How are my chances at Darden?

Non-target state school - can't rely on school name Bachelor - Accounting - 3.2 GPA Master - Accounting - 3.25 GPA CPA GMAT - 720 Big 4 Advisory (3 years) - Performance Improvement - Performed process improvement and system implementation engagements; heavy regulatory remediation in the early years My only so-called extracurricular - Leader of a local church ministry - similar experiences in undergrad

I obviously want to go to the best school possible, but I specifically want to know what my chances are for Darden. My sister lives in that town, and this keeps me relatively close to my family/gf so this would be an ideal location for me.

So how does my profile compare, and more importantly... how can I improve? Thank you all for your input.

11 Comments
 
Best Response

You have a shot albeit not a great one is say maybe 25%. Your GPA is low and it's not in engineering/physics or a well known school. Not the kiss of death, but not a plus either. GMAT is fine, well within range. Your work experience is decidedly meh, have you been promoted? The schools are well aware the difference between advisory and consulting, so that is another minus. ECs are ok, but nothing to write home about.

The issue with your profile is you don't stand out. Your GPA, GMAT and ECs are all in line to maybe a little below average. The work experience is the same thing, although I'd say below average. To stand out retake the GMAT if you can crack a 750 or get a promotion or move into a cool client role.

 

I'd guess your chance of getting into Darden or a comparable b-school (ex. UCLA , USC, Michigan, NYU) is quite high. I'd recommend applying to at least 3 schools however. Business school admissions are very unpredictable.

 
"masterg"

I'd guess your chance of getting into Darden or a comparable b-school (ex. UCLA , USC, Michigan, NYU) is quite high. I'd recommend applying to at least 3 schools however. Business school admissions are very unpredictable.

lmao must be a Marshall grad; haven't seen a single person ever place USC on the same tier as Darden/Stern/Ross. Very sly...

 

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