Calling all 2011 CMU- Tepper Applicants

Level 2 Complete!

Congratulations Nithish! Can you please share your profile?

Is anyone a US resident who's requesting a Skype interview? They seem pretty heavy handed about wanting you to visit in the email. I lack the time or ca$h to make it back east this winter. Can anyone commiserate?

Tepper really strives to create a good community in its MBA program, so they want to make sure you have the desire to be there. I think one way they gauge that is whether or not you go out there for the interview. I live in Chicago, traveled out for an on campus interview, and was admitted R1 with some money. I guess what I'm saying is, really try to go on campus for the interview.

Have you been to the school before, or would this be your first visit? If you haven't been, I think it's pretty important to go. The school makes a very good impression when you go there in person, and I'm sure the AdCom is aware of that.

One hint: Jet Blue serves PIT, and they often have sales. My flight was < $100 (from NYC).

Thanks for the frankness y'all. Looks like I'm Pittsburgh bound in February after all.

I am thinking of applying to Tepper in R3. Is that a wise-choice??

It's difficult to answer that question with no information about you or what you're trying to achieve. Do you find the Tepper program interesting? Do you think you'd be a good fit? Is your story unique enough to capture the tired AdCom members' attention by the time they're done with R1 and R2?

Well my profile is as below

GMAT: 650
GPA: 69% form India
Did undergrad in Electrical Engineering
Worked for 3 years in software and then moved to non-profit in NYC.Promoted there within 3 months. Now working closely with the founder. Wants to start a non-profit for arts of my own after graduation. Highly Interested in Entrepreneurship track of Tepper. Awesome extra-curriculars. Performing violinist. Avid Public speaker/cook/traveler.

Yes, I do have a story putting all these together.

Have'nt visited the campus yet, but might do in early Feb.

Please share your thoughts.

That sounds interesting, but for R3 your GMAT score might pose a challenge. Are you considering re-taking it?
Have you heard from SOM yet? With their emphasis on non-profit and social entrepreneurship, it seems like it would be the ideal place for you.

I just got an interview invite today too

This is my retake score I came to terms with the fact that I am a poor test-taker and stopped taking more GMATs
I have'nt hear back form SOM yet, but again with my low GMAT i dont know what to expect

My number one choice is still YSOM

I got an interview invite and am plannign to visit the campus. I wanted to know if anybody could tell me about the nearest hotel. I have just shifted to US and dont drive and so will liek to know of a place which is nearest to the campus and from where I can get a cab. Does anyone have any info?

treehugger,

Since this is Tepper thread, I try not to derail too much.

If you feel that you're finding the "standard testing" portion of GMAT tough, as opposed to the maths and English themselves, don't give up yet.

Have you tried to explore different GMAT prep materials/books? The books out there have different instructional styles, and you may find one better suited to you.

I can speak of this from my own experience; after studying all the Manhattan GMAT verbal books, I scored a fair score (in the 30s) in Verbal. Then I discovered that the books by Veritas that "spoke to me" better. In my retake, I scored 40 in verbal.

I am not recommending the Veritas books or any other prep companies per se. Instead, I encourage you to explore different ways to improve your GMAT score, if you have not done so yet.

Good luck!

The Holiday Inn University Center is nearby, and has a hotel shuttle that can bring you to campus. There is also an airport bus that stops near campus and near the hotel, if you don't want to take a cab. It's $2.75 (but you need exact change).

When are you going to be there? Maybe we all should compare dates to see if there can be GMATClubber meetings, car pools, etc.

Thanks a lot! I will be there on 27th Jan. It will be great to meet if somebody is visiting on that day.

How do international students stand with admission chances of round 3? Thanks

Round 3 is tougher for everyone, especially at a place like Tepper that has a small class size. I don't think being international makes it better or worse, unless you're from a country they don't typically get applicants from, which would be one way of standing out of the crowd in R3. The reverse of that is that you might be from a country that already has several admits, and in that case it would be extremely hard to get in unless your a superstar.

I am interviewing on campus on the 31st. Anyone around on the 31st?