Top School - longshot or even money?
I trying to assess my chances of getting into a top mba program -currently looking at Wharton, Chicago, Columbia and LBS. I know a lot will depend on my rec's/essays but I'd appreciate some feedback on my basic info......Many Thanks
Undergrad
Bach Sci in Finance
Bach Sci International Business
3.5 GPA at a decent state school
There are a few red flags in my transcript: I have 4 C's, they're in Honors Stat.,Intermediate Accounting (retook this one post bacc and aced it), Accounting Info Systems and International Economics
Social chair, recruiting chair for my fraternity
GMAT
I'm taking it for the first time in a few weeks, I scored a 650 a few days ago on a Kaplan practice test after an 11 hr day at work so I think my score will be ok.
Work
5 1/2 yrs experience, started in accounting and was sent on an overseas assignment in SE Asia for 2 1/2 yrs where I eventually managed a staff of 8 local accountants (some with Western degrees). After I came back to the US I spent a year or so cleaning up various problems for our world wide accounting group. The last year & half I've been in our treasury group where I run an fx balance sheet hedging progam among other things. Annually I trade about 300M in forwards and options, nothing too fancy since its a corporate gig but some multi leg options. In addition I've done quite a bit of adhoc stuff along the lines of competitor analysis, lease vs purchases analysis, monitoring working capital of business units, credit revolver issues, budgeting etc. Basically if something is f'd up or needs to be done right it eventually comes to me or my boss. I've got a lot of Bloomberg experience and I recently got off mouse for which I'm proud of to an embarrassing degree.
well take my criticism with a grain of salt:
Undergrad: Doesn't really matter, Cs won't kill you, as long as you have a good final GPA its all good.
GMAT: You need at least 700, I'd aim for something along the lines of 720. Granted they say the average is 700...but you can be certain the people with less than 700 did something extradionary. And that 650 after a hard day of work isn't really indicative that you'll do better, GMAT isn't exactly rocket science...so I would definetly work on that more, better to work your ass off and get a good score on the first try, than to mess up and have to do it all over again
Experience: You got plenty
Leadership: Seems to be important to biz schools, so try getting some leadership things on your resume.
Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...
This is one of the situations where you shouldn't be giving advice.
i'd say a shoe in, friends brother got into chicago with way worse stats
aspiring monkey getting grilled
You've got a good shot. You don't need 720 to get in to a top school, but 650 is low. Try to get it up at least to 680, and then you've got a fighting shot. Essays, interviews and recs are all key as well, of course. Go for a rec from someone who really knows you and can write in detail, not some high-ranking guy whose name is impressive but will just write bland stuff.
it's a total crapshoot. you should put in a safety like cornell or michigan
Maybe look at schools like UVa and Stern as well....?
I think 50 delta is about right
I took the GMAT this morning and got a 700 - Scaled Scores were 44 Quant (73%) and 41 Verbal (93%).
I think this puts me in a strong position to get into at least one of my target schools - Wharton, Chicago, Columbia and LBS, but I'm a bit worried that the Quant might be low. I have a finance background, degree and work experience, so that might help sway any adcom doubts. I'd really rather focus on my essays than retake the GMAT. Also, I want to go into IBanking after MBA and I hear most BB ask for gmat scores. I know 700 isn't stunning but I think its respectable. Anyone have any advice on if its worth retaking to try to get my Quant up? Thanks for all your earlier responses.
A 700 is about or slightly below average for Wharton, Chicago, and Columbia, but definitely passes the threshold of being "good enough." While it would be great if your score was a 750+, improving from a 700 will provide you with limited value in the application process. Your time and effort will best be spent in crafting the strongest set of essays for each school you apply to.
You should also consider applying to the next tier of schools, and look at schools like Michigan, Duke, NYU, etc. But before you do that, first think of what sort of b-school experience you want to have. Unless the economy mimics what it did for 2002 grads, you shouldn't have too much trouble landing at an IB from any of these schools. So the most important thing is making sure you'll be in an environment where you'll have fun and get the most out of school.
Out of curiousity, why are you thinking of applying to LBS? It's a great school, but if you want to be in the U.S. afterwards, you'll probably be better off at schools in the 8-20 range here in the states.
Eum quam officia maxime et quae illum sunt. Rem ut velit suscipit numquam molestias possimus corrupti voluptatem. Itaque molestias iure alias sint.
Ipsam modi est error dolor omnis suscipit aut quae. Temporibus voluptatem quaerat temporibus assumenda et et tempore. Aut inventore non voluptas sit beatae nesciunt.
Voluptas in dicta nesciunt similique sit consequatur. Nobis dolorem porro quos pariatur aut sed. Qui laborum laborum laborum fuga molestias omnis quod.
Odit est et quod sit. Sit odio explicabo aut dolorem tempora rem omnis. Numquam excepturi maiores eum minus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...