cwhs wrote:
First off, thank you for taking the time to give your valuable opinions.
I just got the results of all my applications. The results are as follows:
HBS - R1 - Ding w/o interview
Wharton - R1 - Ding after interview
Col - R1- Waitlist then ding
NYU - R1 - Waitlist
I am an international (non-indian, non-chinese), applicant with and IT Degree 3.5 GPA from a top 20 state school. I had decent extra-curricular activities in school and after graduation, most notably (and currently) sitting on the board of a non-profit organization. I've been in IT consulting for the past 6 years with modest management experience.
I had two weaknesses in my application. First one, my first year of college I had a GPA of 2.3, and but then I changed schools and got the higher GPA. During this time, I had some quantitative classes, which obviously had dismal scores. I had a decent explanation for this, and made the schools aware in their optional essays.
Second weakness is the GMAT unbalance. I got a 710 score, which is over the 700 mark, but my Q score was on 70th percentile, while my V was on the 95th.
Since I just got waitlisted at NYU, I am thinking of taking the GMAT test again to increase my Q score, and to send them a message that I am serious about Stern. Based on all the information I provided, do you think that it would be wise to do so, or should I be taking quantitative classes instead?
Thanks!
Hi cwhs,
Sorry to hear about the dings. You are doing the right thing by reaching out for a fresh perspective on your application.
First off, GMAT. Since you are over the 700 mark, regardless of the breakout, I wouldn't be so quick to take the GMAT again. Since your overall GPA is decent, it is the pattern of not performing well in quantitative classes that it is a greater concern. You mention above that you didn't do well in your quantitative classes but had a good reason for that. If you don't mind sharing, go ahead and post it here or send us a pm. There are good reasons, and there are those that can be misconstrued as excuses. We could advise you better if we had the details.
Professionally, IT consulting is a fairly common background. How much progression did you show? Were your work examples tailored to the programs you were applying to?
For activities, it is commendable that you show a fair level of involvement. However, presentation is very important. I would be very interested in learning about whether you showed them to the best of your abilities.
The waitlist invite is a crucial point in your application, and I would urge you to send a reply that represents not just your continued interest in Stern, but all that you are doing to strengthen yourself as a candidate for their program.
We have worked with several candidates to develop a waitlist strategy, and I am happy to say we have had success with most of them. If you like, go ahead and set up an
Free Initial Consultation with us. This is as no cost to you, and will help us make our advice more targeted to your situation.
Feel free to drop us a line at
mbaconsult@mymbaadmit.com to discuss your application further. Check out our
Volume Discounts and Application Packages, including our Waitlist Consultation, tailored to your admission needs.
close
12 Feb 2010, 14:52
