Do I have a shot at top 20 or top 30 ranked b-schools?

[MaxwellMick]

Hi Stacy -

I graduated from Tufts University in 1994 with a 3.21 (3.46 the last two years). My GMAT score from the end of the year was 650 (46Q/34V) and I just took it a 2nd time and got a 610 (will this hurt me or will they just look at first score?). I have 11 years experience in entertainment, the last 5 of it producing low budget independent films where I did some interesting work at a fairly reputable level (i.e. developed script, found financing, sold film at festival, etc). I'm interested in going to school to pursue marketing, branding and new product development and feel my background as a producer and entrepreneur makes me a unique contribution to most any business school class. At least I hope so as my gpa and gmat are not stellar I realize. My applications are late and are going out this week which also may be another knock as they are past the 2nd round.

I'm interested in going to:

1) U of Texas - Austin
2) Indiana U
3) U of Virginia
4) USC
5) U of North Carolina
6) Kellogg (probably a big stretch)

Do I have a shot at any of these when applying at such a late date. Will my experience mean much to them or can it be seen as a negative? Are there any other schools I should be looking at? - I'm most interested in focusing on marketing/branding but am also interested in finance.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear MaxwellMick,

I think your assessment of your situation is pretty accurate and thorough. Being late in the admissions cycle with fairly average GMAT/GPA numbers is not ideal, but it is not dire. Schools only use your highest score in your evaluation, so hopefully that is the one you reported on your application. I do think your background is unique and will be an asset for you in the admissions process. It also dovetails nicely into your career goals, which will lean positively in your favor. So, if you did a great job on your essays and have awesome recommendations, then I think you have shot of getting an interview at several of the schools on your list. If you do well in the interview, then you might have a shot at getting in to the class.

I would suggest applying to 1-2 safety schools in the next 2-3 weeks though as a back up plan if you are intent on being in business school this fall. All of the schools on your list are really reasonable to reach schools for you at this stage in the admissions cycle. Some reasonable to safety options that you might consider: UC Irvine, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Pepperdine.

Best of luck,
Lisa