a reality check for a non-traditional candidate

[njdesai]

U.S. citizen, Indian, Female, 26

GPA: 3.76 from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Majored in Science policy. Limited undergraduate Quant record; took Stats, several Economics classes and Intro to Computer Science.

GMAT: 620 (Math:35/Verbal:40)

Work Experience: Almost 5 years in government, focused on foreign policy. Worked at the State Department and the White House on foreign policy issues. Significant international work experience, primarily in South Asia.

Extra Curricular: Active involvement and leadership in extracurriculars during college, including dance team and tutoring program. Continued participation in community post-college, including service with my yoga studio. Currently, working on my yoga certification.

I'm still exploring the option of a dual degree with an MBA and a Masters in Public Policy. My goal is to either return to government with an advanced degree or work for a small non-profit focused on nutrition and healthy living.

Currently I'm thinking:
-University of California, Berkeley (MBA/MPH)
-Duke(MBA/MPP)
-NYU(MBA/MPA)
-IESE (MBA)
-LSB (MBA)

I would consider attending business school part-time, but would be limited to NYU, Berkeley and Georgetown due to my job.

I know my GMAT score leaves much to be desired, but I have a very unique story to tell in terms of work experience and post-MBA plans. I have a solid undergraduate background; I think my proven track record for success in professional and academic settings is a good basis for applying to these schools, but I'm not sure how much my GMAT score will hurt my application. I intend to take the GMAT again, but am uncertain of the results; I got the score I expected to get when I tested. Am I setting myself up for disappointment by being unrealistic?

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. Your certainly do have an interesting and nontraditional background for an MBA applicant. Given the information you've shared, you should be able to put together compelling applications for the schools on your list.

I do however agree with your concern in regard to your GMAT. Unfortunately, nontraditional candidates often get a little more scrutiny academically speaking than traditional (bankers, consultants, engineers, etc.) candidates. This is due to the fact they they often lack quantitative backgrounds both professionally and in their undergraduate coursework. When this is the case, the adcom does indeed look to a high quant score on the GMAT as indication of a potentially solid performance in the classroom.

At this point in time if you don't feel that you can indeed improve upon your GMAT score I strongly encourage you to focus on building an alternate transcript. I suggest taking finance and accounting courses (and earning A's) as a way to demonstrate to the adcom that not only are you capable of earning your MBA, but that you really do want and need your MBA by taking core courses.

Best,

Stacey