dws1159 wrote:
Through a combination of the amazing resources on this site,
Manhattan GMAT prep books, and my local library resources, I was able to score a 710 on the GMAT (47 Math, 40 Verbal).
I had initially planned on going to the Rochester Institute of Technology for my MBA because I had completed my undergrad work there and could finish their program in just one year. Their requirements were a 580 on the GMAT, and it seems the average score is a 600. Obviously, now I think I should probably apply to other schools.
Here is a full rundown of my qualifications and I would love to hear what you think some safe schools would be, schools I have a decent chance at getting into, and some reach schools might be. Thanks!
Personal Information:21 years old
Air Force Brat who lived overseas and in several different states
Caucasian
High SchoolGraduated with a 4.0
I was the graduation speaker in front of 500 of my classmates and their families
Member of National Honors Society
Undergrad:
Rochester Institute of Technology
BS in Political Science, minors in Philosophy, and Business Administration
Enrolled in 2010, graduated in 2013 ( a year early)
Active member of the Honors program, graduated with honors
National Society of Collegiate Scholars member
GPA: 3.8
I also won two writing awards, with cash prizes through the college.
The first was for my work in political science on the subject of the legal definition of personhood, and its implications for chimera creation in the field of biology and biomedical science. The second award was in the field of philosophy of science on the subject of whether development of plate tectonic theory constituted a Kuhnian revolution or paradigm shift in the field.
My employment history:
I was the Complementary Learning Advisor for the Honors program, from October 2011 – May 2013. I advised undergraduate students on their complementary learning plans, which is the 20+ hour service requirement per year that each student is required to perform. I recommended community service activities, and recorded & tracked counseling session data for trend analysis.
I worked as a Hot Line cook during High School at Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers from November 2009 – August 2011.
I was an intern for the Transportation Management Office at RAF Mildenhall, a joint USAF and RAF base in England from June 2007 – July 2007. I performed basic clerical tasks but also worked with civilian and military personnel.
Finally, my first job was as an intern in the computer support office of the Civil Engineering squadron at RAF Mildenhall from January 2006 – December 2006. I Assembled computers, and installed software including a custom Air Force version of Windows using a ghost image, ensured network connectivity, and organized & catalogued various types of electronic hardware. I started there as a freshman in high school.
I can procure recommendations from the following people as well:
Two different associate deans of the liberal arts college, one is the chair of the philosophy department as well
Both professors who recommended me for the writing awards who I took multiple classes with
The chair of the political Science Department
Two MBA graduates who currently work at RIT. One is a former VP for a Swiss bank, worked in risk management, and now helps manage the investment of RIT's assets and its overseas campuses, and my intro to options and futures professor which I got an A in. The other is a social media marketer, owner of his own company, and an incredibly tech savvy professor.
My supervisor at the Civil Engineering Squadron, a retired USAF Master Sergeant, and current systems administrator at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
My first accounting professor at RIT, I got over 100% in his class
Probably any other professor I have studied under. I never failed a class, or had any trouble meeting deadlines, even though I frequently took 20 credits under a quarter system.
Finally, I will probably need a rather hefty financial aid package. I'm not exceptionally well off, and already fairly in debt for my undergrad studies. Schools who are a slightly lower tier, but easier to pay for would automatically jump to the top of my potential applications list.I look forward to reading your responses, I know I have a rather odd profile. Also, I have no idea how much work experience is weighed in the admissions processes and as you can see I'm rather lacking in that area.
If you want to get into a decent business school (top 30), you need a few years of solid work experience after college. Most folks have around 3-6 years at time of matriculation (or 2-5 years at time of application).
Keep in mind that post-MBA recruiters look at the person as a whole (they're not hiring just on the MBA credential alone) - as such, you'll be at a huge disadvantage because you'll be competing against your classmates (and other MBAs) who have solid work experience. Even with an MBA with no work experience, you're really no more qualified than a fresh college grad in many respects (and adcoms know that, which is why your chances are slim at any top 30).
Finally, it helps to build some financial base by working a few years - save a bit of money before diving straight back in. Also, keep in mind that by graduating college, you'll exiting one part of your life (the life of a student which has been your primary identity for most of your life) and entering another (young professional). And those first few years out of college are formative years in your adult life - you will learn a lot about yourself, you will grow, mature, etc and in many ways be a different person even after 2-3 years. And that only helps should you go into b-school because your future MBA classmates will be true peers (because they would've similarly gone through the post-college period of growth, perspective, realization, etc). No matter how level headed and mature for your age you feel you are today, you have to be open to that possibility that you will continue to change (perhaps significantly) when you become a young working professional.
Again, you seem like a capable, driven and smart person who has built a strong foundation coming out of college. But that's just the beginning - get some work experience before you apply. Good luck
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02 Jul 2013, 12:23
