Profile Evaluation

by **Jkafir** Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:29 am

Hi Alex,

Wanted to ask if I have any shot at top tier schools, and if not what do I need to improve:

GMAT: 660 40V/44Q
WE: 5+ yrs at Top tier Inv Bank (Associate - Mortgage Analytics) Top rating in the group. Unique, insider's view of the business.
State School, 3.1 GPA (3.4 in Major)
Major: Information Systems
Strong leadership expericence
- 4 yrs as as RA w/ numerous awards
- TA for Intro to CompSci, etc
- Volunteer work
- 5 yrs Supermarket Assistant manager

In GMAT, screwed up on the quant w/ pacing, but excellent verbal (89pct). Have a strong quant background (analytics WE, plus UG major). Should I retake GMAT and on improve my quant score, or concentrate on my applications? Would like to apply for Round 2.

What are my likely schools with the above profile. Would like to attend FT.

Thanks!

by **jkafir** Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:31 am

GMAT should read 660 40V/42Q

by **StaceyKoprince** Tue Nov 04, 2008 1:02 pm

FYI we've moved your post over to the Ask an Admissions Consultant thread as they will have the best ability to answer your question!

by **MBAApply** Tue Nov 04, 2008 7:07 pm

You're the kind of candidate where it's likely not worth going to a school beyond the top-16 given where you're at in your career.

But in order to get into a top-16, you need to boost your GMAT score, or else you're really rolling the dice (you still can get in, but with a 660/3.1 you're in a tough spot since there's going to be enough other candidates similar to you who will have similarly strong applications AND stronger numbers).

With a 3.1, you really need a 700 or more or else your GMAT/GPA combo will be a significant handicap. This will be less of a concern at schools outside the top-16 because your overall resume will be stronger than most applicants, but then again it probably doesn't make as much sense for you to go there given the fact that you're in banking already.

Re-take the GMAT.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

by **Jkafir** Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:39 pm

Thanks for the honest feedback. I will re-take the GMAT. One more question - Should I study and concentrate on the apps at the same time? I should be able to re-take by 2nd week in Dec.

thanks again.

by **MBAApply** Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:32 pm

I don't think you have a choice but to study for the GMAT and do the applications at the same time. You really should get your applications in by the Round 2 deadline -- because Round 3 is a gamble at all schools.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com