Accepted to a top program with a 590 and 2.97 GPA!

You understand the purpose of this forum right? It's an outlet, a resource and a support group for aspiring MBA students trying to gain acceptance into a program. I'm sharing my experience because when I first got my 590 score a year ago, I was upset and hopeless. I want to provide hope to everyone who hasn't done well on the GMAT that there is still hope and that truly their entire application is looked at. A alternate transcript can bring new life to your application.

Your remark towards Part-time programs is condescending and shows your lack of maturity and understanding. Full-Time programs seem more competitive because they are usually geared towards candidates with minimum work experience who are also able to take time off from work and/or currently unemployed. With our current economy, many of our current undergraduates are finding it difficult to find work, so their next option is to go back to school and get an additional degree; so it is natural that the Full-Time programs have become so competitive. In addition, because the minimum work experience, Full-Time programs are also more focused on academics and test scores. In contrast, Part-time programs put more weight on work-experience. Part-time academic requirements are slightly lower, but the work experience has much more weight. Also, Part-time candidates are typically working or have several years of work experience more than the average full-time candidates. Please also keep in mind that is difficult to work a full-time job and study for a MBA part-time.

As a MBA prospect/student I'm surprised you didn't recognize that both are equal products that are packaged differently to serve different customer base. Regardless if I partake in a Part-Time program or Full-Time program, I will still get my diploma that says University of Southern California Masters of Business Administration. I'm sure if there was any difference in programs they would mention it.

I wish you the best in your pursuit for an MBA. You definitely need it and obviously have a lot to learn like the rest of us.