Profile Evaluation

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Profile Evaluation

by utdrub » Sat Oct 16, 2010 2:58 pm
Well I just finished the GMAT, and I hit my practice tests on the head with a 610 (39/35). It was the lowest Q score, and somewhat pathetic since I'm actually a high school math teacher, but we don't need to mention that.

Undergrad 3.7 from UT-Austin
2years post grad work teaching and was assistant gm at a golf course (50+ employees, 2 million revenue) for 2 years.
over 6 years fulltime work exp (worked and paid my way through junior college..)
I've got an interesting family story in regards to losing my mother at 18, dad leaving the family, and helping to support my little brother while going to junior college.

I know I could actually study (I took 2 verbal practice tests...working full time left me completely exhausted so I did not study or get through near the resources I have) and get closer to 700, but a top 5 isn't worth it to me in the plan I have set for myself. I'm looking to start next fall and was targeting middle tier schools with possibly Washington/SMU/and maybe Michigan or another top program as a why not school since I feel the rest of my application is strong. Just as an idea I'm looking at Utah, CU Boulder, SMU/TCU, Washington possibly, and would like to find some more schools in northern california. My goal is to get my MBA and live in an area near mountains (I know someone laughed before, but I want to use school as a tool to see if I like the location). If I do decide to stay, I have ties to the area from school, and if I don't, then I have roots to come back to in Texas. I would also consider schools in western Canada, but want to go next year and that's why I can't really afford to take my time to score a 700 and apply to top schools. Thanks in advance!
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by Lisa Anderson » Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:01 pm
Dear utdrub,

How your admissions decisions come down will depend on how well you present your background and the strength of the school's applicant pool. You have some interesting aspects to your profile, so it is a matter of how well you use your essays, recommendations and interviews to both make a compelling case for admission and present your rationale for an MBA. It appears you are wisely crafting a mix of schools to give yourself the best chance of being in the classroom next fall. I don't think it is silly or unreasonable to have geography factor into your school selection as many people go to school in the region of the country they want to be in post-MBA. Just be sure your mix of schools has some reasonable and safety options to spread your risk--it is fine to apply to some reach, but I am happy to see some smaller, regional schools made your list also.

Best of luck,
Lisa
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