Realistic Admission Trend: Fdbk from Ad. Consultants

[3gmater]

Hi.

I have read several recent "feedbacks" from admission consultants to several posts on this thread/forum from aspiring MBA's.

Some of you (the Consultants) have even mentioned that a 700 (in some cases even 710) maybe considered "less" for top schools. Since the application volume is at an all-time high, the requirement/preference of a score north of 700 by most top schools indicates that most of these "extra" applicants are scoring above 700 (I say this because some of you have even mentioned that the avg. score of several top schools has moved up to 715).

Does this trend "realistically" means that this year maybe an unfortunate one (in terms of admission to top schools) for candidates with sub 700 scores (say 660 to 690 range) with average GPA/EC/WE ?

Besides, is this trend/competition replicated for part-time and exec. MBA programs too?

Thank You.

-3G

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear 3G,

Because of the increase in applications this year, many folks predict schools will use the opportunity to increase the GMAT average. I don't necessarily agree or disagree with that as there will be variance based on the school. As with any year, there will be applicants with GMAT scores in the 650-700 range who will be admitted. These folks will have strong overall applications with clear career goals. Likewise, they will have demonstrated their potential to be a future business leader. If you feel you meet that profile and can distinguish yourself, then you should absolutely apply to a top school.

It is always good to have a backup plan when it comes to business school admissions, so you should apply to schools that are a reach but also schools that are reasonable for your profile.

As for the increase in applications extending to part-time and executive programs, I'm not sure. You could make the argument that applications will decrease as folks are unsure if they will have their job in a year and are hesitant to take on paying for a MBA. I think there will be wide variances based on the location of the school. Cities hit harder by the recession will probably see a decrease in these programs, but that is simply my suspicion. When you see remarks about competitiveness due to increase in applications, it is mainly referring to the traditional, daytime (full-time) MBA programs.

Good luck,
Lisa

[3gmater]

Thank You Lisa.

....I scored a 710 on 4th Nov. I will try to make myself stand out for Haas's part-time program. I have one major drawback to address: number of years of exp. Excluding the internship and Graduate assistantship during my MS (one year each), I will have around 4.5 yrs of work experience at matriculation. Haas has an average of 8 yrs of WE for the part time program.
Will this factor have a serious detrimental affect on my candidacy?
I have mostly worked with very senior people in most of my full-time work life. This has helped me a lot and has helped me gain experience/knowledge that I would have otherwise gained in several future years.......had I not worked with such senior folks. I have also managed some of these senior folks at some point. Will this aspect....perhaps with a right spin to it.....can be a sufficient explanation that my 4.5 yrs carries more weight? I also have an MS degree (GPA 3.6), apart from BS (GPA 3.5).

Thank You.
-3G