asimov wrote:
There has got to be more to the story. A 700 is a respectable score, especially since scores have been trending lower with falling application volume. Your work history and recommendations, on the surface, position you in the top 20 range. Did you get ding with or without interviews? If so, where did you get interviews from?
That's what I thought too. I had more safeties on my list that an admissions consultant told me would not be necessary because McDonough would be 'safe' enough.
I interviewed at McDonough and Kellogg. Also busted my ass making connections, doing coffees, emails, etc. with alumni/faculty/students/admins at several of the schools, to no avail. My current job can be very network-y so it's something I'm used to. I thought I did pretty well getting in touch with people and making clear to the admissions folks that I was interested in their school.
At this point I'm thinking I might take a year rather than rush things in for R2. Also I'm thinking next year I'm going to cast a wider net as well. Before I do that though I'd like to figure out what went so wrong this time around.
I am actually applying to all the same schools in R2. Perhaps MBA programs are not looking for many candidates with similar profiles as yours? Otherwise, I cannot think of why you would be dinged by them all. Would you say your 'Why MBA' is strong? More importantly is it a feasible change in career and can the MBA program get you there. Best of Luck!