Ask mbaMission

[HopefulHBSGirl]

I was having technical difficulties.

Thanks again!

[latestart]

MBA Mission,

I am nervous that my applications won't be in good shape for the first round deadlines. I imagine that the second round will be very competitive this year. Should I rush to get the applications done for the first round or get them together in time for second round deadlines.

Thanks!

latestart

[rash733]

Hi Jeremy



Are there any top 20 -30 schools in The US with GMAT range around 600

although I'm retaking the test soon i would like to know about alternative options



Thank You



Ran

[MBA Mission]

Well, considering your handle, "HBSGirl," I am guessing that you have a gender advantage in that you are a young female banker. I am amazed that you have been working in banking since you were 16 -- high-school and college internships? Further, the fact that you are the first in your family to graduate suggests a certain American Dream quality that will be appealing and your community work will help you standout as well. In a competitive year, your stats could be an issue but I wouldn’t rule your chances out entirely. HBS is secure enough in its reputation that they can make exceptions for strong candidates. I think that you are a reach at best but I would let them make the choice, instead of self-selecting out.

In terms of word limits, you really have no worries. No one is counting the words! You should get a "feel" for your own essays. If one seems to be obviously and noticeably longer than the others, you should scale it back. No one is going to get kicked out of HBS or LBS’s pool because of a few extra words.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Hi Jeremy,

I have two questions - First, I am very interested in attending HBS as it is my top choice. I have an average GPA (3.2), average GMAT (650) but I went to a top undergraduate university and I've worked in investment banking since I was 16 (I am now 25). In addition, I am the first in my family to attend college and I have quite a few extra-curriculars related to dance, mentoring and teaching financial literacy to inner city youth. Based on this limited information, do you think I have a reasonable shot at applying to HBS?

Second - I've written essays for my schools and most are within 15 words of the word limit. Do you suggest I aim to be exactly at or below the limit? I am applying to London Business as well, and the online application actually counts the words. What do you suggest in this case?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

Your question is actually quite timely because we will be releasing a piece via Manhattan GMAt's GMATTERS newsletter this week, wherein we will quote a variety of admissions officers who specifically tell us that candidates should hand in a superior application in the second round instead of a rushed application in the first round. We always tell our candidates to put quality ahead of speed and these admissions officers do as well!

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

MBA Mission,

I am nervous that my applications won't be in good shape for the first round deadlines. I imagine that the second round will be very competitive this year. Should I rush to get the applications done for the first round or get them together in time for second round deadlines.

Thanks!

latestart

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

Most schools in the top 20-30 range have averages that are around 630-650. That written, their 80 percent ranges are probably from 570-690 or so. So, if you score a 600 and have a strong profile, then you should still be a competitive candidate.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Hi Jeremy



Are there any top 20 -30 schools in The US with GMAT range around 600

although I'm retaking the test soon i would like to know about alternative options



Thank You



Ran

[bschool4me]

I am applying to business school because I want to change careers and I am struggling with my career goals essays. I'm looking to make a complete switch (from Engineering to Consumer Marketing)...and it is hard for me to justify in an essay why it makes sense, because nothing in my background lends itself to marketing. However, I know that's what I want to do and I realize I need an MBA to make it happen. Do you have any advice on whether this career change will be "believable" to the admissions committees?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[Saurav]

Work Ex.
I have been working in O&G Exploration Sector for the last 4 years, 3 promotions.
Worked in several teams for starting up new projects besides the regular job profile description.

Undergrad
Mech. Engg from IIT-India GPA 7.25 (scale 10). Involved in extra-curriculars in all the 4 years of college life, along with heads of student bodies in last two years.

Coomunity Experience
I am trying to do some work for an AIDS mission here in India, but I hear very less from them. So I would not count that in yet.

GMAT
Score 640 (Q49, V 28)

Please let me know what more background information you will need to understand my profile. I will be honest here to say that I started late with my preparation. I have had to reschedule my GMAT twice since I had been travelling a lot for the last 4 months. I started going through the official guides from 1 Oct (took the GMAT on 20th). I bought the MGMAT SC Guide 3 days before the test. Even before going to the GMAT, I knew that I was scoring poorly in verbal and there was no time to learn/unlearn in last 2 days. I expect to score poorly in AWA, since I had written only 2 pieces earlier than the GMAT. (i might as well get a 2).

I will not need to work on Q since I have seen my scores have been 45+, but then Verbal is the one which will make the difference. I intend to put in the next 30-45 days in Verbal only and Writing and then take the GMAT again. 640 I believe is just outside the reach of almost everything. I think I can make a 700 plus.

let me know your thoughts. I want to use the next two months to prepare the applications.

Thanks

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for providing this additional information.

I think that your record of promotion in the Oil and Gas sector is great - you work in a less represented field (maybe not under-represented but less represented relative to banking, consulting, etc.) and you have clearly excelled. Obviously, if you intend on targeting a top-school, your GMAT is a liability and you will need to "lift" your score significantly. Further, you should do whatever you can to bolster your community work in the next two months, so that you can diversify your story somewhat. With the GMAT score you have right now, the top-15 would be a reach, but if you can lift your score, you might be competitive at schools like Cornell and Duke. I would probably focus on schools outside the top-15 for now and if you do considerably better on the GMAT, then throw in a top-15 reach.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Work Ex.
I have been working in O&G Exploration Sector for the last 4 years, 3 promotions.
Worked in several teams for starting up new projects besides the regular job profile description.

Undergrad
Mech. Engg from IIT-India GPA 7.25 (scale 10). Involved in extra-curriculars in all the 4 years of college life, along with heads of student bodies in last two years.

Coomunity Experience
I am trying to do some work for an AIDS mission here in India, but I hear very less from them. So I would not count that in yet.

GMAT
Score 640 (Q49, V 28)

Please let me know what more background information you will need to understand my profile. I will be honest here to say that I started late with my preparation. I have had to reschedule my GMAT twice since I had been travelling a lot for the last 4 months. I started going through the official guides from 1 Oct (took the GMAT on 20th). I bought the MGMAT SC Guide 3 days before the test. Even before going to the GMAT, I knew that I was scoring poorly in verbal and there was no time to learn/unlearn in last 2 days. I expect to score poorly in AWA, since I had written only 2 pieces earlier than the GMAT. (i might as well get a 2).

I will not need to work on Q since I have seen my scores have been 45+, but then Verbal is the one which will make the difference. I intend to put in the next 30-45 days in Verbal only and Writing and then take the GMAT again. 640 I believe is just outside the reach of almost everything. I think I can make a 700 plus.

let me know your thoughts. I want to use the next two months to prepare the applications.

Thanks

[Saurav]

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for your input. That was some sort of encouragement. Now here is what I have been also thinking.

It has been said several times, that the GMAT in some way reflects your preparedness for the MBA School. (I mentioned earlier that I took to the books for about 15 days before the test day). I am in the process of finalizing a transfer overseas and hence have not been able to focus on the schools, the programs and studies in fact.

The situation is that I have a 4-years work-ex. Am I going to spoil my chances if I wait another year to apply? I will be having 5 years work experience when I will be applying and most likely 6 when I will be entering the school. Now that is a thought, since I have read through the forums that 5 years and less is considered one group (of people still younger and fresh) vs those having 5+ years.

In either case (applying this year - Round 2 vs next year) I will be writing the GMAT again, I know what areas to work on.

Looking for some good advice here, I know this is something where you can say, I should be the one to decide, but what would you do?

Thanks.

[MBA Mission]

A note to those posting on this thread: for some reason, there is a glitch in the software that runs this system, which causes posters to think that their messages have not been posted successfully. If you see a "debug mode" error code of sorts, your message has likely been posted. Just open another window and check. If not, post again!

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your latest inquiry.

I don’t think that waiting one year will diminish your chances, especially because it will give you opportunities to bolster your weakness - particularly the GMAT and community leadership. It is true that some schools are now willing to look at younger candidates, but that does not mean that they completely disregard strong candidates who are on the older side. Further, at five/six years of work experience, you would not even be on the older side.

Try to think about the admissions process less scientifically. The nature of average is that some people are above and some people are below. Consider your entire candidacy and how you can best represent yourself. In your case, I think that you would probably benefit from the extra time, if you wanted to challenge for a top 15 program.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for your input. That was some sort of encouragement. Now here is what I have been also thinking.

It has been said several times, that the GMAT in some way reflects your preparedness for the MBA School. (I mentioned earlier that I took to the books for about 15 days before the test day). I am in the process of finalizing a transfer overseas and hence have not been able to focus on the schools, the programs and studies in fact.

The situation is that I have a 4-years work-ex. Am I going to spoil my chances if I wait another year to apply? I will be having 5 years work experience when I will be applying and most likely 6 when I will be entering the school. Now that is a thought, since I have read through the forums that 5 years and less is considered one group (of people still younger and fresh) vs those having 5+ years.

In either case (applying this year - Round 2 vs next year) I will be writing the GMAT again, I know what areas to work on.

Looking for some good advice here, I know this is something where you can say, I should be the one to decide, but what would you do?

Thanks.

[Nishant]

Hi,

I'm working as a Quality Analyst with a MNC in IT domain and below are few of the details that I have abstracted for your reference:

Total Exp: 2.5 years (QA and Team Leader... Handling a team of 20 associates)
Grad: B.Tech in Chemical Engg.
CGPA in Grad: 7.2/10
Post Grad: Pursuing PGDM Part Time from IMT Ghaziabad (2nd Year)
Current CGPA: 6.5/10
GMAT-700

Paper Presentation: My paper was selected for first "International conference on Brand Management (ICBM'08)"
Research: Conducted 2 research Nationwide (1 for IMT and other one for my company)

Extra Curricular/Awards

- Awarded by my company for contribution towards CSR activities (Social Work)
- Regular participation in all events during Graduation/Post Grad & at work
- Organized many cultural/Sports events

* Good experience in dealing with International clients (Canada)
* Good repo in my organization for my work...Recommendations ready from seniors and colleagues

And many more initiatives and innovations on my name in my company....

But now, I am facing lot of problems with my PGDM Part Time due to urgent obligations for my organization. Since I have to attend classes 4 days a week, and due to heavy workload at office, In my 2nd year of MBA, I am unable to manage things due to time conflicts. So I am left with only 3 options, either I leave my job, my part time MBA or both.

It would be great if you could help me in this as I have finally decided to go for a regular International MBA. But I have few concerns like:

1) My Part time MBA-- will it affect my future admission prospects when the international colleges get to know about it?
2) I have a genuine reason to take this decision-- is it enough for justification or should I plan something else?
3) Is my profile competitive enough? Please suggest few colleges
4) Any other suggestions to improve my profile?

Please help me with your expertise..

Regards,

Nishant

[MBA Mission]

Nishant,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Generally, U.S. MBA programs are not that inclined to take students who have MBAs already. That written, you are the first candidate that I have come across who may not finish this "other" MBA and I am not sure how the AdCom will view this. On the one hand, there is the positive that you know you want to commit yourself to full-time study. On the other hand, there is the potential of the AdCom not being sympathetic to your predicament. In all likelihood, it will simply come down to the individual reading your application and whether he/she identifies with your story and can overlook this issue or even embrace it.

Other than that, you seem to be a real standout performer at work and it it great that you are winning com

traditional spheres. Your GMAT and grades are strong. You have publications under your belt and international experience. You have a lot going for you. Without this issue, I think that you would stand a chance in the top ten. With it, it is very hard to gauge.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Thank you for your latest inquiry.

I don’t think that waiting one year will diminish your chances, especially because it will give you opportunities to bolster your weakness - particularly the GMAT and community leadership. It is true that some schools are now willing to look at younger candidates, but that does not mean that they completely disregard strong candidates who are on the older side. Further, at five/six years of work experience, you would not even be on the older side.

Try to think about the admissions process less scientifically. The nature of average is that some people are above and some people are below. Consider your entire candidacy and how you can best represent yourself. In your case, I think that you would probably benefit from the extra time, if you wanted to challenge for a top 15 program.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for your input. That was some sort of encouragement. Now here is what I have been also thinking.

It has been said several times, that the GMAT in some way reflects your preparedness for the MBA School. (I mentioned earlier that I took to the books for about 15 days before the test day). I am in the process of finalizing a transfer overseas and hence have not been able to focus on the schools, the programs and studies in fact.

The situation is that I have a 4-years work-ex. Am I going to spoil my chances if I wait another year to apply? I will be having 5 years work experience when I will be applying and most likely 6 when I will be entering the school. Now that is a thought, since I have read through the forums that 5 years and less is considered one group (of people still younger and fresh) vs those having 5+ years.

In either case (applying this year - Round 2 vs next year) I will be writing the GMAT again, I know what areas to work on.

Looking for some good advice here, I know this is something where you can say, I should be the one to decide, but what would you do?

Thanks.

[SR]

Hi,

Request you to evaluate my profile and give your inputs. Please do let me know whether the schools I have opted for would be a realistic try or too optimistic. Do suggest schools which I can consider a safe bet too. Would also be helpful if you can evaluate my chances for scholarships.

Indian, Female, Age 24
Undergrad: Engineering (Computer Science), with a GPA of 3.5
GMAT Score: 690 (Overall 88%, Verbal 83%, Quants 79%)
Work Experience: 3 years as Sofware Engineer under Finance domain. Had a sharp growth curve, worked on challenging projects and now leading a team for project design and implementation.
Community Service: Done through my organisation - Eye donation camps and Campaigns for promoting environment awareness.
Extra Curricular Activites: Trained and practise Yoga. Learning dance, performed and organized events at the work place.

Schools under consideration: UTA McCombs/ CMU Tepper/UCLA Anderson/ Duke/ UIUC/ Georgia Tech/ Emory/ Fisher

Thanks