GMAT 660 Profile Eval

Question

Hi there,

So I'm kind of in a sticky situation. I applied to 5 schools round 1 and got dinged from 4 of them already (H/S/W/CBS). I want to go to bschool next fall, but I've taken the GMAT 4 times already and have no surpassed that score...(i bring shame to the Asians-are-good-test-taker reputation) I'm planning to take the GMAT again in a about a month, but I'm not sure if I will surpass that score.

Age: 26
Nationality: Chinese-American
GMAT: 660 (Q45 V36)
Undergraduate: Double major in Economics and International Studies at an UC school (GPA 3.37/4.0)
Work Experience: I was born in Beijing but grew up in California, came back to Beijing after graduation, fluent in English and Mandarin.
(1) 2 years Investment banking in a well-known local ibank mainland Chinese market (only American in our office)
(2) 2 years buy-side cross-border M&A at a large Chinese bank (basically buying banks overseas), was involved in debt capital market projects as well.
Others: Involved in multiple organizations in Beijing organizing community based events; provided mentoring to underprivileged children; was on the founding board of rotary club on my school campus.

I'm planning to apply to following programs in round2 (based on priority):
1. CMU Tepper
2. UNC Kenan Flagler
3. Cornell Johnson
4. Duke Fuqua

Do you think this list is realistic? I will do my best to increase my GMAT score in a month, but after 4 tries, at this point, I'm not very optimistic :cry:

MBA1239 · Answer

I think its a solid profile, but you will have to stand out in your essays, given that there is a lot of other applicants with a somewhat similar background - perhaps some extracurriculars, not necessarily volunteering in a soup kitchen but something that goes nicely with your future plans - at the end of the day its all about the story you tell in your essay

GMAT in most schools does not matter that much - as long as you fall within the average range, so I would not focus on it too much and definitely would not take it again as the schools will see that you took it 4 times

mbaMissionJenK · Answer

Hi there,

Thanks for posting; sorry to hear about your dings and GMAT challenges to date.

I think your new R2 school list is more reasonable; you may have the best shot at UNC Kenan-Flagler, followed perhaps by Tepper. You may want to look at a few others outside the top 20 or so just for 'safety' options, fyi.

I agree with the other poster above about the importance of standing out in your essays; Dig deep and brainstorm on what makes YOU unique... b-school admissions decisions are made holistically... it's not just based on grades or facts or stats, but on a holistic picture of the applicant and what they'll contribute to the program, who they are as a person. That is primarily evidenced through your ESSAYS, fyi!! (And interview if you get to that point.) Elements you need to convey in your application for a chance at a top rated program include:
-what past experiences and skills will benefit you in the classroom, and later in your career
-what key traits and experiences make you UNIQUE; basically, 'why YOU??' vs other applicants
-why you want the MBA, with clear short term and long term post-MBA goals
-why NOW
-why that specific school is right for you

If you lack any of the above components, you risk that another well or similarly-qualified applicant who includes all of those, will wind up getting accepted over you!

I don't agree with the above poster that the "GMAT doesn't matter much"; the GMAT is an indicator of your potential academic performance at b-school and scoring much lower than the average can be a challenge that is tough to overcome. So I'd say a solid GMAT is necessary, but not sufficient, to get into b-school. Anyway give it your last shot and aim for schools where you scored closer to their average. Good luck and keep us posted!

sofalee · Answer

Hi Jen,

Thanks for your response. I don't see any point of applying to an MBA if it's outside of the top 20 range. It's a huge investment, and comparing to the exposure I'm getting at work, the opportunity cost will be too great. I'd rather work for another year.

Do you think it will help if I state in my optional essay the fact that:

1) I worked 15-20 hrs per week during all 4 years in college to support myself
2) Our company have a very strict schedule at work where I have to be at my desk at 830am every morning, but I usually don't get home until 10-11pm. Mostly because in the cross-border transactions, I work with counterparties in other countries 6-8hrs behind our time zone. I typically work 12-15 hour days and participate on conference calls on weekends too

Thank you!

mbaMissionJenK · Answer

Hi there,

Well only you know exactly what the cost/benefit analysis looks like for you personally with regard to specific schools and whether they are worth it to you to attend vs not going to b-school at all, so of course don't apply anywhere you wouldn't want to actually attend. I would say there is no "hard line" at say "top 20" ranking as for one thing the rankings vary year-to-year; for another, there are different rankings out there that look quite different!! So I'd look at the hiring statistics of specific schools; starting salaries; where people go etc, and consider overall reputation of the school and university... and use that to guide your own personal 'cut off' of where you may decide to apply or not.

The things you mentioned in your last post are not going to add too much unfortunately; there are many in the same situations. But as I said you can give it your best shot at the schools you are looking at right now and see how it goes. You may want to consider an admissions consultant (whether us or another company) to maximize your chances with your current GMAT etc; could be worth the investment.

Good luck!

mbaMissionJenK · Answer

Hi there,

Well only you know exactly what the cost/benefit analysis looks like for you personally with regard to specific schools and whether they are worth it to you to attend vs not going to b-school at all, so of course don't apply anywhere you wouldn't want to actually attend. I would say there is no "hard line" at say "top 20" ranking as for one thing the rankings vary year-to-year; for another, there are different rankings out there that look quite different!! So I'd look at the hiring statistics of specific schools; starting salaries; where people go etc, and consider overall reputation of the school and university... and use that to guide your own personal 'cut off' of where you may decide to apply or not.

The things you mentioned in your last post are not going to add too much unfortunately; there are many in the same situations. But as I said you can give it your best shot at the schools you are looking at right now and see how it goes. You may want to consider an admissions consultant (whether us or another company) to maximize your chances with your current GMAT etc; could be worth the investment.

Good luck!

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