Hi!
Thanks for your post and for checking in. Here are various thoughts and responses to your profile, questions and concerns:
- Regarding your GMAT specifically, congrats first of all on the improvement. A 710 is quite respectable and would likely put you within a competitive range, GMAT-wise, for the schools on your list. That said, if you feel you could perform even better, a stronger score can always help, and/or sometimes help with scholarships. If you do feel you could do better you could always give it another try and find out.
- Regarding your work experience, I'd say 2 years at time of application (3 years at matriculation) is sometimes an acceptable 'minimum' (note that the average tends to be 5-6 years at matriculation). But it depends on quality and not just quantity of experience... and I don't know a ton here about your impact made and leadership and responsibility etc. If there's a chance that admissions reps could interpret your experience as lacking in much leadership or impact made for example, then another year of experience where you really aim to accomplish more at work could be a plus.
- Other factors related to waiting to apply... if you felt you could further develop any activities outside of work, including potential community service, that could be another plus for a future year.
- Post-MBA goals... you do want to be able to make a compelling case for your post-MBA goals and career plan, and being less experienced can sometimes make that even more important. If you feel you can make a good case for why you need the MBA and why NOW is the ideal time for you to apply, then that could be an argument to go for it sooner... if you feel you'd be able to get more research done and further solidify a potential post-MBA plan by waiting a year, that is food for thought as well.
- Re: LOR.... On one hand, if you do feel you cannot ask your current supervisor etc that can sometimes be fine if you explain in the optional essay; BUT if you don't have any other good options to write your recs due to your work experience being more limited, that could make it tough.
Many factors to consider, and overall it sounds as though your chances would likely be higher in another year, if you work on the above pieces, unless you have a big drive or need to apply now. Keep us posted though on questions, and we do offer a free 30 minute consultation option if you'd find it useful now or in future, at
www.mbamission.com/consult, feel free to sign up and/or post back here! Good luck to you!
_________________
Jen Kedrowski
mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant
17+ years in MBA Admissions Consulting; 40+ positive reviews on GMAT Club
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