gmahn wrote:
Congrats TexasGuy. Hopefully I'll get the same answer in a few months. By the way, after this application experience I've realized that I could have done much more when younger to have a better profile for a MBA.
For example, why didn't I try to study much more? Why didn't I participated in more social activities? Why didn't I begin to prepare my GMAT earlier? Why didn't I travel to Africa to launch a NGO? Why am I not a woman? Why didn't I become gay?
Definitely, if we are not accepted to an Ultra-elite university is our fault.
I agree that you could have improved your chances. However, I consider that you should be true to yourself. If you travel to Africa to launch a NGO without actually feeling about it, chances are you'll end up not liking it and failing miserably (making your profile worse rather than better).
It's a little bit different when considering GPAs. There would not be much harm in studying more when in college. But yet you could end up being less well rounded in other aspects (eg: extras while in college).
I think the best way to improve your chances is by cutting waste from your schedule and slacking less all around. Eg: less TV, no PS2, less partying, etc. But there is normally a defined limit to how much energy you can use before burning out.
My take is: I am who I am and hopefully they'll like me. And if they don't then it means I would not enjoy my stay there.
But, hey, that's just me.
Hope it helps. L.