Profile Evaluation - UCLA FEMBA

Question

I'm wondering what my chances are for getting into UCLA Anderson's FEMBA program. A bit about me:

Graduated in 2010 from USC with a B.S. in Public Policy, Planning and Management with an emphasis in Real Estate Development and Finance. My undergrad GPA was 3.73.

While in undergrad I interned 24 hours per week with a small real estate private equity group. Additionally, I helped start TIG (Trojan Investing Group), a group of students that met on a weekly basis to discuss value investing. I was part of a fraternity and heavily involved in TREA (Trojan Real Estate Association). I was part of a real estate case competition team that won first place against (Wharton, University of Singapore, Univerity of Texas, University of Wisconsin, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Aukland New Zealand, etc).

Upon graduation, I joined a mid-size real estate private equity group where I spent two years as an analyst. Worked on many projects and got a lot of exposure to different types of deals.

Last year, I moved to a top 10 real estate advisory/real estate private equity firm. Although I am an analyst, my role is more that of an associate. I work directly with the SVP of Acquisitions and handle everything from the underwriting to due diligence to closing of new deals. There is no one working between the SVP and myself.

My GMAT is scheduled for November 23rd. Thus far I’ve taken three MGMAT CAT’s and have scored between 630 and 640. My verbal is in the 90th percentile whereas my quant is in the 50th percentile. I’m working very hard on my quant to hopefully get it up to the 60th percentile which would likely result in a score around 670-680.

UCLA will be the only program I'm applying to. I believe it is one of the best MBA programs in the country. I’m not looking at any other options at this point since I'm looking to continue working as I earn my MBA.

I'm a first generation Mexican / Cuban American and am part of ULI Young Leaders.

Taking all that into consideration, what are my chances with both my current GMAT score of around 650 with 50th percentile in quant and a GMAT score of around 680 with a 60th percentile in quant? Keep in mind I work in an industry that is moderately heavy in quant. I'm aiming to apply in the second round.

Thanks.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey there good sir,
Reading through your profile, I'm thinking that if you can pull that 690, you should have a pretty good shot. What would really help additionally, is if you can get some sort of official support from your firm (like being partially sponsored). PT MBAs really like that, because they feel it is your firm's vote of confidence in your future.

Other than that, since this is the only program you want to go to, you don't really have to "worry" about anything (except maybe kicking the heck out of the GMAT). Because basically, you want to go there, you apply no matter what GMAT you get, and if it doesn't work out, then you retake the GMAT and reapply next year.

One final tip for you: When you apply, let them know that theirs is the only program you are applying to and why. I've seen this work magic on applications.

Good luck dude!

stevennu · Answer

Jon,

Thanks for the feedback. With regards to official support from my firm, I will have a letter of recommendation from my current supervisor. Additionally, my company will be footing approximately 20% of the bill.

Other than bringing it up in the essays, what do you think is the best way to let the school know that this is the only program I'm pursuing? Should I mention it several times in the 3 different essays or should I bring it up when I meet with the admissions members for my 1 on 1 meeting? I agree that it is important to mention because it shows that I'm focused on their program and have done my research to figure out where I fit best (at least in my opinion).

Lastly, coming back to my quant. Do you see it being a huge issue if I apply with a 650 score and a quant in the 50th - 55th percentile? Would I be able to work around that given the fact that I work in a quant oriented industry? I'm scoring in the 90th percentile in verbal so I'm not worried about that part of the test. Also, would my strong GPA be able to offset a low quant score?

Do you have any other suggestions as to how I can boost my chances? I've already been to several class visits, open house events, and informal meetings.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey dude,
Well I think bringing up in the essay the fact that their school is the best and only you are applying too is the best way to go about it. No need to write it more than once. They read through the applications and will get it. Of course you should also repeat this to whomever you speak to from the school, esp. during the interview (also would good when you have good solid reasons as to WHY... i.e. they are the best most wonderful school, perfectly fitting your career and industry, etc. etc.).

For the GMAT, a 650 can make things tougher... I think I last looked up the average GMAT was 690 and then the low end was 630, so thats already scratching a bit low. If your Quant turns out real low, you can always at least show your intention to take a few prep courses before your matriculation, which may help some.

Other than the GMAT, just keep on doing what you are doing, going to events meeting people, leaving business cards, asking questions. You have only ONE school you want, so it's easier to concentrate your energies on it.

stevennu · Answer

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Now time to go balls to the wall on quant!

Admissionado · Answer

That's exactly what I was gonna say

Good luck dude.

stevennu · Answer

Took my first GMAT Preptest yesterday and hit a 690 (Q44 / V40). Things are looking up.

Admissionado · Answer

oooooohhhh yeahhhhhhhhh

stevennu · Answer

Took my second GMAT Prep Test today and got a 680 (Q44 / V38). I did a bit worse in the verbal section which is surprising since I finished with over 8 minutes left and felt like I was nailing all the questions. Oh well, I'm happy with the score. That 700 is within reach. I can taste it.

Now time for an old fashioned

Now time for an old fashioned

Admissionado · Answer

Prettty gooooood. When's your actual retake???

stevennu · Answer

The real deal is Nov 23rd. It will be my first time taking the actual test.

Admissionado · Answer

Good luck! post it here when you get that score.

stevennu · Answer

Took my GMAT today. Ended up with a 660 (Q42 V39). Although I'm not thrilled with the results, I'm not suicidal. My last four preptests averaged 680 and I was expecting to score in that range. My performance on verbal was the worst I've done in my last 4 preptests. I'm not exactly sure where to go from here. I'm inclined to apply but am concerned with my quant score. On a sidenote, have the scoring scales been moving? According to the testmasters GMAT scales, a 42 on quant is 61st percentile whereas 39 verbal is 87th percentile. I was shooting for a 42 on quant reasoning that a 42Q/39V (worst case verbal) would result in a 670 score (according to the CAT Prep score calculator).

All that being taken into consideration, what would you all recommend as my next course of action? Should I apply and see what happens or should I plan to retest (really don't want to) in 30 days?

Also, if I'm dinged from the program, can I retake the GMAT and apply in a later round?

Thanks for all the help thus far.

All that being taken into consideration, what would you all recommend as my next course of action? Should I apply and see what happens or should I plan to retest (really don't want to) in 30 days?

Also, if I'm dinged from the program, can I retake the GMAT and apply in a later round?

Thanks for all the help thus far.

Admissionado · Answer

Hey dude,
Well, you have your score and your one school, so now it's up to you to make the best of it by giving them an amazing application. You are a Mexican/Cuban American, with work in a strong industry so I think the chances are there. But definitely think ahead about a backup plan - Right now you will apply with the best application possible, but just in case you don't get in you will... (retake the GMAT? apply to other schools? something else?)

stevennu · Answer

Thanks Jon. Do schools typically allow you to reapply the same year in a later round? If I find out I was dinged because of my GMAT, could I retake and apply in a later round?

Admissionado · Answer

Nope. I, afraid you cant do that. And the other thing is that when you reapply they want to see a visible change in you and your profile, so you need the time anyhow.

stevennu · Answer

Got in. Thanks for all the help and feedback.

Admissionado · Answer

Cha-ching!!!

Go You!

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