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c123456
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Do schools typically weight gender heavily? 04 Oct 2018, 17:57
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Most of the east coast schools that I've been looking at (primarily UVA and Georgetown) seem to have fairly equal amounts of women and men attending.

I would be curious if any one has (statistically or anecdotally) any insights into whether business schools will weight applications differently based on gender? While of course that's just one part of the application and I'm sure GMAT, work experience, etc count for much much more, I am curious about whether schools actively try to balance the genders of their student body.
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Do schools typically weight gender heavily? 10 Oct 2018, 03:30
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c123456
Most of the east coast schools that I've been looking at (primarily UVA and Georgetown) seem to have fairly equal amounts of women and men attending.

I would be curious if any one has (statistically or anecdotally) any insights into whether business schools will weight applications differently based on gender? While of course that's just one part of the application and I'm sure GMAT, work experience, etc count for much much more, I am curious about whether schools actively try to balance the genders of their student body.
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B-schools are constantly trying to increase their diversity and gender diversity is one among them, as it ethnicity, professional path and sexual orientation. But despite that, they maintain similar class statistics through the years, so I am sure they have quite a standardized class composition criteria to follow. Also, being a woman can make it easy for you, but it would not get you admission if the b-schools think you don't deserve it.

So you are right in your thinking. Your overall profile will still deeply matter to the adcom.
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Do schools typically weight gender heavily? 16 Oct 2018, 22:55
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Yes, Business Schools are actively trying to bring equality (50-50) in class profile. Having said that, I agree with comments above that you still need to measure up to respective business school's standards. Being a woman, can at max help you give or take 10%.
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Do schools typically weight gender heavily? 17 Oct 2018, 13:06
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c123456
Most of the east coast schools that I've been looking at (primarily UVA and Georgetown) seem to have fairly equal amounts of women and men attending.

I would be curious if any one has (statistically or anecdotally) any insights into whether business schools will weight applications differently based on gender? While of course that's just one part of the application and I'm sure GMAT, work experience, etc count for much much more, I am curious about whether schools actively try to balance the genders of their student body.
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I don't think you can reduce it down to a formula-- but all B schools are looking to move closer to gender parity at 50/50 male/female. Some programs are getting close like Kellogg that this past year enrolled 46% women in their class-- and then there are other schools like UNC Kenan-Flagler that seem to hover around 30% female in their class. So if you are a woman, a school might look a little more closely and perhaps be willing to accept something a slight bit off the mark to retain more women. But you still have to be qualified and bring some compelling work experience and confidence that you can handle the rigor of the program. No program is willing to sacrifice quality to reach this goal of gender parity so focus on what you can control-- being the best MBA candidate you can be by doing your due diligence, studying for your standardized tests, reflecting well in your essays etc- and then don't worry about what you can't control which is your gender.