Number of schools to apply to ??

[katie.s.conway]

Hi,

As the day of my GMAT fast approaches, I have begun to think more about which schools, and how many schools, I should be applying to. Someone recommended a total of 4, and I'm thinking 5 might be a good number.

A litte background on me :

Graduated honors from UCLA with a 3.7 and degrees in sociology and communications studies, and have been in the workforce since July 2007. I work in advertising with a focus on consumer research, and also have experience working in consulting (a brand strategy consulting firm). I'm a little nervous about my performance on the GMAT, as the highest of my practice test scores has been 670 (I would really like to break 700, but only have two weeks until my test...). I should have strong letters of recommendation.

My list of four schools as of now is :
UCLA's Anderson
Berkeley's Haas
Northwestern's Kellogg
USC's Marshall

If I add a fifth, it's between :
UT's McCombs
Wharton
Stanford

If I were to pick UT, it would be because I think I'll have a higher chance of getting accepted, but at the same time I think, why not just go for it and apply somewhere you'd be proud to go, in which case I lean towards Wharton. I am always reading articles they've published, and truly like the involvement and investment they have in consumer behavior and often use their work in my own work.

Any helpful tips??

Thanks,
Katie

[kanwar.hunny]

Hi Katie
Choosing a B School depends on basically 3 factors
1) GMAT score
2) A good Profile and Work Ex
3) personal choice (in case one receives call from more than 1 B school)
You have a good work Profile. However, with a score ranging (650-700), Wharton looks out of reach. As you look highly inclined towards Wharton, its better you weigh your options. As you have still two weeks for exam, try to score 700+. If that's not the case, apply at least in 5-6 B Schools (1-Dream, 2-3 Competitive, 2-Safe)

[mbamission]

Hi Katie,

It's largely a personal choice of course, depending on your appetite for writing essays, paying application fees, etc. It seems like you have some good experience and I like that the four schools you identified represent a diverse group. I'd say if you're looking for a fifth school, wait until your GMAT and let that determine if Wharton/Stanford are in range (figure at least 700). Of course you can still apply to Wharton with a sub-700, and spell out the exact reasons you listed here as to why the school appeals to you.

In terms of competitiveness -- McCombs would rank above USC, so if your personal preference is for USC, then UT might be a superfluous application.

Best of luck with your GMATs and applications!
Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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