sonikavadhera wrote:
jigglypuff wrote:
I'm going to respond on here too, even though you sent a PM since you're not the only one who's messaged me about the GPA thing.
In truth, I believe that GPA is a soft requirement. I think it's more like a "prefer to have" than "must have". However, the issue with not meeting the soft targets then becomes the fact that your GPA is not competitive. Remember that successful applicants don't just meet requirements, but differentiate themselves from the competition. Fortunately there are other aspects of your application to mitigate the low GPA. 700+ GMAT is great, but I'd say not something special (unless you score 750+), especially since you're from Asia. Engineers are very common in business school. You're going to need to think of a way to sell yourself and differentiate yourself in your essays and interviews.
I understand all that and working hard on my application to differentiate.
I am just glad that my application will be assessed and not outrightly rejected only on the basis of GPA and that is a relief
I am planning a reattempt for GMAT
Other aspects from the top of my head - not sure how much they affect but was hoping that they do (hahaha)
1. Woman
2. Environmental Engineering major (with business electives) from NTU in Singapore (currently ranked No. 11) in the world - not the usual IT / Electronic
3. Working in engineering consulting - water reuse sector
4. NGO Experience in funding campaigns - start up
5. Auto pilot mode start up
6. huge ECA at work and college - received recognitions and rewards at work every single year.
These are not facts, but my opinion based on my observations and conversations with the admissions team throughout the years (before and during my MBA).
1. Being a woman helps. Rotman is trying to get to a 50/50 split. (By the way, if you're not heterosexual, that helps too.)
2. What they'll see is "engineer". Doesn't matter what kind, they're not looking for what you do, but how you think.
3. Not really a differentiator, unless your firm is a global firm that everyone knows.
4. Could be good, depends on what you did, how you progressed, what your impact is. Sell this.
5. Same as above, need to sell this well.
6. Could be good, but make sure they're recognitions that matter. Things like "volunteered every Saturday for two months" won't matter. It's the impact of what you do that does, not what you do itself.