My chances

Question

Hi Linda,

I just came across this board in my internet searches. I am happy that I discovered it - there appears to be a wealth of great information here.

I am preparing to apply to b-school for Fall 2006 admission. I would greatly appreciate it if you would evaluate my chances of being accepted at Darden, Georgetown and Cornell. If you have any other schools to suggest that would be great.

My stats are:
-26 year old, female, caucasian
-Graduated with a Communications degree from Penn State, 3.1 overall GPA/3.7 GPA in my major. I had a business minor and unfortunately I received mostly Bs and Cs in the business courses I took.
-I am taking the GMATs in August. Based on my practice test scores, I am aiming for a 690.
-I work as a Strategic Marketing Manager for an international medical healthcare publisher. By the time I begin my MBA I will have 4 years of full time work experience. I have shown career progression - I have been promoted approximately once every 12 months.
-I was actively involved in community service for 3 years of college. I am currently a weekly volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House and I am the Community Service Chairperson on the board of my local alumni association.
-I think that I should receive positive recommendations from both of my recommenders.
-Although I do not have international work experience I lived outside of the US for 3 years during my childhood. 

I am concerned that my relatively low GPA will be a negative factor in my application packet. At this point I do not have time to take quantitative courses to improve upon this aspect of my application. Do you think that a GMAT score of 690 will suffice for these schools?

Any insight you can offer would be much appreciated.

Accepted.com · Answer

You are probably OK with your current GPA and GMAT at Georgetown (although recent A's won't hurt), but the combination of below average GPA for Darden and Cornell, poor grades in business courses, and a strictly average GMAT for Darden will hurt you at Darden for sure and maybe at Cornell. I think it would be a great idea for you to take some business classes and earn A's in them, even if you end up retaking classes you took as an undergrad. I hope you can somehow squeeze in the time, especially if you want to have a serious shot at Darden.

Please see  "MBA Admissions: Low GMAT or GPA" .

Good luck!

jwm206 · Answer

Linda,

Thanks for your response. If I were to take a class or two in the fall would that preclude me from applying for fall 2006? Do schools tend to look at your major GPA or primarily your overall GPA?

I am also considering Kenan-Flagler and Notre Dame. Do you think I will be competitive at those schools with my current stats?

Thanks again.

Accepted.com · Answer

Taking classes in the fall would not preclude your application for fall 2006. It may make handling the demands of the courses, applications,and work tough though.

They look at both your major and overall GPA. But they will also want to see that you can handle the quant courses that are an integral part of a graduate business program. Yes, you have a competitive profile for Kenan Flagler and Notre Dame.

Good luck!

jwm206 · Answer

Thanks again, Linda!

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