Ask AdmissionsConsultants

[IamMe]

Hi,

I am applying second time for a part time MBA, the score university needs is between 560-610 or more. First time I scored 480 and I was not accepted.

I talked to admission council, they asked me to improve the gmat score and resubmit the essays. I took the gmat exam again and scored 540(44q,21v) and AWA 5.0 (will awa account for some of my verabal score?), this is short of 20 points for 560.

My profile
13 years experience mainly IT, in major retail firm.
MS in software engg in US- 3.9 gpa
Electrical and electronics engg - From india
Volunteer - Red cross local chapter - Resource Technologies.

Now that my applications and essays are already with the university, I will be applying second time(i need to rewrite my essays), And I have improved my gmat score from 480 to 540 and I have actively got involved in red cross, which I was not when I was applying first time (6 months back). I will be applying for Sep 2008,

Can somebody please help me if there are chances that I will be accepted. or should I take GMAT again, it will be my third time if I take gmat.

thanks
IamMe.

[gmat2k8]

Can someone answer this for me, please:
Following are my credentials:
BS in Mechanical Engg. (~3.0GPA)
MS in Info Sys (~3.0+ GPA) From Australia
and 10 years of IT Exp, Currently I am a Sr. Enterprise Architect for a fortune 100 company. I believe, I need an MBA to further advance in my career and hence and am planning to apply for part-time MBA at GSB (Ist pref.)/Kellogs(2nd Pref).
I do have decent community participation all through my life.

What would be the minimum GMAT score required for these schools? (currently my practice tests are hovering around 640)

Thank you in advance for your time.
Regards,

[jin210]

Hi,
I'm considering either UCLA FEMBA or USC PM and wondering what my chances are. Below is my profile.

UC Berkeley Economics BA GPA 3.0
- working part-time and president/small group leader for 50 member christian group (not sure if I should mention this).

Community College GPA 3.8
- took 6 Accounting Courses after BA to satisfy CPA requirement.

6 yrs relevant work experience and currently an accounting manager for a major real estate company.
- 3 yrs in public acctg ending as a senior accoutant. 1 yr accounting/finance consulting. 1 yr in real estate company as a senior accountant and promoted to manager in 2nd year.

CPA
- passed in one attempt.

GMAT
- haven't taken yet. Maybe 650-700?

Recommendation
- 1 recommendation from my company CFO, 1 from a public acctg firm partner, and 1 other decent one... someone personal or work related?

Other Comments
I'm pretty happy in my job and my field. I'm planning to stay with my company after graduation. Main reason for MBA is to learn about finance/overall business in order to move to VP and eventually CFO position.

What do you think my chances are?

Thanks

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Originally Posted by pdesmmhh

Hi David,

If you wouldn't mind evaluating my profile I would appreciate it.

I am currently an undergrad at Penn State majoring in Mathematics, Economics, and Statistics. I will have completed some graduate level coursework in Econ (Micro I & Macro I) and Stats (Regression) by the end of next fall. Also I am in the university's Honors College and will be writing a thesis. My GPA is a 3.78. I have not taken the GMAT yet as it is the end of my junior year. I plan to take it this summer.

I am 28 years old and spent 6 years in the Army before going to college. This experience includes an infantry leadership position during combat operations.

I am not certain what else I should be doing to improve my chances. Right now I would like to go into Investment Banking/Finance. The schools I am looking at are MIT, Yale, Penn, Stanford, Tuck, & Chicago. Should I not consider any of those, or consider elsewhere? What can I do to improve the fact that I don't have any business experience? What else can I do to improve my app.

I have also participated in an REU (Research Experience for Undergrads) for two semesters.

Thanks in advance!

Hi and thanks for your inquiry.

First let me state that not all entering candidates to top notch MBA programs have business experience. Your military and research experience will help to differentiate your background. We have worked with several military folks and one of our consultants himself is a former veteran. Everyone knows that dedication to any sort of military services requires a lot of commitment and focus. Thus it will be imperative that you design a foundation that highlights your leadership and determination. Moreover, you will need to explain why the sudden switch into business. This will require that you further define your career goals.

As for your academics, you will certainly surpass that hurdle if you are able to score a well on the GMAT. The schools that you are looking at have some high marks for the GMAT average thus take your time and commit to preparing well for the exam.

Best of luck with your applications and on the exam!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Originally Posted by kev5673

I'm not really sure what range of schools I should be targeting and would greatly appreciate your help.

GPA: 3.8 in economics from University at Buffalo
GMAT: 760, 5.5 AWA
Work Experience: Energy Trader with small firm for almost 2 yrs now, more than 3 yrs by enrollment in fall 2009. Trade proprietary capital for return of over $1million or about a 400% return on invested capital / yr. Problem: This is an independent position with no teamwork/leadership involved. Compensated very highly but really nowhere to go with the position.
Personal: White 23 yr old male. Have 2.5 yr old son his mother and I have been raising while I put her through school. (Should this be included in apps at all?) I'll be taking and passing level I of the CFA exam in june.
Goal: I'd like to go into financial/economic consulting after completing the MBA.

Should I look for better work experience before applying to schools? The only problem is that I would have to take a massive pay cut to do that, about 50%. I'd like to go back in fall '09 but at least by fall '10 because that will be the last round my gmats are usable for, and I'd rather not retake them.

Mainly I'd just like to know what range of schools I should be shooting for given the profile. Thanks for your insights.

Kevin

Hi and thanks of your inquiry.

You academic profile is certainly impressive and will help raise you above the competition at least for this particular application component.

The work experience you mention sounds interesting particularly in today’s market given the vast attention given to energy issues. The fact that you work for a small firm should not be a negative attribute to focus on rather the independence that is given to you should be a positive factor to address within your statements. Many people use the MBA as a stepping stone to help advance their careers thus it will be important that you clearly define your career goals. The fact that you will have 2 years of experience when you submit your applications will require that you truly be able to articulate that you are ready for the challenge ahead and that you understand what your objectives are after graduation.

In terms of your family commitment, this information may be helpful to share given your young age for you have accomplished quite a bit in both your personal and profession life – that obvious demanded balance, commitment, and focus. However, your story will have to flow and tie in well, thus take great time to compose and draft your application strategy.

You did not mention extracurricular involvements. If you have been active in any outside projects or events, this can help demonstrate even more commitment, focus, and leadership.

With your profile and with careful crafting, you could be competitive at any top tier school.

Best of luck with your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Originally Posted by ericirav2000

Hi David. I am curious to see what you think about my profile and my chance of getting into a top 10 school?

Background: Persian. First generation in my family to attend a university. Graduated from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business.

Concentration:Finance

GPA: 2.995 (I know it’s weak, can I round up to 3.0 if it is really 2.995)

GMAT: 700

Work Experience:
3 yrs at investment bank

Side Work Experience:
I’ve always had a thriving entrepreneurial side. Since graduation, I’ve been responsible for developing and selling two successful online businesses’ while working at my investment bank. In addition, I continue to sell business plans (businesses' that I have thought of but have yet start) to other entrepreneurs.

Licenses:
Series 7

Career Goals: To establish networks with other entrepreneurs to build and expand my entrepreneurial endeavors.

Target schools: Top 10

Primary concerns:
Low GPA and Gmat


Thanks in advance.

Hi and thanks for your inquiry.

Your GPA is an indeed low and your GMAT score is borderline is as well. However, we have worked with other clients who have gained success even with such scores. The remaining components of your application will have to be quite strong.

The success you have had with your two businesses can be a unique factor if you are able to clearly articulate your leadership and creative approaches you have taken to allow the businesses to thrive and develop. Also, the selling of business plans should be somehow substantiated to ensure you get credit for these achievements.

You mention your desire to expand your entrepreneurial network but you will have to explain your overall objectives in more detail to help the committee visualize your potential and direction.

If you are able to accomplish all these issues within your applications, you could be competitive at a top ten school.

Best of luck with your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Originally Posted by visnaga

Hi
I am a pharmacist graduated from Egypt with low GPA 2.2.
I havenot taken GMAT yet.
I am really thinking of MBA but I wanna ask do I have any chance?
Also what do you think of the MBA program in the American university in Cairo?

Hi and thanks for your inquiry.

The GPA is concerning and without a GMAT score and a better understanding of your entire profile, it is difficult to assess your chances. Career goals, extracurricular involvements, leadership experience, and many other factors are examined when reviewing potential candidacy.

We have worked with clients in the past that have had pharmacy backgrounds and were ultimately successful. However, these clients had very well rounded backgrounds both academically and professionally. If you would like to discuss your profile in more detail, please do contact our office.

As for the American University in Cairo, I am not that familiar with their MBA program, but I suggest you contact their alumni office and ask to speak to some of their former students.

Best of luck with your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Originally Posted by kjm84

Hi,

I posted this thread on the main MBA Admissions board, but I think I may get a better response here. First a little background. I'm graduating from North Carolina State University in May with degrees in computer and electrical engineering. My long-term career goals include working in a upper-level management role for a large, technology-oriented company. I think that an MBA is prerequisite for achieving my goals. I hope, with your input, to develop a 4 or 5-year plan for getting into a great business school. My top choices are (in order) Duke, UVA, UNC. I'm assuming the top schools (Harvard, Penn, Columbia, etc. are beyond my reach).


Educational Background

I'll be graduating with an overall GPA of 3.25. I don't think this number represents my best work. My senior year GPA will be around a 3.6, and I think this is a fairer indication of what I'm capable of. Here are my questions:

1. Is my GPA low enough to warrant the development of an "alternative transcript"?
2. If so, what classes should I take? I have a B average in three calculus classes I've taken.
3. I understand that NCSU isn't exactly an elite institution. Will admissions committees hold that against me?
4. Also, will admissions committees consider the fact that my senior year GPA is significantly better than my overall GPA?

Post-undergraduate Work Experience

I've received several job offers, and I've narrowed my options down to two. The first opportunity is with a large corporation with a mediocre reputation. The position involves rotational assignments and heavy emphasis on leadership development. The goal of the program is to develop lower and middle-level managers. The second opportunity is with a stellar corporation that has the reputation of hiring extremely bright and capable employees. This company is a consistent market leader within every niche it competes. However, this second position doesn't emphasis leadership development like the first. Question:

1. Based on the limited information I provided, which job opportunity would look best to admissions committees?

GMAT Preparation

I've already decided to take formal GMAT prep classes. Questions:

1. Is it better to take the GMAT soon after graduating, or should I wait a few years?
2. Is it possible to extrapolate my GMAT score from my SAT score (1400)?

Extracurriculars

In college I was in a social fraternity (as opposed to academic or service), and I played intramural sports. From what I've read, admissions committees don't really consider undergraduate extracurriculars, so I guess that doesn't matter. Questions:

1. After college, I plan to continue playing team sports. Is this a plus?
2. What other extracurriculars do admissions committees like to see?

I realize this is a long post and I'm asking a lot, but I would really appreciate any insight you guys could provide. Thank you!

Keith

Hi Keith and thank you for your inquiry.

First let me congratulate you on your upcoming graduation. It is good to see that you are working on completing your research so well in advance.

Regarding your GPA, it is solid but not exceptional. However, I would not finalize your list of schools so early on in the process. With some great work experience and a strong GMAT, your potential for higher reaching schools is not impossible.

In terms of your undergraduate performance, not every candidate that applies to a top tier MBA program comes from an Ivy League school. Admissions committees will not ignore a strong applicant if they happen to come from a lesser tier undergraduate institution, thus I would not fixate on this component. Also, if all your other components (such as career and GMAT) pan out well and exhibit high achievement, your GPA may not be a such a big concern. The fact that you did quite strong your senior year will certainly help.

In terms of job opportunity, only you can decide which job to choose for you know your own ambitions and career interests. However, you always want to seek out jobs that will present a challenge to you and allow you to grow and excel with leadership opportunities.

Finally, extracurricular involvements are important for they exhibit one’s capacity to hold multiple responsibilities and commitments. Choose a focus that you will enjoy but that will also allow for you to demonstrate leadership and innovation. We have worked with many clients who have been involved in sports. If that is your interest, that is fine but make sure to make a solid commitment rather than a half involved approached.

Best of luck with your applications!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc

[AdmissionsConsultants]

Originally Posted by preeti239

Hi,

It would be great if you could help me select amongst the following list of colleges or even suggest some other colleges.......i wud need 5 colleges to apply to prior to my GMAT..which i will be taking shortly...
My profile is as follows:

GMAT: yet to give...but am expecting arnd 700
Acads: IT engg....63% from Mumbai Univ (India)
Work Ex: 3 years by Fall 09....as a contractor for Ernst & Young through Hexaware Technologies Ltd.......have worked extensively on .Net and Business Intelligence
Extra Curricular Activities: very good

The colleges i have shortlisted are:

1. Univ of Michigan - Ross
2. Cornell - Johnson
3. Indiana Univ - Kelley
4. UNC - Kenan Flagler
5. Emory - Goizueta
6. Rochester - Simon
7. Purdue - Krannert

please let me know if my choices are fine...or if i shud also look into some other college.......

Regards,
Preeti

Hi Preeti and thanks for your inquiry.

The background information you provide is quite minimal and thus it is difficult to assess your profile given this information. Many factors go into choosing a list of target schools, successful applicants spend a great deal of time researching schools for you must understand why it is you have chosen each specific school. The schools like to see that a candidate his conducted careful research and have in the end chosen their school for possibility.

For more about why it would be incompetent for me as a professional to recommend specific schools to you at this early stage, please see the red font post at http://www.admissionsboards.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18&whichpage=104.

If you would like to discuss your profile in more detail, please do not hesitate in contacting us.

Best of luck on your GMAT!

Sincerely,

David Petersam
President

[ve_boss]

Hi David,

First of all, thank you for all the feedbacks you gave !
They are priceless to understand a MBA evaluation.
I saw many different interesting profiles.

Would you like to take at look at my profile and give me your impressions ?


I'm French and graduated in 2004 from what we call a "Grande Ecole" engineering school (Ecole Centrale, master's II degree). My GMAT is 690 (but I don't know my GPA as the American notation is very different from the French one)

I have 4 years of experience.
I worked 1 year for a telecommunication company (SAGEM), but quited because the business at that time was not good (I developed phones of last technology) .
After that I've been working for 3 years for a global company (60000 employees).

I've always been an international-oriented person. I do like working with different cultures.
In this second company I worked partly in Paris and partly in Finland to set a center for the air traffic management (civil part) .
This year, I'm working in California to manage a development of an air traffic management center for NATO (military part). I'm a kind of "interface" between a French company and an American company (joint venture) to identify, manage and solve problems in the system. Very challenging, but very exciting too. I often work with US army's generals and NATO's big wheels and I interact with at least ten different cultures (German, US, British, Iris, Spanish, Belgian, Chinese, Danish, Brazilian, Swiss, Finnish ... and of course French)

That was a quick summarize of my work experiences.
Beside that, I try to be part of a lot of activities in the US (the community life here is very different from what exists in Paris).
I didn't have found a non-profit company as many students on this forum but I want to participate in a lot non-profit actions.
For instance, I was recently a Volunteer to organize the Newport Beach movie Festival. I was given responsibilities in the organization of the French part of this Festival. It was great ! In France, I actively participated in AIDS forums.

And... I'm a chess expert (as captain of one of the best Parisian teams in the French championship)

Bottom line, I'd like to apply for top B-schools. (MIT, Columbia, Chicago, Yale, LBS and HEC). Of course, I'm dreaming of Stanford but don't know if my application is competitive enough.

With a MBA I'd like of widen my skills from the engineering field to the high management area. I have a pretty good view of international projects and I'm eager to discover and control the business and financial aspects of those kinds of international projects.

What do you think of my application for those schools?

Thank you very much for your analysis.