Profile Evaluation and Suggestions Please

[deeting]

Hi,

I live in the Bay Area and am looking to apply (in Round 2) to part-time MBA programs nearby such as Berkeley's Haas EWMBA program and Santa Clara University's PT MBA program.

I applied to Haas back in Jan. 2011 and was fortunate enough to get invited to the interview. However, I did not get accepted that time. I really want to get in to this b-school, but I'm not sure if it makes sense to do so at this point given that my score is still low.

I have taken GMAT three times with the following scores:

1st: 12/1/11 - 510 (Q - 31, V - 28; AWA - 4.5)
2nd: 1/3/12 - 530 (Q - 37, V - 25; AWA - 5)
3rd: 11/23/13 - 570 (Q - 36, V - 31; AWA - 5, IR - 6)

I would like your help in suggesting potential next steps. I applied to many B-schools back in Jan 2012 and I am currently considering applying to B-schools again in Jan 2014. However, I am now feeling hesitant to apply given the recent low score; I was aiming for at least a 650. Last year, I self-studied to prep for the GMAT (1st and 2nd exam attempts). I thought maybe I needed to take a prep course to really boost my score, so I signed up for a 9-week course this year. Felt a lot more confident this time. Unfortunately, my score improved by only 40 points.

One of my main concerns is that I don't want to waste my supervisors' time and effort in writing the letters of recommendations if I already stand a low chance of getting in to either Berkeley Haas or SCU PT program. If I apply and get rejected this time, what if I later decide to re-apply to those two schools again (Haas, a third time)...would my supervisors simply re-submit the same LOR or would they need to re-write them?

Given the concern mentioned above, could you please help evaluate my profile to see if I even stand a chance to get in to Haas or SCU PT program with my low 570 score?

Profile Overview

*BACKGROUND: Asian American, 27 years old, bilingual in Mandarin and English
*GMAT SCORE: 570
*EDUCATION:
-B.S., Business Administration - Corporate Financial Management
-GPA: 3.75
-Graduated Magna Cum Laude
-Recipient of Two Scholarships - business and honors society scholarship
-Completed a Business Honors Practicum
*WORK EXPERIENCE (starting with the most recent):
-Currently:
--Senior Financial Analyst at a public tech company (1.5 yrs)
-Previously:
--Senior Audit Associate at one of the Big Fours (4 yrs)
--Revenue Accountant at a software company (~ 1 yr)
*CREDENTIAL: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
*ACTIVITIES:
-Currently:
--Lead university rep for a new finance recruiting program at my current company
--Member of Toastmasters
--Professional development student of Stanford's Strategic Decision and Risk Management Program
-Previously:
--President of An Honor Society
--Officer Roles in Other Clubs: Treasurer and Event Coordinator
--Volunteer Instructor for Financial Literacy Program for Kids

If my low score is the main issue, I would maybe consider postponing my decision to apply in Round 2 this time to next year (Jan 2015) and spend the coming year on improving my score instead (after figuring out what areas to focus on and how to best improve).

Thank you in advance for your help! I really appreciate it.

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for your post and for sharing the details of your situation. You have a lot going for you in terms of your experience, involvement, quant skills, international background etc. Based solely on this info, it does appear that the GMAT is your weakest component, yes; though we weren't there for that interview so that could have made an impact (as can your essays dramatically).

For Haas, often considered one of the top part-time MBA programs in the world, a score of 570 is going to be VERY tough to get in with, yes. And certainly with a score lower than that, as you had last time around, extremely tough. For Santa Clara, you are not too far below their average and you should have a shot with a strong application and interview. For Haas I would advise a re-take, perhaps with working with a private tutor.... I spent a decade helping GMAT students in classes, online, as a tutor, etc.... the benefit of a private tutor in a situation like this is, he/she can literally sit and WATCH your every move as you work on questions or a practice test and identify EXACTLY where you tend to slip up, or spend too much time, or need more review, or need to learn a new strategy, etc.

Tough decisions it sounds like, but again overall you have a solid profile so I feel good about your eventual chances and wish you the best.

PS-- regarding recs, you could do either; use the same letter/s or provide new, but some schools have a different application for re-applicants and they are very focused on what has changed since last time around... so they would likely prefer a new letter if it is someone you worked with in that year between when you apply. Hope that helps!

[deeting]

Thank you, Jennifer for taking the time to read my post and provide your detailed and helpful advice. I really appreciate it!

[mbamissionjenK]

You are welcome, good luck and keep us posted!