Chances at Business School - Please comment! Thank you!

Figure out where you wish to apply
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Jun 10, 2010 12:49 am
Hey all,


Would really appreciate some feedback on where I can reasonably apply to - I'm not sure where I really qualify because I'm an applicant with a mix of good and bad. Thanks for any input.


I'm taking the LSAT in October, am averaging in mid 170s (range: 99.0 - 99.9%). Began self-studying GMAT 3-4 weeks ago, just took a MGMAT practice test and scored 710 (92%). Aiming for 760+ (99%+) by the time I hit test day in mid-September. Will apply 2nd round - deadline Dec or Jan.

I'm almost straight out of college, with no work experience after graduation (preparing for LSAT + GMAT), but during undergrad, I was heavily involved in extracurriculars and almost always had an internship:
- freshman year-round economic research
- freshman summer @ private wealth management for top bank
- sophomore summer @ consulting firm
- junior 1 semester @ mid-market investment bank
- junior summer study abroad
- senior 1 semester @ energy consulting firm

None of the above experiences spanned for more than 3-4 months (except the year round position as a freshman). So I'm really worried that I'll get dinged on work experience--> do my above experiences even really count as "work experience?" Or does work experience refer to post-undergrad full-time?


More details:

- Won a few consulting competitions
- Highly active on campus - leadership + 4 year volunteering
- Low GPA from top US public university with downward trend - in part because I came down with a serious medical illness (which is now resolved)



Can anyone shed light on what my chances might be for US business schools? I don't really know which schools I should apply to - I want to go as high as I can, but there are clear setbacks in my record - would really appreciate a list of 5-6 target schools (To be honest, I don't really know which full-time business rankings I should look to - US News gives one list, Businessweek gives another, and I see a few more websites that rank schools...I'm thinkin Businessweek, but would like confirmation)


I will probably go take some more classes / make up one bad grade to raise my GPA. And I'll probably take the GRE as well because the skills / knowledge transfer over from LSAT & GMAT. But this will all take place after I apply in Dec/Jan to business schools.
Source: — Research MBA Programs |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 3835
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:00 pm
Location: Milpitas, CA
Thanked: 1854 times
Followed by:523 members
GMAT Score:770

by Anurag@Gurome » Thu Aug 26, 2010 8:49 am
A high GMAT score would mitigate a poor GPA, somewhat. Your work experience is indeed limited. But let me ask you a question: do you feel ready to do an MBA? As in, do you know why you are seeking an MBA and how exactly will you use that MBA in your career?

If you are clear about your goals and feel ready to take this on, you can bring that certainty and maturity in your application. Schools would consider that. Although my advice is to work for a couple of years before doing an MBA, the litmus test is your own view of your readiness.

I would also not focus too much on rankings. The Top-20 programs are all usual suspects and show up at various rungs in different rankings. Focus on your objectives in getting an MBA, consider your geographical/career constraints and preferences, and then pick from among top-20.

Hope that helps.
Anurag Mairal, Ph.D., MBA
GMAT Expert, Admissions and Career Guidance
Gurome, Inc.
1-800-566-4043 (USA)

Join Our Facebook Groups
GMAT with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/272466352793633/
Admissions with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/461459690536574/
Career Advising with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/360435787349781/