Profile Evaluation

[nicole.mauldin]

I just took the GMAT and scored 680 (Q46 V38). I have an undergrad GPA of 3.17, but the last three years have a cumulative of 3.5 (really bombed at the beginning) my major was construction management (included accounting, micro-econ and intro to statistics). I'm interested mostly in Stanford and Haas because of their non-profit track. My background is three years as project engineer with a general contractor - low income housing. Two years project manager for an orphanage building a complex for 500 kids in Nicaragua. Currently I'm Associate director at Habitat for Humanity in Wyoming (been here three months). No promotions, but really great rec's from people who aren't CEOs.

That's it in a nutshell. Is that enough to get me a decent chance at Stanford or Haas? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? I'm planning on applying first round, so that leaves me one more chance to take the GMAT. Should I do that even if I'm not sure there's much of a chance of me improving my score much with just 1 1/2 month of studying (while doing applications too).

Thanks for your thoughts!

[mbamission]

Your work experience sounds interesting. Even though you haven't achieved promotions, do you have concrete leadership examples and accomplishments that you can highlight in your application? Provided that you can write a strong essay about your career goals and tie it all together, your work experience should help differentiate you from other candidates.

Even though you work for a nonprofit, another important aspect of the application process is involvement outside of work. Can you tell me more about this aspect of your profile?

Based on the information provided, I think Stanford is going to be a reach for you, but Haas is a realistic choice. Your GMAT is below the average for both schools, so you might want to consider retaking the exam to improve your score and applying in Round 2 for Haas. Did you already take a class with Manhattan GMAT?

Monica Okrah
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: http://www.mbamission.com
Blog: http://www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: http://www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: http://www.mbamission.com/consult.php

[nicole.mauldin]

Thanks for the response Monica!

Leadership and extracurriculars - College, president Sigma Lambda Chi (construction management academic honors society, we did social service work), Captain of team to win regional (western US) commercial construction management competition, president of the board (with local business leaders, social workers and clergy) and overnight volunteer at youth shelter. After college, on Board for capital improvements of local camp and conference center, involved in (and led other volunteers) in American Indian Housing Initiative. Currently involved in setting up a running club for kids in an impoverished neighborhood of Nicaragua.

I haven't taken a class with mgmat yet. I did take one with Veritas because I won it, and with my background (and salary), all the MGMAT books (which were REALLY helpful) were what I could afford to buy. I know it's an investment, not just an outlay, but it's still hard to come up with money sometimes (I know we all feel that at one time or another!) :)

I'm also 30, which has come up in my reading as a 'red flag', so I'm not sure how much, if at all, that will affect the outcome.

Thanks!

[mbamission]

You were quite involved in undergrad and you have a few interesting post college activities. I still think Stanford will be tough for you given the GPA, GMAT, and age (the average age of the class is a bit younger than you are), but you should be competitive at Haas (the class is a bit older than Stanford's). Have you considered adding some other schools in the 5-10 range to your list?

Good luck with the GMAT the next time around!

Monica Okrah
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: http://www.mbamission.com
Blog: http://www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: http://www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: http://www.mbamission.com/consult.php

[nicole.mauldin]

I haven't. For reasons of geography, finances and areas of study within the MBA program, the other two schools I'm applying to are Foster (University of Washington) and Leeds (University of Colorado Boulder).

Thanks so much for your help Monica!

[nicole.mauldin]

Although if you have any suggestions of other schools, please let me know!

[mbamission]

I haven't. For reasons of geography, finances and areas of study within the MBA program, the other two schools I'm applying to are Foster (University of Washington) and Leeds (University of Colorado Boulder).

Thanks so much for your help Monica!

Sounds like you are going about this process the right way!

I think these schools are safe choices for you. Best of luck with the application process!

Monica

[mbamission]

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Akiba Smith-Francis

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