Yes you read that right! Got accepted into USC Marshall's MBA PM Program with a 590. 590 is a horrible score nothing to be proud of, but this is proof that they DO look at your entire package. So if you are struggling at the GMAT, do not worry, you still have hope.

I've been studying on and off for the past few years and it has been hell. The GMAT is definitely not for me. I would study and cram in the fall and apply during late spring. I've taken both Manhattan GMAT and Veritas Prep and my best and most recent score was a 590. This last time, I studied non-stop 5-7 days a week, 2-3 hours a day, and 4-5 hours on weekends. I was going to retake it again this year but decided against it last minute since I've already taken it multiple times and my additional studying wasn't improving my score significantly.

My background:

I have 11 years of management in health care, currently Regional Manager of my company, started two small companies (1 failed and 1 just started as of this year) and had a 2.97 GPA during my undergrad

I applied last year to both USC PM and UCLA EMBA and was wait-listed to both programs and then denied.

This year I applied to USC PM - Accepted, Michigan Ross EMBA -Los Angeles - Interviewed, UCLA EMBA -Wait-listed.

Also to address concerns from my low GMAT quant scores I took the MBAMath.com course. I believe this is what helped me get accepted to USC.

I remember when I had a low score I was devastated and searched for hope in these forums. I hope this will give a few of you hope that you can still get in even with a low score. GOOD LUCK!

You understand the purpose of this forum right? It's an outlet, a resource and a support group for aspiring MBA students trying to gain acceptance into a program. I'm sharing my experience because when I first got my 590 score a year ago, I was upset and hopeless. I want to provide hope to everyone who hasn't done well on the GMAT that there is still hope and that truly their entire application is looked at. A alternate transcript can bring new life to your application.

Your remark towards Part-time programs is condescending and shows your lack of maturity and understanding. Full-Time programs seem more competitive because they are usually geared towards candidates with minimum work experience who are also able to take time off from work and/or currently unemployed. With our current economy, many of our current undergraduates are finding it difficult to find work, so their next option is to go back to school and get an additional degree; so it is natural that the Full-Time programs have become so competitive. In addition, because the minimum work experience, Full-Time programs are also more focused on academics and test scores. In contrast, Part-time programs put more weight on work-experience. Part-time academic requirements are slightly lower, but the work experience has much more weight. Also, Part-time candidates are typically working or have several years of work experience more than the average full-time candidates. Please also keep in mind that is difficult to work a full-time job and study for a MBA part-time.

As a MBA prospect/student I'm surprised you didn't recognize that both are equal products that are packaged differently to serve different customer base. Regardless if I partake in a Part-Time program or Full-Time program, I will still get my diploma that says University of Southern California Masters of Business Administration. I'm sure if there was any difference in programs they would mention it.

I wish you the best in your pursuit for an MBA. You definitely need it and obviously have a lot to learn like the rest of us.

Why are you mad? I'm impressed you can infer so much about me based on one sentence!

"Full-Time programs are also more focused on academics and test scores. In contrast, Part-time programs put more weight on work-experience."

See the above? Hence why I am asking if you are trolling.

First I want to say congrats! You've obviously worked hard to achieve your goal here. And even though part time programs are not as competative, the USC PM program is quite strong, and with an average GMAT score and GPA above your score, you were fighting an uphill battle. Congrats again.

PS. You are obviously not trolling. Josh has been warned for his poor manners. Well done on your acceptance!
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