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BSchool1000
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2008 2:08 pm
- Location: Boston, MA
please delete
Last edited by BSchool1000 on Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Lots and lots of questions in your post. Regarding the main one, I do think that with your current GMAT you would have a competitive shot at Babson and BU, provided you also have an appropriate post-MBA goal, and the usual good essays, interviews, and recommendations.BSchool1000 wrote:Hello,
I apologize in advance, as some of this may appear to be ramblings. I tried to keep it as concise as possible, while still presenting the most important items
Basic stats (See below for more details)
27
White Male
GPA: 3.22
Work Exp: 4.5 years
GMAT: 640 (44Q, 34V) (hoping to retake in next 3 months after significant prep work)
Undergrad earned a BA in Econ at Holy Cross, 3.22 cumulative GPA, 3.5 in major
I had 2 Ds in accounting Freshman year, which left me with a 2.3 GPA after the first year. My junior and senior GPA averaged 3.65, and I have since taken a graduate level class in accounting to showcase my ability. I’ve also had exposure to accounting in both jobs and the CFA program. (I plan to put this in an optional essay)
Work Experience - 4.5 years
Half a year in fund accounting and 4 years at a well-known buy-side investment firm, as a research associate in equity. I was laid off from this last position in August this year and have since been looking for a new job and considering alternative career paths.
I recently obtained the CFA Charter (which is unfortunately of little value in this market environment), but am hoping it will speak to my ability to handle a heavy load of quantitative finance work at a top school
Outside of work
I have researched, purchased, rehabbed, and rented an investment property. I have done this 50/50 with a friend of mine and we are currently putting together an investor presentation, highlighting our process. Do you think it would be beneficial to include this packet in an application if it is very well put together? I haven’t seen an option to include such items in the online applications I’ve viewed thus far, but think it would greatly increase the appeal of my ap (uniqueness). I hope to incorporate this experience into at least 1 essay, as it demonstrated entrepreneurial activity and ties in with my career goals.
I don’t have a lot of other extracurriculars and I know this is a negative. (I hosted a radio show for 2 years in college, was on the club ultimate frisbee team but both were 5 years ago)
Other Notes
I have a 7 month gap in employment post undergrad while I networked and attempted to find a job (and figure a career path). I have also been unemployed since August of this year (advancement opportunities dried up due to market conditions)
I have been considering BSchool off and on for a long time. Being that I have an undergrad degree in liberal arts, with minimal finance/business exposure, I would benefit greatly from general management classes. I also wish to focus on Finance and Real estate.. hopefully landing a job in real estate research for an investment firm or commercial real estate company post MBA and then potentially launching and managing my own REIT.
I took the Gmat in 2005 and got a 640, which I was very disappointed with, as I had taken a Kaplan course and many practice CATs (and the last few Kaplan CATS were in the high 600s (with much higher scores in verbal than I received on actual GMAT). I was/am aiming for a top school and knew that I would need at least closer to a 700 to be considered, given the relative strength of the rest of my ap.
I believe my profile fits within the 2nd tier schools as it is now (please tell me if I’m wrong!). I've visited BU, Babson, and BC. I didn't like BC so now locally I’m considering BU and Babson. Both schools have a few real estate classes but neither are especially known for real estate or finance. Neither school is ideal for me. My ultimate goal would be one of these schools: Columbia, Wharton, Stern, Sloan. It is too late this year for me to put together an impressive ap for 2nd round deadlines (and no chance of significantly improving my GMAT by mid January) so my only chance at any of these schools would be next year for a fall ’10 admission. I guess my most important question is, would I have a legitimate shot any of these schools even with a solid GMAT score (ie 720), given the rest of my profile?... or am I just wasting my time even considering these schools?
So my plan now is a bit confusing. I am still searching for employment but definitely can complete an application for Babson and BU by Jan 15 (I’ve already asked for Recs and I’ve been brainstorming for essay ideas). I’m just not sure if I really want to go to either school. I guess I’m applying to hopefully have the option to go in a couple months (by no means to I think I’m an automatic admit to either school). Do you know if either of these schools allow deferral for a year if I want to wait and take a shot at a top 10 school next year? Do many schools offer this option? I’m also considering part time if I become “meaningfully” employed because of the cost difference. If I apply to both schools for admittance to the full time program and am admitted to both schools and decline to attend, does it then make it more difficult to gain acceptance to the schools’ part time programs later on?
I appreciate any guidance/advice/thoughts you might have on my profile, career plans, target schools, etc.
Thank you!
I am not convinced that a 720 would turn you into a compelling applicant at Wharton, CBS, et.al because of your 3.2 GPA and lack of extra-curricular activities, although it would certainly improve your chances and give you a shot at those schools.
Most schools do not like to give deferrals at all because applicants use them to shop around -- almost like an option. Do not count on obtaining a deferral.
Your current unemployment is not a badge of honor or shame in the current market. It is simply a fact of life. The question will become what are you doing while unemployed. Please see "Laid Off! How Will It Affect Your Applications".
If you are accepted and decline the offer of admissions, most schools will not "hold it against you." But they will look at how you handled yourself. Do you thank them for their consideration early in the process and explain that an opportunity came up and that you intend to apply in the future? Or do you simply let deadlines blow past and not let them know anything? Or do you change your mind at the last minute? I think the way in which you decline an offer of admission can affect reapplication more than the fact you declined an offer of admissions.
Best,
Linda
