Ethnic minority = advantage?

[echase1974]

Hi there,

I was wondering if there was an advantage to being an ethnic minority (Hispanic) when applying to b-school. Will it open doors at schools that would normally remain closed for a 650 GMAT score?

[parore26]

From what I've heard being an ethnic minority in itself isn't a ticket to top-10 b-school. While it makes you stand out, it is also about what being a minority has taught you. Here is a great post on this subject (read myth # 3) :
https://asiangalmba.blocked/2007/04 ... uster.html

[Lisa Anderson]

You pose a good question regarding minority applicants. Due to the small percentage of under-represented minorities (hispanic, african-american, and native american) and women in the business school population as a whole, most schools aggressively seek outstanding candidates and have efforts to attract women and under-represented minorities to business school. While being a woman or minority candidate alone will not guarantee you admission, it will get you a thorough review at most schools IF you also present a strong application. As such, I would not let the 650 score discourage you from applying to top programs but I would encourage you to consider retaking the GMAT to try and increase your score. Please note: many of the same parts of the application the admissions committee considers in deciding to admit a candidate are also used to determine whether the candidate receives a scholarship award.