Profile Evaluation Requested

Question

Hello,
This is my first post on gmatclub.
If you could evaluate my profile it would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time!

26, US Citizen, Male
GMAT - 640 (Q39, V39), taken in 2007.
Analytical Writing 5.5

Academics: 
Undergrad GPA 3.4 from UCSB
2x Major: Communications & Film Studies
Minor: Ethnic Studies

Professional Experience:
1 Year - Project Manager at Digital Media Company
Almost 3 Years - Experience as Senior Manager at leading internet marketing firm. Worked and managed numerous campaigns for very well known brands.

Extra-Curriculars:
- Staff involvement in non-profit organization for the past 3 years
- Managing partner/co-owner of a successful small business I started up with 2 other business partners. We are going into our 4th year of business strong.

Short/long Term Schools:
I would like to stay in the online business/marketing field. I believe this is my calling. I love working with and developing new technology and strategy and following metrics as to how people really interact with brands, content, and campaigns online. I have a solid understanding of web analytics, conversion factors, and can design/development web sites but I feel my business skills lack a solid foundation. I'm hoping that achieving an MBA would really bring things full circle with a solid understanding of business.

I'm interested in the Fully Employed Programs in Southern California.
- UC Irvine FEMBA
- UCLA Anderson Fully Employed
- USC Marshall.PM

I am looking for a fully employed program because of current financial obligations but also because my focus is really on online business. I feel that a fully employed program will allow me to stay in tune with what is happening vs leaving the 'real world' for 2 years and then returning after. Additionally, one of these programs would allow me to continue to work and apply great business strategy to the current company I am at.

Interested in Applying for Spring 2011 or Fall 2011. I believe UCI is the only one with a Spring enrollment, for UCLA and USC I would have to wait until Fall 2011? What are my chances at each of these programs?

AlexMBAApply · Answer

You have a pretty good shot at all the schools you listed. The only one where you may be a slight stretch is UCLA because of your GMAT score (it's in range, but had it been in the high 600s, you would have a decent shot of getting in). In any case, I think you should have a reasonable shot at getting into at least some of the schools on your list -- assuming you don't screw up the written applications and interviews.

thisguy310 · Answer

Hi Alex,
Thanks for your quick reply. 
In terms of programs, what should I really focus on when comparing say USC and UC Irvine's?

Right now for me the Irvine program is more attractive because of the earlier start date and the significant difference in tuition.

I guess my question comes down to if I was accepted into the UCI spring program, is there something so great about the USC or UCLA program that I should holf off on until Fall to see if I get into one of those programs?

thanks again,
chris

AlexMBAApply · Answer

Well, the first consideration is traffic. :-)

Anyhow, UCLA and USC are an order of magnitude stronger than UCI -- you'll see it in the caliber of the overall student body. And while the curricula may be the same (across all schools), a big part of the education comes from what you learn during class discussions - the higher the quality of discussion, the more you'll learn.

thisguy310 · Answer

Thank you again for your insight Alex! In regards to applying R1, R2, etc. could you direct me to a good thread on the strategy behind it. I'm having some difficulty trying to figure that aspect out.

thank you,
chris

AlexMBAApply · Answer

There really isn't a "strategy" behind applying R1 or R2. Just apply when you're ready and/or when you will have the time. R1 means working on the apps now. R2 means working on them Thanksgiving through the New Years. And there really is no difference between the two rounds (just don't apply R3).

thisguy310 · Answer

Thank you Alex.
One more question if I may. For my ungrad GPA, I did end up taking some classes at a local CC after graduation. While these were more hobby classes and not directly related to my major or quantitative, is there any way those can be added to the undergrad GPA, or does it not work that way?

AlexMBAApply · Answer

The grades for the courses you took after graduation are separate from your undergrad GPA.

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