Hi Paul,
First, let me tell you somewhat about my
educational and professional background.
I am an electrical engineer by profession and have finished my
undergraduate from a state university in southern California. For the past 7 odd years, I
have been working in the silicon valley as a design engineer. In the case of career progression, I have led numerous million dollar projects from start
to end phase of the design cycle. I have also been promoted twice despite the economic turmoil we all have seen in the bay area.
I have recently switched into product marketing. This also aligns with the long term goals I plan to add in my latest essays as a reapplicant to Haas.
I have decided to reapply for Fall 2008 at the Evening and Weekend MBA program at Haas
I have taken Gmat 4 times so far (first one in 2002), so actually 3 times and have scored 540 (Highest) and a 4.5/6 in the AWA.
I have decided to start studying for the gmat again and get over it by October, 2007. My aim is to get at least 700 or above.
I have taken some business related classes to add some colors to my pure engineering background. Classes I took so far are business statistics and micro economics at a local community college and secured a "A" and "B" respectively. Based on the feedback I got from the admissions director, she recommends to take financial accounting and macroeconomics. Btw. My overall gpa for the undergrad
was 3.12 and I worked part-time too!
- I have volunteered at numerous non-profit organizations for the last couple of years...
So far, I have been mostly relying on the following books:
-
Gmat official guide -- 11th edition
-Gmat Verbal workbook
-Gmat Analytical workbook
-
Gmat official guide 10th edition
-Kaplan 2005 prep. CD including 4 online tests.
Now the questions to you are the following:
1) Based on my background, what do you think if I stand a chance to compete with the pool of first time applicants at Haas? Please be honest
2) If I don't have a chance, what can I do to improve my chances of being admitted from now till I apply to Haas?
The admission director has told me to improve my short answers. She did mention that she liked my long essay and extracurricular activities. She also told me to write a well composed essay as to what have I improved from the last time I apply. I am planning to pitch my switch from engineering background to product maketing background which also alligns with my future goals that I mentioned in the essay last year. I would also need to get one more recommendation letter from my current boss.
I highly appreciate your thoughts and sincerely apologize if I have wasted
any of your valuable time.
Thanks!
Btw, I have been admitted to Santa Clara and UC Davis school of Business for the fall, 2007.