Just need a place to vent and whine...

Question

I'm currently in grad school (just started this sem) but I have no motivation because the program is not a good fit for me. It's the 2nd week in and I haven't even bothered purchasing my textbooks yet. My dream school is elsewhere and so I'm in the process of studying for the GMAT in order to apply this Feb. and transfer over. HOWEVER, I took a practice GMAT exam yesterday and scored a measly 400. That's right. A 400. Not even a 550 (about average), or 500, or 450. 400. That's 1 point away from the 300's. The average score for students who were accepted was around a 620 for that school and so I was shooting for a 650, but here I am with my depressing 400. The worst part is, I don't even have an excuse for scoring so low. I'm fresh out of undergrad, still young (22), and should have the mental ability to score at least around the 50th percentile but I don't.

I have 3 weeks to study and take the GMAT before the upcoming deadline, which is also the scholarship priority deadline. But what can I do at this point? Study my butt off and hopefully get a 500? That still won't be enough to get admitted/get a scholarship (it's a private school so lord knows I need this scholarship.) My work experience isn't exceptional (had 2 internships and a receptionist job throughout undergrad), my GPA isn't all that great (3.3 cumulative and 3.9 major), the LOR's I'm receiving aren't the best, and now I have a depressingly low GMAT score. It's the only school I want to attend and yes, I do feel like the world is going to end if I don't get in. I have already put off grad school for a semester, which really equals a whole year if I think about it, since I would be applying for Fall of 2015. On top of everything, my parents are stressing me out because they are hopeful that I would get into this school. I am utterly depressed (mainly because of the GMAT) and feel like I have no more prospects. I knew I was bad at standardized testing, but scoring on the 12th percentile? Didn't think it was possible since I've always scored around the 50th percentile on tests like the SAT/ACT without studying.

I know it's my fault for not planning more time to study but I don't know what to do anymore. I originally planned to study all of Dec and Jan but I have been working 60 hour weeks and so the studying has been pretty much nonexistent.

My biggest regret is overestimating my ability to do well (or average) on the GMAT and planning such a short amount of time to study. Of course I will keep trying, but at this point, I'm pretty much hopeless. If my GMAT was on track, I would have a solid chance of getting in, but now that I know my chances are zilch, I'm considering to not even bother applying. The only thing holding me back from doing that is knowing that I would live a life full of regret if I give up now.

Just needed to rant for a while before I get back to studying for what seems like the impossible.

:cry:

redfield · Answer

I can't offer much as someone who's only been studying a short while and just graduated undergraduate this past year; but the one thing (hopefully encouraging thing) I can tell you is when you said you scored in the 12th percentile it's important to remember you didn't actually score that, you did that as a diagnostic test essentially. The average might be 550 yes, but what percent of the people who take the gmat and get that didn't study at all?

I get you just wanted to rant and undoubtedly you're smart enough (and pretty battle tested) to know you can pick yourself up without help or encouragement but hopefully you will appreciate what this novice has to say; very few people start with a score they aren't ashamed of and just as many are able to improve their score in a relatively short amount of time to a much more admirable number. Study hard  , literally devote these 3 weeks to the GMAT. Check out some resources that offer quick turnarounds like the Gmat Pill which has a one month study plan you could probably accelerate by a week. A 3.9 in your major, I assume you have the intellect, now you just need to have the drive and fight in you for 3 weeks; people in gloomier circumstances have succeeded in the endeavor before you.

jz4analytics · Answer

You say you are fresh out of undergrad. Why do you  need  to enter an MBA program right now? The world won't end if you worked for a few years, took the GMAT, and then applied. Actually, it might be beneficial. The average full time work experience is 3-5 years. BSchools like to see that. The programs are for people who want a leg up into a management position - so some experience is required.

redfield · Answer

EDIT - Mistook who above post was intended for.

hopelessgrad · Answer

Thanks. I decided to push back the test back just a little longer and spend the next 2 months devoted to studying for the GMAT. Maybe I shouldn't be too angry - there were questions on the practice test I didn't try at all and just guessed, some I made silly mistakes on, and passages I didn't bother reading because I was so distracted (was at Barnes and Noble and lots of distraction there.) I ended up with a lot of time left over for all the sections. Will be studying for another week or two and taking another practice test to see where I stand. Purchased Magoosh's premium plan since I've heard a lot of good things about it, so I will be using their program as a study tool in conjunction to the GMAT Prep. Thanks for the motivation!

And I think the other guy was talking about me trying to get into an MBA program right after undergrad, since I just graduated also. For me, prolonging school is just a hassle, I might as well finish what I started. Also, I'm more motivated than ever to continue and learn more about the field. Not to mention the program I want to get into has a really good residency program - actually one of the main reasons why I'm so desperate to attend that school. I'm in a good place to attend graduate school now, I don't know how it will be a few years down the road. For some people, getting work experience and waiting is good, for others, not taking a break from school is for the better. I do already have 2 internships under my belt that directly relates to the field, so I do have a taste of what's in store.

Thanks guys. Hopefully I get to where I want to be in a few months and post one of those success stories! Good luck on your future endeavors as well.

JTuquero · Answer

I am glad that you decided to postpone taking the exam, as it seemed that you weren't confident in your readiness for the exam. I know that your job got in the way of studying in the past. It's tough not to be distracted, but try not to let it this time around. Here are a few tips on how to study for the GMAT with a full time job: https://econgm.at/aGufXE. We also advise students on time management, so feel free to poke around our blog for more tips.

Best of luck!

ShoeBunny · Answer

Do you know what the average years of work experience is for students entering the program that you want? I can't think of many schools that would consider a couple of undergrad internships as substantial work experience. But then again, I don't know what school you're talking about. I agree with you that waiting to go to grad school is not for everyone, but you should understand that when it comes to business school waiting a few years tends to be the norm. Why don't you reach out to current students or an admissions representative at your target school and ask for some insight? It could benefit you to also make that connection with them early.

hopelessgrad · Answer

The average age is 25 and the average years of experience is 2-3 years I think it was. I have reached out to several alums and current students and they assured me that many students enter the program without much work experience, hence the extended residency program. I've also spoken to an admission counselor and she also told me the same. I know there's no rush to attend graduate school and I don't feel rushed at all, I just know it's where I want to be at right now. The only thing I'm stressing over is actually getting into the school.

dtse86 · Answer

hopelessgrad I agree that for some people working before business school may not be necessary and some schools may see it likewise. However, I think it greatly depends on the individuals post-MBA goals, their maturity and their overall life experience. It also depends on the school (each school values each person's experience and potential contribution differently). I think taking the GMAT now is a great step if you are seriously considering going to business school one day. If you do well, it will buy you at least a few years to "figure things out". If you don't do well, don't worry about time as you'll have plenty of it to take it again and apply to business school later. If your aiming for extremely competitive schools and you're very certain you want to attend one day, I think focusing on your work experience and performance at work are the most vital for you at this point outside of the GMAT. Schools want high performers especially in the workplace and you need to make sure you can show this. As you continue on in your professional life, your GPA will matter less and your work accomplishments will matter more. Keep that in mind when you start to apply to schools. Lastly, I know you feel like "just getting it out of the way", but MBA programs want people with full time working experience for several reasons: Although internships can be meaningful and provide the intern a great glimpse of what's in store, the vast majority of them don't give students a full picture of what a career in that industry will be like. I believe it takes at least a year in an industry or company to fully comprehend what a career path in the field looks like or what one's options are. Because of this generalization, admissions officers generally disregard internship experience unless you personally were responsible for a multi-million dollar deal and directly managed a group of people during this internship. Admissions committees want individuals who are employable immediately post-MBA. Without any significant or meaningful full-time work experience it can be extremely difficult. Yes, there are many individuals each year who get into top schools without any experience, however from what I've heard from people in MBA programs right now, those are the people who struggle the most with recruiting. Yes you could argue about all of the career switchers out there don't have any years of "relevant" work experience, however employers still value their years in another field or industry because they should have some transferable skills in their new/desired position. Also keep in mind, for those without prior work experience that do find a job, many of them start with much lower salaries than their peers. Employment statistics at MBA programs are one of the most attractive reasons to pursue an MBA, however keep in mind if you enroll without any work experience you will likely be on the lower end of the MBA salary range. Admissions officers want to construct a class where each class member can contribute meaningfully to discussions with input or perspectives developed through experience in the workplace. The MBA is more than just the education itself, it's also about learning from and connecting with your classmates. Unless you have some very unique worldly experiences (I don't know you personally so you might), then it's unlikely that you'll be able to do so or convey this without any full-time experience. Sorry if some of this came across as a bit harsh, but I think waiting a few years isn't a bad idea. I know a lot of people think they know exactly what they want and when they finally get it, they realize it's not exactly what they expected. I also know that it's hard to see whether or not that's true in the present moment, however I believe that when most people reflect back to when they were a younger age, they realize they were a bit naive in their expectations of the world around them (I know I do). A few years of experience and gained wisdom helps distinguish those who really know what they want and how to get it versus those who are merely dreaming of a fantasy life. Once again, my recommendation is to take the GMAT and do your best. If you don't do well, don't stress out about it or worry about applying to business schools right away. Instead, try and go out and gain experience or follow a passion. I think it'll be much more valuable to you in the end (for both business school and in life). If business school still feels like the best next logical step years down the road, then look to seriously pursue it then. Don't worry about it too much for now

hefetus · Answer

What type of grad program are you in and how long will it last? Bear in mind that schools will expect you to explain your path and history - and will analyze that. It may not show the best track record if you enrolled in a grad program and ditched at the first minute because you lost interest. Why not put everything you can into your current program, to get stellar grades (to make up for the GPA that you're unsure about) and take as many quant or business courses as you can to show some sort of track record. Study for the GMAT throughout this period.

I would then try your luck at a year or two of work experience. If you aren't ready to face the professional world now, what makes you think that an MBA will provide you with that confidence? It took me a long while (4-5 years) to realize that I really wanted and needed an MBA. What is your post-MBA professional goal? I wouldn't have been able to fathom it without having spent a few years in the workplace.

I'm not trying to be harsh, but maybe it's best to take a step back and work within your current situation rather than fighting it. I think that shows maturity!

hopelessgrad · Answer

You guys, I appreciate the feedback but there's really no need to press on about waiting a few years before grad school. I worked full time during undergrad and post-grad (was actually working 60 hour weeks and didnt have time to study as planned in December, as stated in another depressing thread that I made Lol.) When I say "not much work experience," I really meant the relevancy of my work experience to the field I'm going into (healthcare admin.) Beyond that, I probably have more work experience than the typical college graduate. The school also has a 7 month residency program geard towards those without relevant work experience. I was very agitated and pessimistic when writing the OP.

dtse86 · Answer

Well ultimately it's your decision. You can always apply at various times in your career and applying now is always an option if you truly feel you're ready. If you get in great, if not don't stress out about it. However I think what hefetus and I were getting at was that I wouldn't worry so much about getting into business school at this point and instead concentrate more on developing as a professional. I understand you may have a decent amount of full-time work experience while in undergrad, but the experience that most people are concerned with is full-time experience post-bachelors. I don't mean to diminish your accomplishments or anything (I think that the fact that you worked 60hrs a week while going for a bachelors full time as well is extremely impressive!), but the months that people typically count are the months of experience after undergrad. Unfortunately that's how many in admissions and many potential employers will look at your resume. Now I don't know your particular story and you may be the exception to a lot of our generalizations with a great deal of real world experience to contribute and so feel free to go for an MBA as soon as possible. However, IMHO I believe that an MBA is generally most valuable to those who have worked for a few years post-grad and have a better understanding of what they're looking to get out of the program. Like I said, you may be the exception (IDK) but I hope that you eventually figure everything out and that you end up in a professional position that you're happy with

and feel free to vent, whine, and reach out to anyone here on the forum! There's a lot of great MBA application advice, career advice, and general advice here from some fantastic contributors.

ShoeBunny · Answer

Your OP sounded like you may have some doubts, but I think it actually sounds like you have made your mind up. Nothing any strange on a forum is going to change your mind. And if you know what you want, you shouldn't let us!

Study hard and do well on the GMAT. You're crunching time by studying and putting together an application at the same time, so give both aspects as much time as you can so you put together your best possible application. Maybe you can take a test a few days after you submit your application, and mention it in the optional essay? As you said, you're young and the material is probably fresh in your head so don't let the stress get the best of you on your next test date.

Just need a place to vent and whine...

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