Hello experts, consultants and members,

I have read this numerous times on forum and on college’s websites that GMAT or GPA is just a part of the entire application and could be compensated through other components.

My understanding of components: (In no particular order)
1. GMAT
2. GPA & Reputation of college
3. Essays
4. Recommendations
5. Work-ex & reputation of company
6. Extracurricular/Community services
7. Nationality (I guess, it’s a hidden parameter)
8. interviews

I want to discuss and get your opinion on-
1. Which is the most important aspect, if there is one, of your application?
2. Which component, if weak, cannot be compensated by other strong components?
_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote

Great...thank you.. slipped from my mind, probably because i dint get an invite yet from ross
_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote

Oh well, I'm interested in consulting. I gotta be a good problem solver. Here you go:

Wave 1... Wave 2... Whose Loss? Me or Ross??


_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote

Work experience is by far the single most important factor, followed closely by GMAT. Let me say as an Admissions Consultant though that having the essays and application as an "element" such as GMAt is a bit strange. For the essays and the application are the TOOLS you use to prove your experience in all the aspects (and to move the Adcom)... so one depends really on the other!

yep.
_________________

Jon Frank
Founder, Admissionado
http://www.admissionado.com
GMAT Club EXCLUSIVE: $100 off Bootcamps and Writing Workshops!

If you like the post, give it a KUDOS!

Get a Free Consultation!

But isnt it true that some colleges admit students even without work-ex, provided student is spectacular in other components. So in effect work-ex could be compensated. On the other hand, if an essay has a spelling mistake or a grammatical mistake, it would not be tolerated. This is what I gathered from many chat transcripts/FAQs..
your thoughts?
_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote

bump.
_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote

So in effect you are saying that nationality is more important than other factors.. Or nationality + work ex may be
_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote

Good question and discussion! And a tough one, for sure.

I voted essays. I definitely see the point about the importance of solid work experience, but I would argue that many (if not most) people applying to top business school have solid, above-average work experience for their age. There may be some spectacular outliers where the work experience just speaks volumes for itself, regardless of essays. But I'd be willing to bet that this isn't the case for the majority of applicants. For most of us, we really need to communicate how our accomplishments show leadership through the esssays in order to demonstrate fit and ultimately get that interview invite, and hopefully, acceptance.

As for stats, GMAT/GPA are also important, but I think the key distinction is this: you can definitely get into school with low stats if you have other impressive qualities, but I doubt you could if your essays really suck.

In my case, my essays from my last application were so much better than the ones in some of my initial applications that my boyfriend (who had been my go-to reviewer throughout the process) actually thought my work experience seemed much more impressive. It wasn't that I had some new, over-the-top accomplishment in those two months, but that I was able to better articulate my success.

Before I started this process, I really thought work experience and other leadership accomplishments just spoke for themselves (duh, isn't that what the resume is for?!). And if you started the next Facebook or found a cure for the common cold, maybe it does. But for me, at least, this process of defining success at work was much more tricky than it seemed at the outset. I used completely different, and much better, examples for my last application that in hindsight were more interesting and resonated better with my stated career goals. But for whatever reason, it didn't even occur to me that these examples were all that special when I began the whole rigmarole of MBA applications.

Totally agree to whatever u said.. I think u may have spectacular gmat, work ex and what not, but if u don't have great essay highlighting everything it's of no use. Essays are most important component of application.
_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote

I think essays are the most important aspect. I'm disappointed to not get even an interview call from Ross and duke, two colleges I spent most time on. I think 720 GMAT, first class with distinction in undergrad, 8 yrs work ex including 3 yrs international in 2 countries, awards and out of turn promotion should've covered all other areas.
_________________

Lets Kudos!!!
Black Friday Debrief
Most important component: Cast you vote