Help! What are my chances?

Hi all -

I have been a lurker for a while but figured I'd post since I'm applying to MBA school this cycle. I'm planning on applying to Harvard, Booth, Wharton, Columbia, Stanford, Duke, Dartmouth, UVA, Berkley, and Michigan.

My Stats:

  • Undergrad: Wharton
  • Undergrad GPA: 2.98 (honestly - I didn't have the greatest guidance and did poorly all years)
  • GMAT: 780
  • Work Experience: 3 years IB Analyst (at 2 low tier foreign banks), 2 years as Corp Dev/Strategic Finance Associate at a startup (so 3 different organizations in 5 years)

Assuming my essays are fine, how much of a shot do I have at the schools listed above? I know my GPA is going to hold me back but I'm hoping my strong GMAT + recommendations + good undergrad school will compensate.

Please be honest! Thanks for helping guys!

7 Comments
 

From what I've seen I'd say decent chance at UVA. Ross too. Mainly because of GMAT. Take a look at the profiles of the students who have already been admitted and class averages etc.

“The only thing I know is that I know nothing, and i am no quite sure that i know that.” Socrates
 

no chance at H/S, could see you getting into one of B/W/C but will be tough, should get into several of the rest. if you have a way to try and explain your low gpa and/or make up for it by taking classes at a local college or something, it'll increase your odds.

 

I just wanted to say you should pare down your list somewhat. I applied to 5 schools in Round 1 when I went, and I think that's pushing it for how much you/your recommenders can handle in one cycle.

Agree that Harvard/Stanford will be big big stretches, so I would maybe apply to a couple of the lower M7 schools and a couple of the 2nd tier schools now (prioritize your favorites in each) and then apply to the others in round 2 in January.

Although, when you say this cycle, do you mean this year for Fall 2018 matriculation? Round 1 deadlines are already passing at most schools I guess.

 
Best Response

I had a very similar undergrad, similar years of work experience, very similar GPA (2.96) and lower GMAT (700). Also similar quality of work experience (4 years at a lower tier consulting firm - think FTI/Navigant/Huron). I also had no good explanation for my GPA (I just partied too much and didn't ever study). I got into Ross, Johnson and Tepper, rejected at the 3 M7 schools I applied to and dinged at Fuqua and Darden. I think with your GMAT you have a decent shot at Columbia/Tuck/Haas and will definitely get into several of Darden/Ross/Fuqua. I agree that H/S/W will be a bit of a stretch.

 

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