artkin76 wrote:
Hello,
Just starting to research some schools and I am curious if anyone can give me some insight into what my expectations should be during the application process. Basically, I want to know what level school I can get into, meaning top tier, top 10, top 5, etc. I know a lot more goes into choosing schools, but I really just want to have a point of reference from which to determine "reach" schools and "safety schools". Below is my brief profile, any help would be greatly appreciated:
Male, Age 28
White
GMAT: 710 (45 Verbal - 98% / 43 Quant - 65%)
Undergrad GPA: 3.6 from a NESCAC school
Job Experience: 1 year paralegal, 5 years investment management (wealth management) with top wall street firm. I am hoping the finance experience will help prop up the low quant score. I also just took Level 1 CFA so if I pass it that might help a bit too.
Volunteer work: None really, I have always been really busy with work
Extracurricular activities: Hockey, going to the gym (I know these are not particuarly scholarly endeavors, but they keep me sane in and in shape).
Lets assume I can write pretty good essays, since I am really going to focus on doing so over the summer. I am probably going to apply to 4-5 schools Round 1.
So, what does everyone think? I know its somewhat limited information, but a general idea would be nice. Thank you for any help.
Hi There
Since you are aiming for top schools then a score above 700 is desirable. Also the GMAT alone won’t determine your chances of admission; your work experience plays a vital role as well. You need to ensure that academically you are in a good position. However it is not just the academics but beyond the academics that will help you in determining your candidature.
Generally most of the applicants have good 4-5 years of work experience. Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So if you can show that in 4 years you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for you could put in a strong set of essays.
So the quality of your work, your academics and beyond academics will play an important role. If you think you can balance all these aspects then aiming for top schools shouldn’t be a hesitation.
Although it’s advisable to have some safe schools in your list.
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13 Jun 2011, 11:40
