Chances at top-10?

[schuler.anne]

Hello,

I'd appreciate some insight as to my chances getting in to a top-10 school. Right now, my #1 choice is Kellogg, but I'm worried that my non-traditional background and lack of quant experience may hurt me.

I graduated 3 years ago with a 3.8 GPA from one of the best journalism schools in the country (dual major with sociology). I spent the first two years out of college doing marketing and communications for a non-profit focused on the environment, and I have been in my current role in corporate communications for large international company for one year. My ultimate goal is to develop corporate social responsibility strategies for a large organization and market those policies/initiatives to create positive brand awareness for the company. I think my non-profit and for-profit experience would blend well in that sort of role.

I took the GMAT and got a 710 but was disappointed in the breakdown: V: 97%; Q:68%. I am planning on retaking the GMAT in early September but don't want to bank on getting a higher quant score. I only took two stats classes in college, and I don't do much analytic or quant work in my current job.

I'm worried that such a low quant score blocks me from admission to a top school. Can you offer me some insight as to my chances at a school such as Kellogg? (It's my #1 because of the opportunity to triple-major in strategy, marketing and social entrepreneurship.) And, are there other -- more attainable -- schools with similar programs that I may be overlooking?

I've noticed other people put demographics in these types of queries, so for what it's worth, I'm 25, white, American & female.

Thank you for your assistance. I really appreciate it!

[mbamission]

Hi Anne,

Thanks for writing in. There is definitely room for people with non-traditional backgrounds at top programs. You will want to focus on the things you mentioned in your post as they are differentiating factors that the admissions officers will remember. You have a clear, and unique, post-MBA goal, so make sure you express it thoroughly in your essays.

In regards to your Quant score, if you don't think it will improve, consider taking one or two MBA-style quant courses online or at a local community college and using the optional essay to communicate this experience. This will show you are dedicated to addressing your lack of quant background, and hopefully you can also demonstrate success in these courses.

Lastly, I would recommend working hard now and having your best application ready to go early. Since you have a non-traditional background, ideally you can get in front of the admissions committee when the class is still mostly unfilled.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[melzart]

I have a similar situation, but an even worse quant score, so my GMAT score is low for a Top 10 school. However, I had a good GPA and did well in finance courses.

Age: 27
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: White
Undergrad GPA: 3.6
GMAT: 640, 37Q (43%)/ 41V (92%)
Target school: UC-Berkeley
Work experience: 5 yrs

In college, I was in an "honors" business administration program, did well (A's) in Accounting/Finance/Stats, but got a C+ in Calculus. I know top MBA schools like Berkeley stress the Quant, but does my undergrad grades balance out my low Quant score? If I retake the GMAT I will miss the Round 1 deadline.

I also have a clear focus - I am in E-Business (online user insight) for a Financial firm and want to get my MBA to get into Marketing/Product Management. I think I can do really well on the essays and get good rec's, but is that enough?

Thanks!

[mbamission]

Hi Melzart,

It's tough to say what "enough" is when it comes to trying to balance out a GMAT weakness with other credentials. You can definitely point to your college performance in accounting and statistics, but I worry that will also draw attention to your C+ in Calculus. In addition, your GMAT score is below the Berkeley range and the breakdown is heavily skewed toward verbal.

Keep in mind you want to always put your best application forward. Although you may wish to apply in Round 1, if Haas is your top choice you may want to take the time to retake the GMATs and hopefully lift your Quant score, and then submit for Round 2.

Good luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[melzart]

Thanks Daniel! After thinking about it and reading your response I realized that the University would want to see more "balance" and would want to know that I can make it through the Quant courses since they require at least a 3.0 while you're an MBA student.

I know I could do better on the math and get a score that wouldn't make them doubt my math skills if I took more time to study and tried not to be so nervous about it. Plus if I get a higher GMAT I might have a better chance at scholarships, right?

Thanks for the help.