B-School Admission Queries

[Guest]

Hi,

I am a software Analyst currently residing in the DC Metro area working for a mid level company ( not among the Fortune 500s). I have over 2 yrs of work experience in this company. I hold a MS degree in Computer Science/MIS from Binghamton University (SUNY) with GPA 3.4 and did my undergrad from a decently good university with a GPA of 3.5. I have volunteered in a couple of organizations on a part time basis and have gained leadership experience in the process. Working as a Software Analyst, I also manage a team of around 10 + developers, had an unofficial promotion within a yr of joining the firm. (earlier I worked as a developer).

I am interested in applying at top 10 B-Schools and planning to write the GMAT early 2009.

Given my profile, what kind of score should I be targeting to dream of the Top 10 schools? Is there, even a remote chance of getting admit into any of the Top 10 schools ( assuming I get a high GMAT score)? In what way can I improve my application to give a best shot?

Thanks,
PP

[MBAApply]

Here's the thing with GMATs.

A high GMAT won't get you in (it won't be an asset), but a low GMAT can keep you out.

In other words, so long as you get a decent enough score, whether it's astronomically high or not won't really impact your chances at a top16 school (outside the top 16, it can make a difference).

As such, to stay in the running, shoot for a 700 or greater. So long as your GMAT is around 700, your chances will come down to everything else - the quality of your work experience, extracurriculars, and how well you execute the application (essays, rec letters interviews).

Assuming your GMAT is decent and you're applying next year (applying in 2009, matriculating in 2010):

Kellogg/Chicago/Columbia/Sloan/Tuck: these are your "stretch" schools where you'll need stellar applications and a bit of luck; choose 1-2 from this list;

Duke/Darden/Michigan/Haas/NYU/UCLA/Cornell/Yale: these are your "sweet spot" schools where you're right in the mix; choose 3-4 from this list.

USC/UNC/Georgetown/Emory/Indiana/Purdue/CMU/Texas: these would be "safety" schools where you shouldn't have any problems getting in unless your application sucks; choose 0-1 from this list.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[Guest]

Hi Alex,

Thanks a lot for your response!!

-PP