Accepted to Smith but need help deciding.

[vineeshp]

Hi,

I have been accepted to the Smith School of Business. However, I need help making a decision.

My profile is
28/GMAT 700/6.5 years work ex/ Not so bad grads and decent community work. (I conduct free career guidance for kids). I am also starting non-profit consulting soon.

I have been working on the GMAT for the last couple of months. I really had no hope of making it this year.
So an admit at this time has confused me.

While rankings may not indicate the right thing about any school, Smith's rankings are really confusing. On the Financial times, Smith is ranked 43rd overall in the world. But USNEWS rates Smith at 45 within US! This is not helping me rate Smith.

My target schools for next year are UNC Kenan Flagler, Indiana-Kelley, USC Marshall etc,
I was denied at UNC after an Interview.

What should I do? Try to improve GMAT and try to aim for the schools listed (with a one year loss) or accept Smith?

[itheenigma]

What are your post MBA aspirations Vineesh?
If you've made up your mind about particular target schools, I don't think you should settle for anything else (I'm not saying Smith is lesser than any of your targets).
This is subject to personal constraints and time/financial/other factors as always...

Cheers!

[soumyac]

Hi,

I am in a similar situation too. I have a gre score of 1440. Good academics decent EC. I am not sure if i should take up Smith or waste a year and try for other schools and aim for the top 20.

Profile:
B.E. CS 75% agre
2 years work ex in Intellectual Property in Infosys
Few months experience of managing a business.
GRE:1440

Is this profile anywhere close to decent to try for the top 20 schools next year?

[vineeshp]

I did not realize there are replies here..

Thanks for that Enigma. Yes, I have learnt a lot about the app process in the coming days.

And I am not settling for anything less. I declined the admit at Smith.

[smackmartine]

Hi vineeshp,

Seeing your posts and discussions, I am quite sure that you deserve much better. I would suggest you to take GMAT again and get into your dream school. Its all about SATISFACTION!!! Good luck!

[vineeshp]

That was reassuring! But I already finished the GMAT part and now my score is 720 instead of a 700. I am somehow, now able to translate BTG / Practice confidence to results on the real test.

Anyways, I am already into app season now and hoping for the best.

Thanks again for ur words.

[smackmartine]

I did not realize that 720( Congrats !!) is your current score because your test date still reflects 2010. However , 720 is a great score and you can apply to many good schools. I did not get a chance to read your story though.Btw what programs (specific)are you interested in?

[vineeshp]

Still researching..
In my list, Kenan Flagler is confirmed. (I am a reapplicant here)
I am almost sure of applying to Mccombs too.

I have not decided about the rest of the schools. The school research is ongoing.

I see you are targeting 730. All the best. You got about 40 days. Thats ample time for prep if you are regular with your schedule.