Hi All
Long-time reader, first time poster
I was accepted into Anderson FEMBA Round 1. Although I was planning on applying to other prominent part-time programs, including Booth, Haas, and Kellogg, once I got into Anderson, I didn't bother submitting my application to any of the others.
Anderson was my first pick given it's reputation, integration of FEMBA with the full-time students / campus community, and quality of career services available to FEMBA's. Anderson's commuting option (FLEX) was also a very important factor as I will be a fly-in student.
For financial and career reasons, part-time was the best option for me.
However, I have some advice for everyone still with outstanding applications, do not stress over GMAT. My impressions (and therefore opinion) of the overall admissions process was that diversity/quality of career experience and goals are what most greatly sways the "yay" or "nay" admissions decision. If you have a compelling or unusual background of high quality and your GMAT is in the 80% range (which for Anderson FEMBA is 640-740'ish, I think), GMAT becomes a "check" rather than an influencer.
Therefore, if you get in the mid 600's or higher, I wouldn't stress too much for Anderson FEMBA. However, I think this logic can be applied to other schools and full-time programs - get in their 80% GMAT range, and you should be good.
Now since rankings are important and GMAT greatly influences them, it is my impression (and therefore opinion) that a stella GMAT score (i.e. 750 or higher) may make the admissions committees 'forgive' a less compelling/application background; however, I heard of stories of those with 3.8 GPA's and astronomical GMAT scores getting rejected given lack of compelling goals and work experience.
GMAT quant also becomes a little more important in my opinion if you have no quant background to demonstrate your ability (ie you never took calculus, you currently work as a journalist, etc.); however, if you can show your ability to handle quantitive work other ways, it again falls into that "check" category. Get in the 80% range, and you should be fine.
Therefore, it does not suprise me that folks with less than 700 GMAT's got into Anderson and many other wonderful part-time and full-time programs, including the coveted top 5 full-time programs. Get in the 80% range with a unique compelling high-quality application, and you should be fine.
For all those admitted to Anderson, I look forward to meeting you