Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 02:53 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 02:53
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
DrSues02
avatar
Joined: 01 Jun 2010
Last visit: 06 May 2011
Posts: 5
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
Chances at a Top-10 Business School? 01 Jun 2010, 17:26
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Could use opinions on whether I have a shot at a top-10 business school? I'm currently in sales but looking to get an MBA in finance.

White Male, 25

GMAT: 700

GPA: 3.99 from a private Division III university

Work Experience: 3 years in software sales at two different companies. #3 salesperson out of team of 150, promoted to sales manager and led team of 8-12 sales representatives. Switched companies for more potential and to learn enterprise sales ($1M+ deals).

Extracurriculars: Good in college but a little light since then. I started an investment blog that has a monthly readership of 1000+, and have been published on several financial news websites for stock writeups/analysis. Proven and verifiable stock trading record of beating the market over the past 15+ months.

I'm hoping to use my blog and trading background as a reason for going back to b-school for a degree in finance. Overall goal is to join a hedge fund or start my own.

Chances? Any hopes at getting a fellowship or other financial aid?
avatar
DuckPond
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 27 Jun 2008
Last visit: 22 Mar 2011
Posts: 101
Own Kudos:
11
Given Kudos: 2
Concentration: Healthcare
Schools:R1: Kellogg WL, Haas WL, Fuqua, Darden R2: Wharton
GPA: 3.09
WE 1: Biotech Strategy
WE 2: Health Economics
Posts: 101
Kudos: 11
Chances at a Top-10 Business School? 02 Jun 2010, 04:02
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Yeah, I'd say you have a shot but its hard to put a number on it.

Your short explanation makes sense and it sounds like you'll be able to make a strong case in the why MBA/why now essays that almost every school has.

Another thing that will influence your chances is what school you went to. I bet a 3.99 at Amherst/Williams goes a long way while it wouldn't stand out at a less competitive school.

In the end, if you put time and effort in your apps, I'd say you have a chance at a top 10 school. If I had to put a number on it, I'd say 60% but that's just a guess. Def apply to schools in the 10-15 range as well. The oppertunities there can be simialr to those in the top 10 depending on your goals.
avatar
DrSues02
avatar
Joined: 01 Jun 2010
Last visit: 06 May 2011
Posts: 5
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
Chances at a Top-10 Business School? 16 Jun 2010, 17:55
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I scored a 700 with little preparation and plan on taking the test again. After studying for a few months, I'm confident I should be able to raise my score.

How high do I need to shoot for to have a 75% or greater chance at getting in? 750? 720?
User avatar
shadow
User avatar
Joined: 25 Aug 2009
Last visit: 01 Nov 2016
Posts: 928
Own Kudos:
252
Given Kudos: 113
Affiliations: Consortium (CGSM.org), NSHMBA
Location: New Haven
Schools:Yale SOM Class of 2012
WE 1: Investment Banking Summer Associate (Boutique tech M&A)
Products:
My Reviews
Posts: 928
Kudos: 252
Chances at a Top-10 Business School? 16 Jun 2010, 22:16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
in my opinion, i don't think that a higher GMAT would necessarily put you in another "bucket" so to speak. the one thing that might stand out is your desire to break into hedge funds without any real finance experience. just to get some perspective, the HF industry is one of the toughest and most highly sought-after industries, and very few students at top schools (even ones like HBS and stanford) manage to break into this industry. those that do generally have some sort of experience in an investment bank or other financial firm.

anyway, i'd try and get some feedback from an admissions consultant, since i think you might be doing yourself a disservice by focusing your essays on a goal like that. i'm not trying to deter you from your dream, but rather making you aware that if you choose to focus your essays on that, you'll really need to go into detail as to what steps you are going to take in order to accomplish your goal.
avatar
SianFJ
avatar
Joined: 04 Apr 2010
Last visit: 25 Nov 2010
Posts: 21
Own Kudos:
5
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 21
Kudos: 5
Chances at a Top-10 Business School? Updated on: 19 Jun 2010, 02:31
Originally posted by SianFJ on 17 Jun 2010, 00:05.
Last edited by asimov on 19 Jun 2010, 02:31, edited 1 time in total.
advertising
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi DrSues02,

Firstly, is that your name or are you naming yourself after the genius writer 'Dr Suess?'

Secondly, you've got a great profile - all of your online accolades are impressive - so much so that if you're interested in beefing up your extra curricular we'd love for you to come and write about your business school search/application experience on our website <REDACTED> - would you be interested in blogging on a site like ours?



---------------
There's a no advertising policy for GMATClub