Target School Advice Requested!

[ps1990]

Hello

I recently took the GMAT for the third (and last time) a few days ago and fell shy of the 700 mark and am wondering where that places me in terms of target schools.

Here's my Stats:

Ethnicity/Gender: Asian Female

GMAT3: 680 (45Q/ 37V)
GMAT2: 650 (48Q/ 31V)
GMAT1: 640 (44Q, 35V)

Undergraduate GPA: 3.7/4.0 from an Ivy League University. The degree is a BA in Public Health, with minors in Healthcare Management and Finance and English I find the low Verbal GMAT score odd because I minored in English in undergrad and wrote for my undergrad school newspaper (and have a year's of publications that were later picked up by Philly News).

Work Experience: I'm looking to apply in the next two years so by the time I apply I will have 4+ years of work experience in the healthcare consulting arm of a Big 4 firm, particularly in healthcare M&A and strategy. I've had experience managing small teams of 3-4 and considerable client facing opportunities, including international health consulting experience, which is rare for someone of my position at the firm.

Extra- Curriculars: I work with children who have recently immigrated to the United States, helping them adjust to school requirements by teaching English (for younger students) and for older students, I not only help with teaching English but help with navigating the college application process, securing financial aid, etc. I've been involved with various other organizations that helps connect minorities with resources to navigate either the education or the healthcare system in the U.S. (to summarize the least here). Most of my extra-curriculars are service-oriented and some recreational photography.

Why I want an MBA: I'd ultimately would want to pursue an MBA in healthcare or strategy and would use this degree to first advance my position in my current job (the firm I work for is taking an increasingly "strategy" oriented position in healthcare and has made huge acquisitions in this space) and second (longer term goal) to find my way into a position in which I would run a large health insurance's or large health system's Investment Strategy arm. Think MD Anderson's global consulting division and would like to effect change on a population health level. Most of these positions require some formal business experience and my undergraduate degree was in public health with some finance and healthcare management courses.

Target Schools: Because I live in NYC and want to get an MBA part time, I'd like to target:

1)Stern part time MBA
2)Georgetown part time MBA

But would consider going full time if I got into
Columbia (reach)
Yale (reach)


Because I went to an Ivy for undergrad, I don't particularly want to spend money going to a lower tier school than the top 25 for B school.

My top two questions are
1) Do these schools make sense given my interests and my current profile? Are there any others I should be looking at on the east coast?
2) Is it worth taking the GRE to supplement my lower GMAT score?

Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi,

Thanks for posting. I found your profile interesting, professional, and goal-focused, and in the larger scheme of things the number of applicants focused on healthcare management is still not as large as many other areas.... so that helps you stand out. Being an Asian female is another plus to help you stand out, as schools are looking to put together an extremely diverse class, not just in terms of ethnicity but in terms of different industries and roles and experiences, so the more unique you are, in a good and still professional way relevant to business, the better; plus they are generally interested in increasing their qualified female class members.

So honestly I think while the 680 is below average at top 10 schools, it's not so far below that you'd be ruled out and the rest of your profile so far comes across as very strong. With a well put together application and stellar essays, I would think you'd at least be considered at all 4 programs you've mentioned. Healthcare is such a relevant issue in our country today, that schools would likely value the perspective of someone with your experiences and your ambitions within their classroom. And your teamwork, international, and community involvement activities are all also interesting.

In terms of other schools, for the healthcare interest I'd look into Wharton since the hospitals are tied with Penn and there is such a strong healthcare focus at UPenn and probably lots of opportunities there. Otherwise maybe Ross or UNC for a lower tier. And if you mentioned Stern part time, wondering about Stern full time? As for full time and part time, you'll have to assess what makes the most sense for you personally and how and when you'd like to apply to all. Finally, as for the GRE, it wouldn't hurt if you'd like to give it a shot and have the time, but I wouldn't go crazy with it if it doesn't work out.

Interested to hear what happens, let us know ! And if you'd ever like to chat in person we do offer free 30 min consults at http://www.mbamission.com/consult.php. Or feel free to ask additional q's here. Good luck!

[ps1990]

Hi Jen,

Thanks for the reply. I can tell from how your response that having a 680 definitely places me at a disadvantage for the top 10 schools but do you think that a well thought out application and essays would put me on a level playing field with someone who may have scored 20 points higher on the GMAT? I noticed you worded your thoughts as "at least consider" my application, but does that mean that most admissions officers would likely not go beyond that? I'm trying to gauge just how much of a disadvantage I'm at by just missing the mark because if a well rounded application puts me on a level playing field, I'd be interested in working with mbaMission to get there. I just would like to know how much of a disadvantage I'm working with before I commit a lot of time and money to the efforts.

I am leaning toward part time at this point so Ross and UNC probably won't work. I might consider NYU full time if there was a chance I'd get in.

It also seems that taking the GRE could be a good thing, if things work out. So far I haven't reported my GMAT scores to any of these institutions so perhaps a favorable GRE score might help.

Thanks!

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

I think you have a strong profile. Would a 700+ GMAT help even more? Yes... it's just an extra nudge/positive if your score wouldn't be bringing down the class average for example... BUT keep in mind their average score is just that-- an average! So there are PLENTY of admitted applicants below that average! The GMAT is not everything.... plenty with higher scores are rejected, and plenty with scores below average are accepted with strong profiles/applications.

I believe you are a strong applicant even with a 680, IF you have a strong overall application, resume, essays, recommendations, interview etc. ;) As long as you can convey exactly what you'll bring to the program, why you want the MBA, why that school is right for you, and what you'll do with the degree..... I would think you'd have a decent shot of admission. Of course there is an element of subjectivity as all candidates are examined in a holistic way, often by several members of the admissions committee, so it's always impossible to predict entirely and there's nothing as straightforward as statistical odds or a formula to assess your chances or anything like that. ;) I think your profile helps you stand out and gives you a shot currently; your application will likely help strengthen or weaken that chance. Higher test scores would be an extra plus, but you are likely competitive at your mentioned programs currently with a strong application & essays, and I don't say that lightly (i.e. for many who write in, we'll tell them straight up that it's a long shot if they over-reach).

Hope that helps! Let us know how else we can help or if you have any questions about our services, or anything else b-school related.

[ps1990]

Thanks for your honest opinion, Jen! I really appreciate it!

[mbamissionjenK]

You are most welcome!