Most Frequently Asked Questions?

Question

I'm trying to compile a list of the most common questions people generally ask here. If anyone has stuff to add - GMAT related, essay related, interview related, etc -- basically anything goes, please post your q.

What GMAT score do I need to get into X?
Can I skip the AWA?
How many times can I take the GMAT before I've overdone it?
I've heard that quant matters more than verbal, is this true?
Should I retake the GMAT?
What constitutes a good leadership story or teamwork story?
I have a low GPA, how do I explain it?
Is the optional essay truly optional? 
What goes into a background check?
Can I go over the word limit on essays?
Does it matter if my interview is on campus or with an alumni?
Does it matter if I visit a school?
I've already visited a school, does visiting twice help?
Should I apply in R1 / R2 / R3 ? 
I come from a non-traditional background, am I screwed?
I come from a traditional background, I'm not unique, am I screwed?
I have few extracurricular activities, what do I do?
When should I ask my recommenders to write a letter?
My recommender asked me to write my own letter, what do I do?
My recommender(s) are late, what do I do?
My goal is to enter industry Y, is this too common?
I'm indian IT, am I doomed?
I heard that there are post-mba target quotas - .e.g only 20% of those admitted can want to go into banking, is this true?
How many schools can you apply to per round
How many schools should I apply to?
How long does it take to write a solid essay?
What are some common interview questions?
Can I re-use essays?
Must my resume be 1 page? 
I'm involved in Y, but this isn't a charity, does this count as an extracurricular activity?
I have a weak grade in class X, what do I do?
I want to build an alternative transcript, what do I do?
I have a good master's GPA but a weak undergrad GPA, what do I do?
I'm an international, what round should I apply in?
Who should write my recommendations?
I have a CPA or CFA or other designation, does that help? 
How soon can I start writing my essays?
Can I get a pre-MBA internship? 
What are the best books for essay writing?
I've been waitlisted, now what?
How do I find or contact current students?
Should I send thank you notes to my interviewer?
I made a mistake on my application, do I contact the school?
MBA vs. MS in Finance?
My undergrad school is some tiny school no one knows, now what?
I only have X months of work experience, what do I do?
Should I waive access to view my recommendations? What does this mean?
Should I tell this school they are my #1 choice?
I've got $X from school A, how do I tell school B?
Should I include my bonus in my salary on the form?
I have a gap in employment, now what?

Raabend · Answer

Is a 40Q/40V split and/or an 80th percentile minimum (in both sections) a must for top schools?

xlick · Answer

Add "I'm Asian Finance, am I doomed?" to the Indian IT question. : )

clarksdv2 · Answer

How old is too old?
Which schools are older applicant friendly?

riverripper · Answer

Which school...X or Y?

isa · Answer

How do I pick which schools to apply to?
On-campus or off-campus interviews?
Do I have to wear a suit to interview?
How should my resume be formatted?
Should I mention specific classes or professors in my essays?
Should I go to a school that's better for my concentration or is better overall?

unhedged · Answer

Are admission consultants worth it?
What is consortium?
Resume Questions (Single Employer, what it should look like, fill in gaps in employment history)

rhyme · Answer

Keep em coming.

pleonasm · Answer

What should be my resume font and size ? 
Can I wear a black suit to the interview ?
Can I quote personal anecdotes in the essays ?

3underscore · Answer

has isa picked a school yet?
how come X has a GMAT n and I have a GMAT n+80, yet they get in to school Z?

isa · Answer

LOL. <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" />

Jerz · Answer

I am a reapplicant - am I screwed?
I am a reapplicant - can/should I re-use my essays from last year?
I am a reapplicant - what should I do differently this year?

Plus some financial aid questions:
What's the difference between the different loan options (Stafford, GradPLUS, private loans)?
What about financial aid for international students?
What's the deal with named scholarships? Should I put a named scholarship on my resume?
How much can/should I take in student loans?

And finally:
Who is this "agold" that people keep talking about in chat?

Raabend · Answer

Hey Rhyme, are you going to actually answer them all????? If so, your dedication to the growth of this site is amazing 8-)

(and if not, its still amazing just not AS amazing)

rhyme · Answer

Raabend..... Stay tuned.

bb · Answer

GMAT Questions: 
How to improve math?
How to improve verbal?
How to improve RC?
How should I structure my prep?
Which books to use?
Are Test Prep courses worth it?

MBA 
Is Admissions consulting worth it?

I'll add if I can think of anything else.

Most Frequently Asked Questions?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards