baer wrote:
I'm looking to apply to Stern, I know it's one of the more quant focused schools. The only edge I have is unique work experience; 3 years in the fashion business, managing high profile accounts for my company. I've also completed an executive training program there in my first year. My GPA isn't too hot, a 3.0 from NYU undergrad, and 680 on the GMAT. I'm also a white male.
I'm hoping that my work experience will differentiate me enought to compete against the finance, IT, and consulting fields typical to B-school. I'm going to try to play up the experience gained from working in a luxury goods envornment and how that can add to the perspective of other students.
I'm also hoping to get awarded an interview, because I have a charismatic personality that would surely work in my favor. I've aced every interview I've ever been on.
What do you think my chances are given my low (comparative to the current class) scores? Should I aim higher on the GMAT and retake before applying, or does the whole package look competitive enough?
Thank you.
Baer,
I can't really evaluate your "whole package" because you didn't give it to me, but I don't think a 680 is a deal-breaker at NYU if everything else is strong (the everything is what I can't comment on in your case). I do think your strategy of relying on the unusualness of your career track and your interview skills is a perfectly valid one. If you have the time to improve your GMAT score without affecting the quality of your essays and application and you have some evidence that you can raise the score then consider retaking it.
Good luck,