Haas Part Time Program Admissions

[JDSchmidt8723]

Hello,

I'm considering applying to UC-Berkeley's part-time MBA program. I recently took the GMAT, and scored a 710 44Q (69th Percentile) 42V (95th Percentile). My undergrad GPA was 3.6. I received an A in both Statistics and Calculus in my undergrad program, but that was pretty much the extent of the math courses I took in undergrad. I have 9 years of progressive experience in supply chain management. Do you think my low score on the math section would hurt my chances at Haas' part-time program?

Jon

[mbamission]

Hi Jon -

It's really hard to say specifically. Your quant score is low, but your overall GMAT is high and you do have 2 good grades in rigorous quant courses. The answer probably depends on how much quantitative work you do in your job. If it's a lot, then simply write the optional essay explaining that you received a lower than expected quant score which you can't explain but which surprised you given your As in quant courses in college and the quantitative work you do (then describe, giving accomplishments as needed). If you can't add that last piece about using quantitative skills at work, then the GMAT score becomes a bigger issue and may tilt towards your needing to take the test again. You could call the Haas admissions office and ask (anonymously) how much the individual scores vs the overall one counts, if you wanted more specific guidance.

Good luck,

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission

www.mbamission.com/blog

[JDSchmidt8723]

Thanks for the response Jessica. I do quite a bit of analytical work in my job so that's good to know. I will call the office and ask as well. To be honest I was actually happy with the 710 and the math score. I generally don't do very well on the math sections of standardized tests. I didn't do well on the ACT in high school either. I'm generally very methodical when approaching math problems. I always have been and probably always will be. I was a late bloomer academically in high school so I never really mastered quick calculation techniques early on.This has never been a problem when it comes to class work or the real world where you generally have more than 2 mintutes work a problem (Not to mention a calculator and/or spreadsheet), but on a test like the GMAT I tend to struggle because I'm not very good at using the various shortcuts. I'm not concerned about it as far as how I'll perform if admitted, but the challenge I face is convincing the admissions committee that this is the case.

Jon

[mbamission]

Thanks, Jon for the follow up. I think you can just very quickly state that you have never historically performed well in quantitative standardized tests because you like to take a more methodical approach to problem solving, an approach which has served you very well both in school and at work, and then elaborate on your experience at school and work. Don't make excuses, just address the issue then pivot to providing ample evidence of your strengths.

Jessica