How much can a high GMAT score make up for?

[Ttronn]

I understand how vague this question is and wouldn't expect an answer any less vague, but I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on how a strong GMAT score can make up for having only 2 years of work experience.

Specific to my situation: 760 GMAT (86th Q, 99th V, 6.0 AWA), 3.33 CGPA Bachelor of Commerce (3.55 GPA for major), 2 years work experience (at Sept '11 intake) in Economic Development.

So as you can see I've got a very strong GMAT score, a business background with strong grades in quant-heavy courses but will have only two years of work experience. Additionally the work experience is nothing that will blow away an AdCom since its with economic development organizations in a relatively rural area. Now I'm not at all embarrassed by this experience; I enjoy it and find it extremely rewarding. But, its not 5+ years managerial experience at a BB.

I would like to use the MBA to remain within the industry I currently work but to jump from a client services based position to one that is more concerened with strategic formulation, specifically the construction and implementation of programs that serve to help small businesses and underdeveloped areas of my native country.

So with all of that said, I was wondering if anyone could take a guess at how well a 760 GMAT score, a fairly strong business background and a unique profile can offset the fact that my work experience in terms of quantity will be at the low end of the applicant pool.

I would love to hear if anyone has any specific to say about top American/European/Canadian programs. Thanks in advance

[Kaneisha Grayson]

Hi Ttron,

You have an excellent profile--and the way you can make up for your few years of non-glamorous work experience is the obvious passion you have for the work that you do. That matters a LOT. How many consultants and bankers do you think those AdCom members see every year? They'll welcome the change in scenery. Believe me--I specialize in working with non-traditional applicants, and their work experiences tend to be their strengths rather than weaknesses.

I recommend you focus on authentically expressing the passion you have for the work that you do, specifically telling the stories of how you have been a leader and change-maker (even if you didn't have a fancy title or formal role), and have a grand vision for your long-term goals. It's great that you already know exactly what you want to do in the short-term, but to create a sense of urgency around your candidacy, I'd want to know what your BIG DREAM for your career is.

Thus, I actually think you have little to worry about re: years of work experience. What I'd recommend you refine is your essays (hugely important), focusing on communicating the results of your efforts thus far, your passion for your profession, and your vision for your future.

Good luck!
Kaneisha

[Ttronn]

Thanks a lot for the quick and detailed response Kaneisha. I've been writing my essays over the past several weeks and look to be done in about a week or so after I edit/revise so I expect to make most schools' R2 deadlines. It makes me feel a lot more confident knowing that these schools won't look at my profile and be underwhelmed but rather they'll see someone who might add a fresh perspective to their class.

Just one other question I was wondering if you could help me with that I've been wrestling with for the last week or so. Home for me is Canada and here, jobs in the Economic Development, or any (quasi)government position for that matter, have a payscale that is a little thin when compared with traditional starting salaries for MBA grads. With that in mind do you think I should be focusing my application more on the top 15-20 global programs or should I step down a tier and look to still get a quality education but perhaps with the help of a scholarship. I value quality of education very highly but I don't want to put myself in a situation where I have to work in private sector for 3-4 years just so that I can afford to do what I enjoy, but at the same time I want to provide myself with the highest quality of education I can so that if I do change my mind somewhere down the road I have the greatest amount of options. Thanks for your help so far!