The Ohio State University - Fisher

[cdsanders]

I have a 620 on the GMAT, including an 8 in IR and 5.5 on AWA (neither of which matter from what I hear). I definitely did not live up to my potential on it the first go around and plan to take it again. I got an email today from The Ohio State University about a campus visit in which I would receive a stipend for travel and stay in the presidential room. Fisher is my number one choice and I think they know that. I have 1.5 years of work experience post-undergrad, Merrill Lynch and a small bank in my town, 3.38 GPA, and my letters of recommendation and essays are definitely top of the line.

What are the odds this camps visit is a good sign for me, or even basically guarantee me a spot? I check the application status every day, as I am beyond anxious. I am not sure how to judge the campus visit as a sign of interest in me, if I can at all.

Any insight would be great!

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for posting. Overall it sounds like you are well-positioned for Fisher and knowing the program well and how much you would like to go there are all positives... schools do want applicants who really have 'done their homework' on the program, who really know what they are getting into so to speak, and really want to go there badly! ;)

It is a small positive sign that you got the invite, yes; Fisher says they only invite a limited group with the travel offer etc. It does not guarantee admission in any way though, sorry! But they will do an evaluative interview, to give you some feedback on your profile etc, and overall the entire experience will be a GREAT way to get to know the program even better, make an impression, ask questions, and then use all of that on your application/essays/official interview (as a way to further show what you love about Fisher, with specific examples from your experience there).

All that said, 620 is very low, in the lowest 10% of their admitted applicants last year! So I do strongly recommend re-taking if possible?? They will probably tell you the same.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[cdsanders]

Thank you for the swift reply! I forgot to mention that the stipend for travel and hotel was offered before I applied but would not be sent until my application was submitted. I also forgot to mention I am applying to the SMF, where I believe the GMAT is lower and they do not conduct an interview (which would be fine even if they did).

[mbamissionjenK]

Gotcha. I'm not as familiar with the SMF but if you haven't yet, I'd look up their average and also mid 80% range of the admitted students, GMAT scores. If you are still substantially below, you may want to consider re-taking since schools take the highest score and sometimes admissions committees even wonder why someone DIDN'T re-take if they are well below the average. ;) Wishing you good luck, exciting stuff!