What are my options?

[north_moore]

Programs Considered: UT-Austin, UNC, Duke

GMAT: 670 (46 Q, 36V).

GPA: 2.75 from a top 15 liberal arts college.

Work experience: 1 year teaching English in Ecuador, 5 years as a partner in a wealth management practice

Internships: Press liaison to spanish media for minor league hockey team

Community Involvement: United Way coordinator for the office; Volunteer for AFS, an exchange student organization that brings international high school students to the US

Should I take the GMAT again? Realistically I think a 700 is attainable. Would that be enough to convince the admission folks that I'm competent enough to handle the rigors of an MBA? Unfortunately there is no real "uptick" in my academic transcript. I've read that it can be beneficial to take classes at a local college to prove you have the work ethic. Are my target schools realistic? What can I do to strengthen my resume before a Fall 2010 enrollment?

Thanks,
N

[mbamission]

Hi N,
Thanks for the inquiry.

We would definitely recommend retaking the GMAT, particularly since you believe that a 700 is attainable (a 700 with 80% in V and Q is the benchmark for success). Further, just by taking the test again you will show Admissions Committees that you are committed to going back to business school. Regarding your academic background, taking classes to bolster your profile may also be a good option - typically our clients look to take accounting, finance, stats, or econ classes to prove you have the ability to handle the quantitative rigor of an MBA program.

In your case, since your GPA is below the averages for the schools you listed and likely also below the 80% range, you could explore both routes, that is retaking the GMAT and enrolling in a class. Of course, your ability to do this depends on your time constraints - better to improve your GMAT score than get an average score in a class.

It is hard to judge whether your target schools are realistic without having a bit more detail on your professional experience and career trajectory. It does appear that you have some worthwhile community involvement, which is commendable and an important part of an applicant’s profile. Can you demonstrate leadership, initiative and an upward trajectory professionally?

Lastly, in terms of bolstering your resume, we encourage clients to become involved in the community (which you seem to have already done) as well as finish up or complete any long-terms goals you may have set for yourself. Taking the lead or initiative for a project at work or for the United Way may be things to consider as well.

I hope this helps.
Erin

Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
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