Last visit was: 22 Apr 2026, 15:16 It is currently 22 Apr 2026, 15:16
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
PaulBodine
User avatar
Joined: 12 Dec 2005
Last visit: 11 Jul 2018
Posts: 1,794
Own Kudos:
192
Status:Trust Experience, Trust Success
Affiliations: U. Chicago, Johns Hopkins, AIGAC
Posts: 1,794
Kudos: 192
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 28 Aug 2010, 09:42
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Curious what your chances of admission are at your dream business schools? Post your profile and questions here and I'll give a 'no BS' answer based on my 13 years of admissions consulting experience.
User avatar
PaulBodine
User avatar
Joined: 12 Dec 2005
Last visit: 11 Jul 2018
Posts: 1,794
Own Kudos:
192
Status:Trust Experience, Trust Success
Affiliations: U. Chicago, Johns Hopkins, AIGAC
Posts: 1,794
Kudos: 192
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 28 Aug 2010, 09:49
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This just in: Data from a survey of 327 business schools worldwide by the Graduate Management Admission Council conducted this past June and July show a 1.8% decline in full-time MBA program application volume versus 2009. This trend is matched in GMAC’s year-to-date trends in GMAT test-taking volume.
avatar
jordanhendrix
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 07 May 2010
Last visit: 19 May 2013
Posts: 722
Own Kudos:
108
Given Kudos: 65
Posts: 722
Kudos: 108
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' Updated on: 15 Sep 2010, 08:11
Originally posted by jordanhendrix on 28 Aug 2010, 11:09.
Last edited by jordanhendrix on 15 Sep 2010, 08:11, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
thanks
User avatar
abhas59
User avatar
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Last visit: 31 Dec 2010
Posts: 56
Own Kudos:
23
Given Kudos: 11
Posts: 56
Kudos: 23
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 28 Aug 2010, 16:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi,
I have a GMAT score of 660 (M 49, V31) and AWA Score of 5.5. Responsibilities taken as a Backup Project Lead, Security Offcer & Risk Officer for the project. Have 3 years of work experience in a reputerd Information Technology firm in India.
Awarded 3 times Best Performer Award, Award for major client appreciation and part of team that won Best Team award.
GPA of 3.0/4.0. Participated in technical sessions held at different colleges and member of one committee to organize national level event.

I intend to apply to Asian Universities & I intend to remain with IT firm but as a Business Development Manager.
Can you please evaluate and let me know probable universities in which I can get admission?

Kind Regards,
Abhas.
User avatar
PaulBodine
User avatar
Joined: 12 Dec 2005
Last visit: 11 Jul 2018
Posts: 1,794
Own Kudos:
192
Status:Trust Experience, Trust Success
Affiliations: U. Chicago, Johns Hopkins, AIGAC
Posts: 1,794
Kudos: 192
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 28 Aug 2010, 18:35
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
jordanhendrix
Hi there, just got my GMAT score and am now ready to start narrowing down my school list.
Any help in focusing the choices would be greatly appreciated.

Age at matriculation: 28
Years of work experience: 6
3 years managing a small business (20 employees)
1.5 years 2 full time internships and then a paying job in the entertainment industry (its the lay of the land, everyone works for free at first)
one year so far at a real estate development/investment company, great experience but its family owned.

GPA: 2.75 biology at top 100. grad 2006
Gmat 720 (Q49, V39)

2010
Alternative Transcript: at CC
Business Statistics
Microecon
Securities investment
Financial Management

All A's

I would like to go into consulting.
I can rock the essays and will have great recommenders who are former supervisors.

What are my chances at:
Booth,
Ross
Fuqua, ED
CMU
UNC
G-town

Possible safeties:
Emory

Does EA at DUKE increase my chances at all?
Show more

JordanHendrix,

Your industry experience is a bit off the beaten path, which will help you stand out. Your GMAT and alternate transcript greatly offset the GPA. I like the leadership in the small business but can't tell whether that was early or recent; if early then they'll want recent leadership too. You didn't mention leadership outside of work. If there isn't any that hurts. Assuming solid extracurricular and work leadership, you have a possible (semi-reach) chance at Booth, a better chance at Ross, and will be competitive at Duke, UNC, and CMU. G'town and Emory may be in the safety zone. Yes, Duke's EA round increases your admissions odds from 22 to 36%. Feel free to email your resume to me at [email protected].
User avatar
jakolik
User avatar
Joined: 16 Apr 2010
Last visit: 01 Nov 2012
Posts: 140
Own Kudos:
676
Given Kudos: 12
Posts: 140
Kudos: 676
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 03 Sep 2010, 03:45
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I appreciate if you can review my profile and advise on my chances in getting admitted to top 10-30 ranked MBA programs.

Age:31

Nationality: Lebanese

Status: Single (planning to get married before MBA)

Languages: Arabic, English, Armenian

Background: Electrical Engineer

Degree:
Bachelor in Electrical Engineering from Beirut Arab University
Grades: 67/100, 69/100, 70/100, 76/100 85/100. (85/100 is the fifth year grade)
Masters in Electrical Engineering from American University of Beirut
Average: 87/100 (two years program)

Experience: 5 Years
1 year as electrical design engineer in a leading Engineering Consultancy Firm in the Middle East in Beirut.
2 years as project engineer in a Multinational Company.
2 years as a design department in a Local Company in Beirut that deals with smart home automation

I haven’t yet researched a lot but currently I am considering the following MBA programs:
Spain: IE Business School, ESADE Business School
UK: London Business School, Oxford Said Business School, Cambridge Judge Business School, Manchester Business School)
USA: HAAS UC Berkley, Northwestern University: Kellogg, Cornell University: Johnson

Can you please also advise what other universities I should consider?
Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Jack
User avatar
PaulBodine
User avatar
Joined: 12 Dec 2005
Last visit: 11 Jul 2018
Posts: 1,794
Own Kudos:
192
Status:Trust Experience, Trust Success
Affiliations: U. Chicago, Johns Hopkins, AIGAC
Posts: 1,794
Kudos: 192
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 03 Sep 2010, 09:16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Jack,

Your Lebanese background will be a big asset to you, by helping you stand out from other applicants. Your age is fine for European schools but is a minor concern for U.S. schools (you'll just need to explain the 'why now' question effectively). It's not clear how much leadership, formal or informal, you have at work and you didn't mention leadership outside of work so it's difficult to evaluate your strength in the all-important leadership area. Finally, to suggest some schools I would need to know your expected GMAT score and what your post-MBA goals are.
User avatar
jakolik
User avatar
Joined: 16 Apr 2010
Last visit: 01 Nov 2012
Posts: 140
Own Kudos:
676
Given Kudos: 12
Posts: 140
Kudos: 676
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 05 Sep 2010, 10:49
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
pbodine
Jack,

Your Lebanese background will be a big asset to you, by helping you stand out from other applicants. Your age is fine for European schools but is a minor concern for U.S. schools (you'll just need to explain the 'why now' question effectively). It's not clear how much leadership, formal or informal, you have at work and you didn't mention leadership outside of work so it's difficult to evaluate your strength in the all-important leadership area. Finally, to suggest some schools I would need to know your expected GMAT score and what your post-MBA goals are.

Show more

jakolik

Paul, Thank you for your feedback...
I know age will be a minor drawback. Let's hope I come up with something real and smart to flip the disadvantage into an advantage.
Unfortunately, I have no leadership outside work. Yep, this is another drawback. However, when I moved into my current position, I successfully built a new department (from scratch) and I am currently heading it. The department consists of 4 employees including me.

As for the GMAT, my target is 700- / 700+.
What do you think of my standing now?

Show more
avatar
afz
avatar
Joined: 04 Jul 2010
Last visit: 12 Oct 2010
Posts: 5
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 05 Sep 2010, 20:17
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
VERY nice and informative thread
User avatar
adalfu
User avatar
Joined: 08 Dec 2009
Last visit: 09 Sep 2012
Posts: 330
Own Kudos:
225
Given Kudos: 26
Posts: 330
Kudos: 225
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' Updated on: 11 Oct 2010, 11:49
Originally posted by adalfu on 05 Sep 2010, 21:52.
Last edited by adalfu on 11 Oct 2010, 11:49, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
.
avatar
commaspace
avatar
Joined: 11 Jul 2010
Last visit: 19 Aug 2011
Posts: 6
Given Kudos: 2
Location: San Antonio TX
Schools:UCLA, Berkeley, Stanford
Posts: 6
Kudos: 0
Ask PAUL BODINE, 'Great Apps for Business School' 14 Sep 2010, 09:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello Paul, Great thread and thanks for the quick reviews! If you're offer is still valid I have a few questions.

Stanford GSB, R1 contemplating dual degree in MBA/Sustainable Design Construction
GMAT: 640 (~54, 83) not par with my studies, retaking, expect ~700 (~68,85)
References: good to strong
Age at matriculation: 27
Education: Architecture, 3.8GPA, graduated in 3.5 yrs. top 100 school, top 50 public school
Work experience: 4.5 (currently unemployed due to economy, still have good rapport)
Industry: Construction Management - contracts, communication, scheduling, material & trades coordination, quality control, costs and estimating.

Professional organizations / volunteering
    Young Professionals - construction 2007-Present (council 2008-2011)
  • 2008/2009 co-developed strong and replicable professional development program.
  • 2010 chair: implemented bylaws, longterm goals, stronger democracy, stronger committees. Focused on greater accountability and stronger networking between the related industries. Council of 11 volunteers is awesome and now go above and beyond
    American Institute of Architects - 2008-present:
  • Fund-raising gala board: design & create arrangements for 3 annual galas
  • Liaison with botanical gardens biannual project: entering 3rd round now
  • CANstruction competition 2006-present (captain 2007/8): team creates structures out of canned food which is then donated to the food bank
    And more
Post degree career: work with cities & states reclaim underutilized and forgotten parts of their cities, create incentive for residents to believe in their cities. Rehabilitate built environment through greater accountability and more efficient practices. Public private partnerships, consultant / designer.



I'm only applying to Stanford. I know it's a plus that I'm from a "non-standard" MBA industry but is that enough to make me stand out? What about my marginal GMAT? Is it OK that I'm unemployed?