Ask Stacy Blackman

Dear ALC,

There is variance as to whether schools will allow you to update your GMAT score after you submit. Since Kellogg and Darden receive a high volume of applications, it is safe to assume they probably will not. Your 650 does not put you out of range; it just means the rest of your application must make a compelling case to offer you a seat over others with GMAT scores below the average. At this point, I think it might be better to apply in the second round with a 650 then holding your application to round 3. In the event you do not increase your GMAT score, then you will be competing for the handful of seats left which is not as good for you probability-wise.

You do have a strong GPA, so if you have B+ or better in quantitative coursework, then it will demonstrate your ability to handle the business school curriculum. Likewise, if you have quantitative or analytical aspects to your work experience, that can further support your candidacy. If you don't feel these things are highlighted enough in your current essays/resume, then you might consider writing the optional essay explaining how you have the quantitative ability to succeed in the program.

Finally, I would suggest adding another school to your list where your 650 is closer to the average. There are many great programs out there with GMAT averages in the 630-680 range. It is always good to have a backup plan in the event you need it.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Dear cricket123,

I think there are good schools in the US that might be interested in your application, but decisions are made on more than the numbers. I encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for tips and insights on identifying potential programs for you. Good programs do exist outside the top 25 schools, so don't let rankings determine your target list.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Jeremy,

I think you can be competitive at any school you apply to with your GPA and GMAT. The hard parts are identifying the most appropriate schools for your goals and putting together the best application possible. I encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for tips and insights. Hopefully it will give you a good place to start as you begin your research.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear DLI,

Congratulations on your GMAT score! I think you will be competitive at any school you apply to based on your post. However, it is not enough to have a high GMAT score. You must also have a strong overall application that makes a compelling case for admission, especially if you are applying in the third round. For top 10 schools, your profile is not going to be rare in the applicant pool, but your profile is not going to be a large percentage either. So you still need to use your essays, recommendations and interview to positively set you apart from the competition. I always think it is prudent to apply to at least one safety school as an alternative, and I know many schools in the top 10-30 range would be interested in your profile.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Dear Amazinggrace,

Admissions decisions are based on more than a GMAT and GPA, so a top 20 is not out of reach for you because you have a 2.95. Decisions are made on those items plus the quality of your work experience, leadership potential and your rationale for getting a MBA. For further insight into the admissions process, you might look at some of the other posts in this forum on profile evaluations. As for your GMAT score, the higher the score, the more competitive you will be at any school. I think you will have a shot, in terms of GMAT/GPA, at the top 30 schools if you score over a 650.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear nickbailey,

To be competitive, it is best to work in a professional capacity on a full-time basis for at least 2 years. In this time, you will want to seek out opportunities to grow as a professional and progress in your career. Simultaneously, you will want to seek leadership opportunities both inside and outside the workplace. So, it is good to get involved with a community organization or in an extracurricular activity. Schools are not as concerned with the job function or industry as much as the quality of your work experience.

In terms of what schools, I would encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for some tips on identifying schools that might be a good match for you. If you are determined to do a JD/MBA program, that will filter your choices to some degree.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear ketkoag,

Admissions decisions are based on more than a GMAT and GPA. However, schools will want you to meet a certain threshold on those measures to ensure you will succeed academically in the program. Likewise, these measures are important to rankings, so if a school is trying to move up, then they might use one or both of these measures to determine which applicant gets the offer of admission (all other aspects seeming equal). With a 530, you are significantly below the average for both BU and BC. While your GPA does demonstrate success as a student, it is still important to demonstrate your aptitude for business school on the GMAT. I would encourage you to retake the GMAT and try to increase your score to the 600+ range.

Good luck,
Lisa