wp06 wrote:
wp06,
I think your post makes sense partially, but unfortunately also reflects your inferiority complex.
Of course GMAT and GPA and other quantitative parameters are part of 'who you are'. I agree they are not measures of leadership or your ability to contribute in and lead teams, but it IS part of the picture that the adcom needs to measure to see if you can handle the intellectual demands of the curriculum. Wharton, for example is highly quantitative, and you could bring in all the decorated army veterans you want, but if you ain't going to keep up with your quantitative classes, you won't do well, perhaps even pass. Period.
That's why they call it a "holistic process". They HAVE to evaluate you on all parameters. 780 GMAT + no leadership is just as useless as award-winning poet or army veteran who can't keep up with the demands of the curriculum. There's perhaps no significant intellectual difference between a 710 and 730 or 750, but there is definitely a difference between a 650 and 750. At that point, one better have a quantitative transcript or experience to prove you are not going to be the laggard in your learning team.
Top schools need both, and they can fill their class with people who meet all criteria.
hdcdude,
Calm down dude. I definitely agree that top schools need both. I never implied one can be completely weak or just do terrible with grades and GMAT. I never said any of that.
All I was trying to argue was that, it is my belief that there is a whole lot more that goes into a picture of a person. I think a person with the right leadership (not just served in the Army or any organization etc) and experiences leading and making decisions with intense pressure can overcome lower test scores etc. I understand, obviously, that the chances of being admitted with a 650 are lower than a 750. I don't think I ever said or implied different so stop making stupid unfounded assumptions.
I do not think it is as simple as not having a 750 versus a 650 will result in a failure at any school. I also understand this is not your belief. I respect that you can have your own opinion.
As far as me having an inferiority complex, I have no idea what you are talking about man and I definitely see no reason for you to say something so stupid to me. First of all, I know my 650 is not amazing. I will re-take and improve my score. I took this test after a 15 month deployment and with many things going on such as memorials for my Soldiers who died in combat (4 KIA, 5 WIA)
So yes, thanks for basically saying you are a superior being because you got a 750 or whatever. Guess what, I do not care. I will get into a good program regardless and I will be successful. All I tried to do on here was make a guy with a 690 stress out a little less. Then you randomly tried to throw your weight around.
That is what pisses me off the most, you come on here on your high horse for some reason and start to try to bash me. I think you completely underestimate what I was trying to say.
If you are trying to imply I would be a laggard to a class or take a shot at me good for you, that is definitely not the case. I already took quant heavy/engineering classes at West Point. I know it is hard and I respect how intelligent people at Wharton are and have to be. I never said it was an easy or non-quant heavy school.
If your description of the process was completely true then there would be no range of GMAT scores such as the one posted on the admissions page. There would not be 25% of the incoming class with below a 650. Why don't you think before you speak.
Go hide behind your speadsheets. believe me, there is nothing I and many others on here cannot learn. I can use excel, learn quantitative concepts, etc.
You will never know what it is to lead or actually inspire people against all odds. You have no clue what leadership is.
I am also glad I am not a person like you, you say I have an inferiority complex, what have you ever done to put yourself out on the line? I am glad you have a great score and are in a top program. I am also sad that I would have the prospect of having a classmate as ignorant and narrow-minded as you. Hopefully most people at Penn are not like you.
I wish everyone with relevance to this thread the best of luck.
I