Need Realistic Eval of USC MBA.PM Chances

[maythreeone]

I'm looking to get a realistic evaluation of my chances of getting into USC's MBA.PM program.

GPA: 3.6 from CSU Fullerton (BA In English); 3.8 from UC Irvine (Certificate of Marketing)

GMAT: 610 (estimate score, taking it in Sept) - low Quant is an issue)

Age: 28 at matriculation

Work Experience: +5 years in defense industry. Currently Proposal Manager at a small military computer manufacturer. Report directly to VP of Sales/Marketing and work directly with all VPs and President. Proposals are multimillion dollar value and the largest i've won is $4 mil (made the year's revenue). 1 direct report who i've trained as intern, then hired as full time. Also involved in BD and travel around 15 to 20% per year. In charge of all trade shows (logistics and exhibiting). Worked on projects in Europe, India, and US.

Letters of Recommendation: Direct boss (VP of Sales and Marketing), President (who I work with daily)

Background: Born and raised in Hong Kong, came to the US for college. Half chinese/caucasian.

Extra-curricular: +4 years on outreach board at my church (1.5 yrs was Chairman of Outreach Board). In charge of US and overseas projects, managed budget of $140k with 5 staff, and funded 13 people around the world. Included projects in India and Mexico (I visited both countries during the time. Finished tenure in May of 2013.

Goals: Move up at my company. I'll likely be sponsored by my company. My boss has told me I am fit to replace him when he retires, MBA is key to making that happen.

USC MBA.PM part time program seems to fit my needs. I've been told it is more lenient in terms of GMAT. Do I have a shot? What are my problem areas?

Thanks.

[mbaMissionJenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for posting. It sounds like you have clear goals and a plan to get there, and are very interested in the specific USC MBA-PM program for those who want to work during the MBA. Your profile generally seems to match well with the class profile of the MBA-PM program. Yes it's true that statistically speaking the acceptance rate is much higher for this specific program vs more standard MBA programs but they also get fewer, and likely mostly well-qualified applicants, and USC is still a very strong program with high standards.

So your GMAT will be important, I encourage you to at least take a realistic practice exam soon so you have a good estimate of where you'll score. Over 650 would give you a slight edge at this program, and do work on your quant side as, if anything, a lower quant score can be a potential flag (given the quantitative nature of business school).

Your work in the defense industry should actually help you stand out as more unique, so that is a plus and I'd encourage you to focus on show-casing what about your work experiences has shaped who you are and what you'll bring to the classroom so to speak. You also have some great international experience you should highlight.

At this point you should focus your time and energy on the things you can still change-- your GMAT and your essays! Do not underestimate the importance of strong essays, which are the main way the school gets to know YOU and your goals prior to an interview. Also be sure to include genuine and thorough reasons for why you feel USC and this program is right for you-- that can go a long way.

Most likely your admissions decision will be greatly influenced by your essays (as long as your GMAT is decent), that's the area you have the most potential to make an impression and get your point across as to why you want this degree.

Let us know what other q's you have and keep us posted on your progress!

[maythreeone]

Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely be trying to pull up my GMAT score in the coming months. Do you recommend waiting a month or so to get a higher GMAT score or applying earlier in the application cycle with a lower GMAT? Will I be at a disadvantage in waiting until around November/December instead of October because USC has worked through more applicants by the Nov/Dec?

[mbaMissionJenK]

So just to clarify, you still haven't taken the GMAT? Depending on your timeframe and schedule etc I'd suggest going ahead and taking it asap, then you can decide based on that if you should apply R1 or re-take for R2. Certainly yes places are already taken as you get later in the year, but you also want to apply when your personal application is the best it can be, and if that's Round 2 that's ok... I'd just recommend not waiting until R3 if you can help it !