GMAT retake with just 7 weeks to deadline?

Rishu,

Thanks for buying MBA Admission for Smarties

You can self-report a new score as long as you take the test before you submit the application. GMAC will forward the official score when it gets to it. If you take the test after the deadline, you run the risk that the schools will evaluate your application before they get the new score. They are very unlikely to re-evaluate it once they receive the new score.

I'm not clear what you are asking when you write about choosing Booth over CBS? If you apply to both, they are doing the choosing? Are you planning to apply to only one?

Linda

Hi Linda,

I am planning to apply to Kellogg, and either one of Booth/CBS. I spoke to adcoms at both CBS and Booth about how they are looking at IR scores. The dilemma is between choosing a school (Booth) that does not have rolling admission but will look at the IR scores closely, VS, choosing a school (CBS) that will admittedly not put much importance on IR score but has a rolling admission (and I am starting late).

After going through the first chapter of MBA admission for Smarties, I find myself open to know more about not-so-stellar programs that have a good offering for finance and economic policy-making, with the shorter term goal of working in developmental finance (plan A), or, working in risk and data analytic departments of macro driven asset management & investment research firms (Plan B). I am working hard on my goals!!

Kenan Flagler, for one, is a good option for buy side research, but apparently, Wharton, Booth, CBS are blinding the lights out. Can you please make an off-handed suggestion for the names of programs to research in greater detail?

Also, I went through the essay questions of various schools, but did not come across any that point directly towards community service. Is it something that we need to "fit in"?

Best,
Rishu

P.S.: I am worried about school selection because there is hardly enough time to finish 2 applications by Round 2, and choosing the wrong program means waiting another year, which is unaffordable since my current employer gave a week's time to decide and put in my papers in case I plan to go this year. (They will give good recommendation, they just don't want somebody to leave midway next year)
Do you have any programs that offer (limited or basic) help to cash strapped applicants? I will be jobless starting December, so certainly cant afford any premium services, as much as I would like.

I don't think you're going to like my answer. Given your goal, Chicago is a fantastic fit. However, given that CBS has told you it is not considering IR, I would say apply to CBS, which certainly isn't bad. Any chance you can apply to both and Kellogg?

Other schools to consider: Yale, Georgetown, Cornell.

Regarding our assistance, obviously I don't know your budget. Our least expensive purchase is one hour at $270. WE also currently have a special $100 off any order over $1000 (ends Thursday, but will be extended for GC members until Nov. 30). If you think you can afford either of these options, then please let me know and I'll put you in touch with a consultant. He or she will help you figure out with you how best to use our services.

Best,
Linda

As much as it is tempting to apply to all 3 (Kellogg, Booth, CBS), it would be extremely difficult to finish the applications (satisfactorily) by R2 deadlines, given that I am yet to start writing essays. Moreover, both CBS and Booth top my list. It will be heartbreaking to get dinged from both programs in the same attempt and not have a decent second chance.

I so wish I had the habit of writing a journal or a personal diary. MBA applications would be so much easier. Just pick and choose.

Just out of curiosity, have you ever come across a comparison of the top programs based on the so-called 'fun quotient' and do they tell anything meaningful? After all, its 2 years of life.

Will definitely get back on the packages you mentioned as I finish the research on goals & programs, and settle on the broad outlines of my stories.

Thanks

Obviously I don't know your other commitments and demands on your time, but for most applicants from now to the early January deadlines does provide enough time to complete 3 applications. Obviously you have to start soon and work steadily. And I am assuming that you are not retaking the GMAT.

Princeton Review may have some kind of fun index, but I nothing comes immediately to mind. I suspect that in either NYC or Chicago, you can always find fun.

We look forward to working with you.

Best,
Linda