That's such a cool advice osc.. thanx for this.
Can you also share your interview experience, and the questions that were asked.
Ivey is my top choice too.. but could apply in R1.
osc wrote:
Ivey was definitely first choice. Was only looking at Canadian schools and put applications in there and Queen's. Queen's is in adcom this week but haven't heard outcome there yet.
Everything I understand about the admissions process at Ivey is that its all about your overall profile and then how well they think you'll fit. Reducing things to GPA / GMAT is really not at all how Ivey looks at applicants. They are more bars to clear than prime factors driving your admission decision.
On the profile side, understand the strengths / weaknesses of your application. What makes you unique? For me, I have unique work experience and lots of it so I didn't feel I needed to focus as much on the GMAT (mine was below median but above 600). I'm also writing the CFA in Dec so was pinched for time. If you think you have a more typical background it is probably good to differentiate yourself via GMAT score - just keep in mind lots of applicants I talked to have crazy high GMATs.
On the fit side get to know the people there. This is probably most important. Can't stress this point enough. Because everything is case based you have to talk in class and interact with peers. They want to see this, so start with the recruiting team! Go to events, do the class visit, web sessions, email them, take them up on phone calls if they offer, ask intelligent questions. Don't creep them out or waste their time but make an effort to know people. Find out who all is on the adcom (they will tell you) and introduce yourself to all of them. Last thing you want is someone reviewing your app who doesn't know you. By doing this you'll also get a sense of how your stats look and if you need to say re-write the GMAT or get some more work experience.