Hi,
I would not recommend applying to 10 schools within any given round, especially when you're targeting the top schools. Even if you're willing to pay for a large school package, I'm sure any good admissions consultant would advice you against it. The amount of research and effort needed to properly apply to each school is way more than you'll ever imagine.
If you are serious about applying for the top schools, a better use of your time would be to study and retake the GMAT if you can improve your score. Even with good work experience, and extracurricular, (and hopefully awesome college GPA), a low GMAT score hurts your chances.
Applying to too many schools doesn't increase your chance of getting into a school, it merely dilutes your efforts and actually hurts your chances of getting in. Imagine asking your recommenders to write rec letters for 10 schools....yikes!
You can start w the long list of schools then narrow them down by considering your short-term and long-term career goals, and talk to students of the schools to see how each program can support your goals, and how well you would fit it.
Same thing w job search - as I'm coaching MBA graduates on their job search, and they are applying to various companies across so many different industries, they cannot possibly do the research and gain the depth of knowledge needed to do well in interviews. It tells me and potential employers that they are not clear about their career goals, and just want to job.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Christine Lin, Principal
Marvel Admissions Consulting
clin@marveladmissions.comEMess51 wrote:
Unfortunately, I scored a 640 on my GMAT (I know, it kind of sucks). I have 7 years of IB experience with good volunteering and extra curricular. I am planning on applying to around 10 +/- schools in the first round (all in the top 15). I know that typically people apply to around 4+/-; but given my years experience, I need to go sooner rather than later.
Do any admissions consultants do a large number of schools as part of a package?
Does anyone have any advice and/or suggestions? Is this a good strategy with decent odds or a shot in the dark?
Any/All help is much appreciated.
Regards,