Would you please evaluate my profile for McCombs MBA

[sadams07]

Hello! My name is Steph and I was looking for help regarding whether I could get into McCombs for Fall 2011

Demographics: 26/F, white, from US (currently Florida Resident)

GMAT: 660, V38, Q42, 6.0 AWA

Undergrad: BBA with dual concentrations in Marketing/Sports & Event Management from the George Washington University; 3.75 (Summa Cum Laude); National Society of Collegiate Scholars; recipient of 3 Academic Scholarships from GWU; participant in a Graduate Sports Management Study Abroad program for the Athens Olympics; January Study Abroad in Italy with the University of Delaware (for transfer credit)

Undergrad Extracurriculars: Member of the International Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi (2004-current; held various leadership roles in the fraternity); Teaching Assistant, Sports and Event Marketing Course (Spring 2007); Mentor, First Year Development Program, GW School of Business (Spring 2007, 2004-2005); Leader, Mintz Sophomore Getaway, GW School of Business (Fall 2006); Academic Peer Tutor, GW Counseling Center (2004-2007); Student Admissions Representative, GW Admissions Office (2003-2005); Participant, Emerging Leaders Program (Fall 2003)

Undergrad Internships: Advertising Intern (Spring 2007); Assistant Buyer Intern (Summer 2006); NBC Intern at Torino Olympics (international internship; February 2006); Advertising Sales Intern (Fall 2005); Student Program Coordinator (Fall 2004)

Work Experience: Admitted into the Management Training Program for a Florida retailer from August 2007-May 2010 (started as an Assistant Buyer; promoted to Assistant Planner; promoted to Store Area Manager; completed program prior to leaving); left to be the General Manager/Marketing and Operations Manager for my family's small business/retail operation (June 2010 - current)

Post Grad Extracurriculars: "Big Buddy," Company Management Training Program (Fall 2009-May 2010); Member, Company PAC (Summer 2009-May 2010); Member, Manatee Young Professionals (Spring 2008-May 2010)

Thank you so much in advance!

[sadams07]

Oops! Forgot goals!

Goals: Become a Brand Manager or work in Consulting (specifically brand management and/or marketing); start my own consulting company or marketing company; teach at the collegiate level (my "when my hair is gray" goal )

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. I'll get right to my response to your question - no, I would not suggest applying to McCombs for a 2011 start. The application deadline of April 1st is right around the corner, thus putting together a solid application could be challenging (not to mention getting recommenders on board for such a quick turnaround). My main reason for suggesting you hold off is honestly due to the difficulty of gaining a round 3 acceptance. Usually by this time of year most spots in the class are already taken and bschools have very few seats to offer (not to mention the chance of great candidates already on the waitlist). Statistically speaking, the odds of acceptance are really low.

My suggestions for you are as follows:

1. Retake your GMAT - it's below the average for the school and given your lack of quantitative experience (this is just a guess given your undergraduate study and work experience), the adcom could have concerns about your ability to handle the rigorous quant courses in the first year of study
2. Refine your goals - right now you have many to choose from. Pick one long term goal and then define the path you need to take to achieve it (your short term goal)
3. Apply in round one this Fall. You will not only send UT a message that they are perhaps your top choice, but you'll also (statistically speaking) have much better odds of a positive outcome

Regards,

Stacey

[sadams07]

Hi Stacey,

Thank you so much for your help! I greatly appreciate it!

I certainly agree with everything you're saying. I realize I am applying a bit late. I also agree that the weakest part of my application is probably my GMAT. You are correct too about my lack of quantitative "real world experience" (other than my position as an Assistant Planner, which was strictly data analytics). I did however take 2 Accounting, 1 Statistics, 2 Finance, and 1 Operations class as an undergrad - all of which I received A or A- in.

I should tell you - and this is my first time asking this advice, so I apologize on the etiquette of not realizing to disclose this earlier - I have already applied to the program. This is my second year applying for MBA programs, so many of the essays I already had written. I was able to tweak some and write some new ones too. I applied on March 9 and just had my interview on March 18.

Knowing this information - along with what I have already presented - do you think I am fairly competitive to get in at this point? I realize no one knows for sure - I am just so anxious for the next two months to pass!

If I don't get in, I will most likely wait another year, retake the GMATs and follow the other advice you provided - rather than go to on of the other schools I applied to.

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for the additional information. I'm glad to hear that you already applied and already interviewed. You are much more on top of things than I initially assumed from your previous post.

It's really difficult to speculate your odds of success, however, given that you've been through the application process before, it's reasonable to assume your essays are probably rather strong - I do still have the same concern I mentioned earlier about the lack of clear goals rather than a bunch of ideas and potential different paths. It also sounds like you have some solid quant courses in your background which will certainly help put the adcom at ease. If you had a strong interview I think it's safe to say that you could indeed be competitive for admission.

Best,

Stacey