are not getting "too old" if you decide to wait a year. But, it seems you are ready now and so you should apply now.

Good luck,
Lisa

[HealthcareMBA]

Thanks Lisa,

I really appreciate the advice. I should have mentioned my GPA's, undergrad 3.4 and graduate 3.9. Heavily science based curriculums for both undergrad and masters. As far as math courses, I've only taken statistics and received an A-. No calculus, accounting, econ, etc....

I've heard through the grapevine that Master's GPA's aren't weighted as heavily as undergrad GPA. The adcom considers master's GPA's to be inflated. Not sure if that's true. Do you have any input?

I have a couple of backup schools, Fordham, UConn, and NYU part-time. Their applications aren't due until the spring, so I'll focus on them later....if I unfortunately have too! I think I'll try to get UMich and Duke out in time for R2, and UNC or another school for R3. Will still repeat the GMAT early december regardless.

Thanks again!

[Lisa Anderson]

Master's degree transcripts are evaluated, but as you know, grading is different in graduate school from undergraduate studies. The bar is set differently as the expectations are different. I would not say the grades are inflated, but since the overall grade distribution for undergraduate program is wider, earning a 3.5-4.0 is viewed as more of an accomplishment. Nevertheless, your GPA from both are strong and there are no concerns on that measure. Best of luck with your applications!