What are my chances to get into a top B school

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sireev: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 14; Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2007 9:16 am

by sireev » Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:59 am

I have a very low undergrad GPA of 3.0 (graduated in 1998).Did not realize the importance of education back then.I have done my MS from 98-2000 and came out with a 3.82 GPA(2000 graduate).I have been working in the IT industry since then and had many promotions in my work experience of 8 yrs.I gave my GMAT and received a score of 650 just two days ago.I do not have any extra curricular activities.

Later,I have done a VB cousre and got an A grade and I also did a Financial Accounting course and recieved an A-.

Can you provide some guidance on what schools in New England would work best for me?Also is there even a remote chance of getting into a top B school?

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:59 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Nov 05, 2008 1:06 pm

Dear sireev,

There are plenty of options in the northeast. I would encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for tips on how to identify programs that are a good match for you.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

sireev: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 14; Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2007 9:16 am

by sireev » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:52 am

Lisa,

Thank you for your reply.

I need some specific advice.I am a 30 Yr. old Indian female(US Permanent Resident now) and my Undergrad major was Electrical and Electronics engineering((94-98),GPA 67 %.I have heard that it translates to a 3.0 on the US grading scale.Not sure about that).There was improvement in the second two yrs as compared to the first two yrs of undergrad).My masters was in Telecommunications(98-2000) from University of Louisiana at Lafayette (3.82 GPA, Received a B in two courses overall.Rest all were A's).Have worked for 8 yrs since then(2000-Current).I reside in New Hampshire.

As part of admissions for Masters I have given my GRE and TOEFL but that was way back in 97.

As mentioned earlier,I did two courses one in Visual basic programming and received an A and the other in Financial Accounting and received an A-.

Received a GMAT score of 650 - Q- 47 -79 percentile,V- 33 -66 percentile)

I do not have any extra curricular activities.

I can get good strong recommendation letters from my manager at my earlier job and my current manager who is also the CIO(Chief Information Officer) of the company.

My specific questions are

1.Knowing the above(low GPA and low GMAT),would you advise me to apply in the second round to business schools at Harvard,MIT and Tuck for Fall 2009?

2. Is it really NOT worth doing MBA in a part-time school?

3.If for a lack of chance(of getting into a top full time school) ,I have to go to a part time school,is there a ranking for part time schools and where can I find it?

4.Should I retake the GMAT and apply for the top 20 Business chools?

5.If I decide to apply for second round for the three business schools mentioned in question 1,how should I model my essays to reflect my strengths and weaknesses.

I know that this is a long post but I would really appreciate your input on the above questions.

Thank you very much.

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:52 pm

Dear sireev,

1.Knowing the above(low GPA and low GMAT),would you advise me to apply in the second round to business schools at Harvard,MIT and Tuck for Fall 2009?
These schools are a pretty big reach with your current profile. I encourage you to look at some other schools in your area that are outside the top 25 for full time options.

2. Is it really NOT worth doing MBA in a part-time school?
A part-time MBA program is a great option for those wanting to continue on their current career path who need to gain a business education. If you want to continue on your current path but transition into the management ranks, then a part-time program is a solid option for you. Many part-time programs are strong and will provide what you need.

3.If for a lack of chance(of getting into a top full time school) ,I have to go to a part time school,is there a ranking for part time schools and where can I find it?
Part-time programs are not a safety or backup option, nor are they necessarily easier to get into than full-time programs. There are not many rankings out there on part-time; however, you should not be using rankings to choose a part-time program. You should be looking at viable options in your area that have the curriculum that matches your needs.

4.Should I retake the GMAT and apply for the top 20 Business chools?
If you have only taken the GMAT once and believe you can do better, then you should take it again. Most applicants have taken the GMAT at least twice. To be competitive for a top 20 full-time program, you will need to score in the 700's.

5.If I decide to apply for second round for the three business schools mentioned in question 1,how should I model my essays to reflect my strengths and weaknesses.
It is always best to answer the questions being asked and to highlight your past experiences to illustrate your skills.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

sireev: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 14; Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2007 9:16 am

by sireev » Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:30 am

Hi Lisa,

Thank you very much.I really appreciate your input.Thank you for taking the time to answer my specific questions.

I will try to take GMAT a second time and give it my best shot.

Thank you.

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