Profile Evaluation Accuracy

Question

I'm currently beginning the MBA application process, and can't help but notice lots of profile evaluation requests to admissions consultants on the Boards. I also noticed there that was little follow-up to help determine the relative accuracy of those evaluations (of course I understand this is impacted by the other aspects of the application). I was wondering if the Class of 2012 members who received profile evaluations might consider sharing their original evaluation requests, the consultant's response and then actual admissions results. Thanks in advance

billyjeans · Answer

It has about the accuracy of antique appraisals, can be right on the spot or a little off at times.

unplugged · Answer

A lot depends on the way you  present  your profile. I think I read a few posts which said that the feedback of a consultant changes with the level of detail one provides and the way one writes.

coaks · Answer

Haha, this is great analogy and I think very apt. The schools' appraisals of you will also vary wildly, just like antique dealers. Just assume that if you think it necessary to approach a profile evaluator about your profile, there's probably some ambiguity as to your profile's quality (don't worry, there was ambiguity about mine as well). When you get in front of the adcoms, there will be some that will think you're a valuable commodity and some that will think you're nothing more than a tsotchke (and you will not be able to predict this by rank or, to a certain extent, the stats ranges). Just get a lot of input, think critically about your application (I really don't think there's anything a consultant can tell you that you couldn't tell yourself), shore up your weak spots between now and the application date (and in your essays) and cast a wide net.

boogs · Answer

When I started the post-GMAT process, I had no clue what my sweet spot was either, so I requested evaluations from a couple consultants. Each response brought my expectations down a bit, to the point that I considered myself a top-30 type of school candidate. One thing to keep in mind is that many consultants in my opinion overemphasize formal leadership and extracurricular involvement. While those are great to have, I hardly think they are a necessity like a solid academic record (GMAT and/or GPA) and good (either reputable and well known job/company or very unique) work experience.

After requesting a take on my potential school list, AlexMBAApply told me to shoot a little bit higher than schools in the 10-25 range, suggesting basically a list of a couple top 10s, 1 top 15, and 1 top 25, and I ultimately feel that was a pretty good list. I got into 1 top 10, 1 top 15, and 1 top 25 with scholarship.

I think a lot of the successful applicants from this year have a clearer understanding of what it takes to get in where (although it is often still a crapshoot), so feel free to hop into chat during a weekday or post into the peer review forum if you haven't already.

rhyme · Answer

When I first posted my profile, I was a "solid" fit for Georgetown. When I re posted sometime later, changing how I positioned myself and marketed the same things, I was a "likely" at HBS.

It's *all* in how you market.

serenityprayer · Answer

one thought: maybe admissions consultants may want to lower your expectations only to exceed them later when you do in fact get into a higher school.

Aenigma · Answer

If it's any help, the assessments I received -- after posting a pretty comprehensive profile -- were reasonably accurate.

Although I had a couple of consultants crawling up my butt a little bit about my general awesomeness, I had the good sense not to take them too seriously. Just assume you are not a shoo-in for Stanford. (If you are a shoo-in for Stanford, you will not need to ask a stranger on a message board: you will know.) But, as I recall, Alex and Sandy both said, effectively, that I was "well-positioned" but not guaranteed admission for HSW and likely to get into most if not all of my other target schools. I was cautioned that execution of my application would be the determining factor.

I by no means had a perfect record but you can see that the consultants' prognostications turned out about right.

Actually, I found it helpful to hear that I had a shot at the top-ten schools to which I planned to apply. When I started this process I honestly thought I might not get in anywhere.

Good luck to you.

eminent · Answer

Many consultants told me that I should "try" to take a crack at H/S/W and hope for the best, but I didn't believe them. I actually enjoyed Sandy's advice the most. His was simple, blunt, 2-3 lines. It literally stung and hurt for about a month, but I got over it. Sandy said "You have no shot at H/S/W, don't waste your time, focus your energies on CBS ED, Chicago, Kellogg, Tuck". I listened to it and I'm pretty happy with the result.

I would say that profile evaluations are not very accurate unless you can see the actual resume, employers, and accomplishments. If you want to do them, e-mail your actual resume to consultants and set up time to speak with them. Don't just go off a message board post where you say "4 years work experience corporate finance" or "3 years consulting" because that can mean wildly different things with wildly different outcomes for admission.

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