application advice needed..
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26 Nov 2006, 08:47
Hello. I’m about to start the process of applying to business schools, but I wanted to solicit some advice from this forum. I especially want to make sure that I have a realistic shot at my target schools..
First a bit of background.. I’ve been working for the past 2 years as a project manager at a large regional bank here in the South. I came through a selective rotational management associate program, and immediately entered the operations and technology division. We are currently in the middle of large merger which will create a top 10 bank in the country. I’m one of two project managers selected to work on our divestiture (selling off of branches). I’ve feel like I showed considerable leadership potential throughout the merger thus far, and I believe my recommendation letters will attest to this..
I have a double major in business administration and computer science from a small liberal arts school in the south, but unfortunately I have a 2.99 cumulative GPA. I did show improvement in my senior year though, where I had a 3.5 gpa. I also took some the hardest quant classes this year as well, while holding an internship, so I’m hoping I can convince ad-coms that this is my true potential.
As far as extra curricular activity, I’ve been involved in junior achievement where I teach underprivileged junior high school students economics (wonderful experience). In undergrad, I was also selected by the president of the school to serve on the president’s student advisory council. We basically acted as the liaisons between the president and the student body. I was also a peer counselor responsible for seminars on alcohol awareness, date rape, etc.
GMAT….I just scored a 600 on my GMAT. My quant score killed me. I scored a 38 on verbal, but only a 35 in quant. I scored a 550 on my first attempt. I expect to get a 6.0 on my AWA since that it what I scored on my first attempt.
I really feel like I need to start applying now because I feel like if I wait and take the GMAT again, and apply later, I will be a long-shot at my target schools.. (Is this correct?)
At any rate, I know my gpa/gmat is not very competitive. So I’m hoping to target the near-elite frontier tier..
1) University of Illinois – Urbana
2) Maryland
2) Georgia Tech
3) Wake Forrest
The average GMAT scores for these schools are around 650, and based on my profile, I’m not sure of my chances. How should I proceed? Would it be acceptable to call faculty / admissions from these schools and ask? Take the GMAT again and apply later? (Not sure I can bring up my quant score though)
I thought about taking a couple of courses at my local college, but the semester would start in January and not end until May?
I feel like I have a lot to offer schools and will be able to articulate my vision in an interview. I would love to consult within the financial services industry.
Thanks for anyone who can help me out during this stressful time!!