Getting into schools you're not enthusiastic about!?

Question

For various reasons (not lack of ability) I didn't ace the gmat. I didn't even expect to given the little time I had for preparation but still did modestly average. What do you do if you only get in to safety schools due to a strong profile with a low gmat?

Considering the opportunity cost of waiting another year to get in is it even worth it to reapply? I am not the kind of person that needs a top tier mba in order to get a job, I feel I can do that on my own. What kind of advice would you give for someone in a situation such as this? Just do not want to wait any longer to get this degree.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Only apply to schools you would be thrilled to go to, no matter what. Simple as that.

Consulting2Finance · Answer

Do I have preferences amongst the schools to which I applied? Sure. But I'd be thrilled going to even the one that ranks 5th in that order.

It sounds like you are suprised that your safety school is the only place to whcih you were accepted and never really thought you'd go there. If you underachieved on the GMAT and KNOW you could do better, then why didn't you? For schools in the top 10 a steller profile and mediocre GMAT won't get you in.

I agree with Cheeterah. I don't get the safety school mentality for B school. This isn't undergraduate college were you really can't wait a year and reapply after improving your profile. If your application isn't ready, apply the next year.

Since, it appears that by your own admission you didn't give your best effort in your application but applied anyway it comes down to if you think waiting a year will produce better results in both the short (your application will improve) and long-term (you'll get a better job at the improved school).

If you truly don't need a top school to get a great job then why wait? If you do well at a lower ranked school you certainly can compete, but you will have to work a bit harder too. I just caution about being realistic. You thought you could get into an ultra elite school with a mediocre GMAT and it didn't happen so getting that elite job may be more difficult that you realize too. Just my two cents without knowing anything about your profile.

lamanxa · Answer

I not really sure if it is a good idea to spend 2 years and a bunch of USDk on something you're not really passionated and sure about its value. Better call to wait until the next year and set a killing application package to your dreams school.

slumdog1000000 · Answer

It's quite obvious no one on this discussion thread (and probably in the gmatclub community) agrees with your idea to apply to a school that you are not enthusiastic about. Remember that b-school admission is competitive and each school typically receives more applications than there are seats available. If you are not passionate abt the school you are applying to, it will usually come through in your app and your b-school adventure will end prematurely with dings, disappointment, and wasted resources. Never do that to yourself. Conversely, if you are thrilled about getting into a school you are submitting an app for, your chances of getting into that school (and walking away with a scholarship) will be so much higher! And of cse, you will naturally do so much better at a sch you like. For anyone who has worked for a couple of years, s/he will know how important it is to feel for what s/he does, in order to excel and succeed.

You are, in all likelihood, going to b-school once. Go for the best program you can get into and make it a memorable experience! You have my best wishes

Getting into schools you're not enthusiastic about!?

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