Profile Evaluation for Berkeley Admission

[mumar]

Hi, I took the GMAT last Friday and scored 710 (Q:48; V:40). I want to do the evening MBA at Berkeley. I have been working at a touch technology company in the bay area for the past 5 years and have progressed fairly well here. I graduated from Santa Clara University - Business School - with a GPA of 3.98. However, after graduation I worked for 2 years and then took time off to start a family. During the 5 years while my kids were growing up, I taught part time at a school - wanted to give back to society yet be there for my kids. I am now 36 years old. I'm planning to apply in the first round (Nov 1 deadline). Of course, I'm concerned about my age and the work gap. I wanted a high GMAT score because I felt that together with my GPA it may boost my chances given the situation. I have been wondering if an even higher GMAT score would be more beneficial but I don't really want to take it again unless a 720 or 730 improves my chances substantially. Do you think if I tell my story in a compelling way, I have a shot with the existing GMAT score?

Thanks
Mariam

[rachel]

Hi! The 710 is a good score and puts you in the range for Haas. I don't think you need to take the GMAT again. As for the gap in your professional experience, I don't think that is necessarily a problem because you have been working consistently for the last five years. Also, when your children were little, it sounds like you didn't do nothing - you worked at a school part time. That may be an experience that you can draw on in your application. As for your age, you are older than the typical student there - but that doesn't mean you won't be considered for admissions. What will be key is articulating in your application why this is the right time for you to get an MBA.

Best of luck,

Rachel Beck


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[mumar]

Rachel, thanks so much for your insight! I really appreciate it.

Mariam