Profile Evaluation: Low GMAT, Higher GPA

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Profile Evaluation: Low GMAT, Higher GPA

by awilson » Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:10 am
Hi!

I am looking for a profile evaluation. I am applying to schools to get a dual degree - MBA and MA in International Relations or Public Policy. The schools I know I will apply to are: University of Washington, College of William and Mary, Boston University, Duke, and American University. I have also thought about NYU and Columbia, but know these are especially long-shots.

My profile:
620 GMAT (39 Q, 36 V)
GPA 3.75 (cum laude, political science and comparative religion) at large public university
Phi Betta Kappa
5 years of work history
Latest employment at a local 3.5 million budget non-profit where in the course of two years I went from part-time grant-writer to bookkeeper/administrator to Finance and Risk Manager. Also within those years I was a co-creator of a program (at the non-profit) that partnered with an organization in Thailand that fostered cross-cultural leadership experience. Was Finance and Risk Manager for 1.5 years before resigning to start the school process. I can get great recommendations from my past employer.

I am currently taking Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (201 & 202) and doing some consulting for local organizations on their Quickbooks financial systems. I will most likely get a high 3.8 or even 4.0 in the classes.


2 questions:
1) Your thoughts in general? I know that the GMAT score is not stellar, but I have a history of not doing well on standardized tests. I would really really have to be convinced to retake it (Before I knew what I wanted to go back to school for I tried the LSAT twice with very little improvement despite lots of studying- also did the SAT twice in high school with very little improvement).
2) I am insulin-dependent diabetic, and have been for 14 years. This very much shapes my character and perspective but I don't know if I should include this information in essays or not. It is not a poor me, but it does help people understand me. . . your thoughts on this?

Thank you in advance for your time!!!
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:50 pm
Dear awilson,

If you truly believe you will not improve your score, then it is probably not worth your time to retake the test. I do think your 620 is on the low side for several of the schools you list and a 650 would put you in a better position. However, your high GPA and career progression do help balance that weakness somewhat.

There is no reason to disclose your diabetes if you do not require accommodation and it does not affect your academic performance. There is a strong chance it will be seen as "woe is me" if you write about it in your application.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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