mNeo wrote:
ps. Is it foolish to gauge one's chances against other people's profiles (From the forums) applying to the same school? Yes, I think it is foolish.
Couldn't agree with this more. In some forums(think BW), people inflate their scores, GPAs and achievements in a pathetic attempt to scare off the competition.
I have been on this board for close to a year now and can confidently say that people here try to paint a genuine picture of their candidacy. That said, many candidates also ask for a profile assessment very early in the process(either early in the year or even in an earlier application cycle). They take the ton of great tips on this forum, work on weaknesses and become stronger candidates. At best, a profile provides a hastily composed snapshot of a persons candidacy.
If you form an impression of your chances(good or bad) purely based on the basic profiles listed on any forum, you are probably wrong. It is wrong not just because the sample sizes are too small and are often inaccurate, but also because it is very difficult to do such an assessment. B-schools spend a lot more time on every application than you and I would on a profile listed on a page.
Because comparing numbers is easier, we often form an impression of profiles mainly based on GMAT and as people here say ad naseum, GMAT is just ONE factor in the admission process.
Bottom line, give it all on your GMAT and after that give even more to your essays. How much effort you put in will ultimately determine where you end up.
@ beny : BTW, you seem to have a solid profile. All the best with your applications.