Plan B

Question

Hi Admission Experts,

I need help in deciding my future goals, which are realistic. I've postponed my GMAT toward the end of the year, kissing the ivy deadlines goodbye. I'm stuck in 550 on my practice exams. There's no way I'll get 700+ on the real exam.

Keeping my verbal score constant(can't improve much in a month), my plan is to score as high as possible in quant, so that I can get a score of 580-600 and apply to schools, such as University of Pittsburg, Pennstate, Lehigh University, Temple and Drexel, for a 1-year Masters in Marketing/Education. Re-apply to Ivy: Wharton (my first choice), Columbia and NYU ( MBA in Fashion Luxury) after consistently studying for 3-4 months.

Is that a good Plan? What if I get 550!

I think having a masters degree will make my resume, which I've attached, stronger. Isn't it?

I am so confused which program will be best for me.

Thanks in advance

Jeesa

Attachments

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Jeesa

Admissionado · Answer

I think this is a good plan for the initial list of schools that you've named here. Unfortunately even with a 700+ though, schools like Wharton, NYU & Columbia are still going to be solidly in the reach category for you based on your work experience. I took a look at your resume and while it looks like you've had some interesting jobs, they won't be on par with the types of applicants who are getting into those schools & who have driven significant results at MBB consulting firms, large tech firms, Fortune 500 firms etc. Rather than aiming so high, my advice if you are able to score the 700 is to still aim in the 20-40 range, where schools might be more willing to consider your non-traditional background since you'd be above average for their GMAT. I'd also encourage you to do some thinking about WHY you want this degree & what your post-MBA goals are. Yes, an MBA can enhance your resume, but it's a huge investment of time and money & you want to make sure it's necessary for your career goals. In addition to that, strong post-MBA goals are also critical to telling a credible story in your application about why you need the degree (i.e. the skill gaps you need to fill to achieve your goals) and why a particular school is your top choice. If you are just looking for the credibility that an MBA brings, the degree honesty might not be the best option for you. And if you are looking to learn specific skill gaps but you're unable to improve your GMAT I'd consider some online programs, which are much easier to get into & would still allow you to learn the skills!

jeesa · Answer

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the reality check.

Do you think I will have a better chance of getting accepted if I apply to Upenn School of Education than Wharton?

Thanks
Jeesa

Admissionado · Answer

You may have a good shot at the ed program but again it will depend on your GRE score - you'll ideally want to hit or exceed their average!

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