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[swetavaswani]

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[MargaretStrother]

This is a very interesting question! Since we don't really have a class profile for the Cornell Tech MBA, I couldn't really assess your statistical chances, and there is enough mixed information in your profile that we might not get a clear answer anyway. Is it doable? Possibly -- but you'll want to maximize your chances.

How to do this? First, spend a lot of time getting to know the program. Meet the admissions people, sit in on classes, make friends with current students. Align your goals: because the program focuses on entrepreneurship within NYC's tech ecosystem, have a good idea of where you want to go with this. If you're working for a startup now, that could be helpful. Really weave yourself into this program for the next few months, so that when you prepare your application materials, that knowledge of the program and the "fit" with the program's agenda will be very clear.

Most of all -- get that GMAT up over 700. This is something you can do something about now, as opposed to, say, your undergraduate GPA or your age (which may be fine, by the way -- one-year programs typically draw on slightly older applicants).

So in conclusion: my sense is that you have a fighting chance, if you do the absolute maximum to compete.

Good luck,
Margaret Strother

[swetavaswani]

Thanks a lot Margaret.

1.
Do you think it is a wise idea to apply with my current GMAT score before March 2016 for their Class of 2017 intake. Or do you feel I really do need to re-take the GMAT and pull up my score to the 700+ range and apply the following year (Class of 2018 intake).
2.
If I apply now and get dinged, does it reduce my possibility of an admit when I re-apply the following year?

3.

Yes, I do work for a startup at the moment. Although, it hasn't been doing very well.

Thanks,
Sweta



Regards,
Sweta

[MargaretStrother]

Hi Sweta,
For a small program like this, I really think your best bet here is to reach out to the admissions head for this particular program and ask them to talk to you about it. Cornell is very friendly and they will appreciate your interest; just be straightforward about your issues, be passionate and well-informed about their program, and see what they say. They'll be pretty frank if your GMAT is a deal-breaker, and it won't hurt your chances if you implement their suggestions before submitting an application. If the deadline is in March, that will give you time to at least try to raise your GMAT and also to build some connections to their program. In a worst-case scenario, being a reapplicant next year shouldn't hurt you any.

I don't have any stats about the admission rates, but my sense is that this is something you could earn your way into by addressing ALL of the issues, very transparently, and harnessing whatever feedback the admissions people will give you.

Hope this helps,
Margaret Strother