Profile Evaluation

[carm11]

Hi,

First my profile:

25, Female

3.15 GPA, Rutgers University, BS Accounting: Have loads of ECs, including intercollegiate soccer (captain) and softball, Beta Alphi Psi - Marketing Mgr, Accounting Society. (Upward trend GPA - the only reason its this low is i spent a year in pre-med)

4yrs WE in Entertainment (Mgr in Operations)- Currenty work for a major studio in Domestic Film Distribution. Have been promoted twice within the past two years and have tons of leadership experience with my current position. Including supervising 3-5 system developers and i've lead many projects that have either saved our company money or increased our revenue.

GMAT: 620 (38,38) - I know this is low, but i took it without studying and i'm planning on re-taking it October 24th after i've completed a prep course. So far from my practice tests i think i can score in the 720-740 range.

Schools I'm looking at: Columbia, NYU, UCLA

Goal: would like to focus on International Business, as i would like to stay in my current industry, but move into International Distribution in an Operations role.

Questions:

1. Columbia is my first choice by far and i would like to apply ED; however, i cannot retake the GMAT until late October, should i submit an ED application and then send them my scores once i take the exam or should i just apply during the regular round?

2. What do you think of my chances at the above three schools?

3. Obviously i'm focusing on these three schools b/c they have both media and international programs; however, do you think there are other schools out there i should be considering?

Thank you for your time!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear carm11,

While you can submit your materials early, Columbia will not consider your application complete without your new GMAT scores. You might contact the office and explain your new GMAT test date is 10/24 but you would like to apply ED. My guess is they will tell you to apply in the regular round, but it might be worth asking.

I think if you get your GMAT to the 680+ range, you will be a competitive candidate for your three target schools. Your post indicates good experience and defined career goals that match these programs. As these are all top 10 schools, you might want to add a safety option to your list. There are not many schools that are known for their media industry curriculum, so you might think about a school in the right location for the industry to facilitate your job search.

Best of luck,
Lisa