Started By
Message

re: Business School

Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:43 am to
Posted by TheHiddenFlask
The Welsh red light district
Member since Jul 2008
18384 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:43 am to
quote:

5 years work experience leading offshore oil and gas construction projects.


Makes GPA pretty irrelevant.

It's all about the GMAT for MBA school.
Posted by lynxcat
Member since Jan 2008
24149 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:43 am to
quote:

5 years work experience leading offshore oil and gas construction projects.

I was originally hesitant to apply to some of the higher ranked programs due to my lower GPA. It was only after I spoke with many admissions consultants that I decided I might have a chance to get accepted. I have really worked hard to express my leadership abilities in my essays. I don’t think my chances are great for any of the higher ranked schools, but I don’t want to go through life wondering if I could have made it in.


Good for you. Good luck
Posted by lynxcat
Member since Jan 2008
24149 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:46 am to
quote:

Makes GPA pretty irrelevant.

It's all about the GMAT for MBA school.


I don't think GPA is 'irrelevant' for those schools, but GMAT and work experience are definitely more important.
Posted by TheHiddenFlask
The Welsh red light district
Member since Jul 2008
18384 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:48 am to
quote:

I don't think GPA is 'irrelevant' for those schools, but GMAT and work experience are definitely more important.


There was the qualifier of "pretty".

If he was coming straight out of undergrad, it would mean a lot more, but 5 years of work experience means a decent GPA won't really slow him down.

If he had a 2.6 it would be a problem and if he had a 3.95, that would be a plus, but 3.1-3.7 is pretty trivial in his position, IMHO.
Posted by lynxcat
Member since Jan 2008
24149 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:52 am to
Breezed over the ;pretty'

I wonder if it will help him having experience in an area outside the "norm" for the elite schools. Managing in the oil industry is quite different than ibanking and management consulting. Kellogg told me they like a 'diverse' class so maybe that works in his favor?
Posted by TheSurge
The Keg
Member since Nov 2009
183 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:53 am to
According to US News and world report the average GMAT for those schools are the flowing:
Vandy - 653
Rice - 668
UVA - 701
Duke - 687
Chicago - 714
Michigan - 701

I'm also looking to get my MBA for Real Estate Finance/Development. The only school I've applied to thus for is Vandy, and am currently on the waitlist. The other schools I'm applying to are Rice, Texas, and UNC. I got a RE background, but I will have slightly less than 2 years of experience for the Fall 11, so I'm hoping my 710 GMAT can put me over the edge.
Posted by TheHiddenFlask
The Welsh red light district
Member since Jul 2008
18384 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:59 am to
quote:

Vandy - 653


For reference LSU's average is in the 640's

That's shockingly low, or maybe LSU's is shockingly high.
Posted by John Merlyn
Member since Oct 2009
2203 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 12:12 pm to
I think there is some fudging of numbers on those GMAT score reports for each school. Maybe they report every score pre waitlist. If you have decent interview skills and can get a 680-700 you can probably get a full ride to Tulane.
Posted by John Merlyn
Member since Oct 2009
2203 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 12:13 pm to
quote:

LSU's average is in the 640's


Seems high.
Posted by Dr Rosenrosen
Member since May 2006
3339 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 12:17 pm to
The 3.2 GPA is adequate for b-school admissions. The GMAT is far more important. The 690 should easily get you into Vandy and Rice, assuming a solid interview.

The other schools (Chicago, Duke, etc) are total crapshoots for anyone.
Posted by TheSurge
The Keg
Member since Nov 2009
183 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 12:17 pm to
According to USN&WR LSU's GMAT average is 622. I think LSU's MBA is attractive to people because it is relatively cheap and doesn't require a lot of experience.
Posted by Mr Magoo
Member since Sep 2007
181 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 12:25 pm to
I actually don't like the idea of going to a business school that allows individuals straight from undergrad. In my mind that misses the entire point of getting an MBA. Without significant experience, what do students contribute to the classroom or to network connections?

I know a few of the top schools allow people straight from undergrad, but it's usually less than 1% of the class and usually that 1% is exceptional.
Posted by Mr Magoo
Member since Sep 2007
181 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 12:32 pm to
I have actually read reports that do mention the fudging of GMAT scores. Apparently a lot of schools report all the top GMAT scores that were accepted into a class, not the GMAT scores that are actually attending.

So if an individual scores a 770 and applies to Harvard, Wharton, Duke, Vanderbilt and is accepted at all, than all schools will report the same 770 to drive up their GMAT average. This helps improve the schools rankings.
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 12:33 pm
Posted by lynxcat
Member since Jan 2008
24149 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 12:48 pm to
quote:

I actually don't like the idea of going to a business school that allows individuals straight from undergrad. In my mind that misses the entire point of getting an MBA. Without significant experience, what do students contribute to the classroom or to network connections?

I know a few of the top schools allow people straight from undergrad, but it's usually less than 1% of the class and usually that 1% is exceptional.



x1000.

If I decide to go, it will be in 3 years or so. I might apply at two years just to see what might happen...but I will only get a MBA if I have a specific goal in mind.
Posted by TheHiddenFlask
The Welsh red light district
Member since Jul 2008
18384 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 1:03 pm to
quote:

I have actually read reports that do mention the fudging of GMAT scores. Apparently a lot of schools report all the top GMAT scores that were accepted into a class, not the GMAT scores that are actually attending.

So if an individual scores a 770 and applies to Harvard, Wharton, Duke, Vanderbilt and is accepted at all, than all schools will report the same 770 to drive up their GMAT average. This helps improve the schools rankings.


Likely how LSU is so high.

I never doubted it, because we have several 700+ GMAT students, but I think we also have some in that only have a 590 and most fall between 620-650
Posted by lsu711
Member since Sep 2003
13047 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 1:28 pm to
quote:

lsu711,

What were your stats to receive a full tuition scholorship to Vandy? I just applied for the full-time Fall 2011 term. My stats aren't that great, GPA 3.2, GMAT 690. But I do know that my GMAT is above Vanderbilt's average.

What other schools are you applying to? I have applied to UVA, Duke, Chicago, Michigan, Vandy, and Rice.


I did well on the GMAT (770). I also went to VU for an engineering masters and did well in that program. I guess their offer stemmed from a combination of those 2. I know someone who scored a 680 and got a full scholarship (Ivy undergrad though). I applied to Wharton, Kellogg, Yale and Vanderbilt R1 and got into all but Wharton. I was planning to apply to HBS and Columbia R2, but I think I'm going to stick with a decision between Kellogg and VU.

I think you have a good mix of schools. Darden, Ross and Booth may be reaches, but you never know. You went to LSU for undergrad? Realistically, 3.2 from LSU is a big hurdle to overcome when applying to the top 15.
Posted by lynxcat
Member since Jan 2008
24149 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 1:32 pm to
Damn, a 770 and you got turned down from Wharton...I am surprised any program turned you down.
Posted by TheHiddenFlask
The Welsh red light district
Member since Jul 2008
18384 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 1:44 pm to
quote:

Damn, a 770 and you got turned down from Wharton...I am surprised any program turned you down.


Probably rolling admission.

I would think he would get in during a later round.
Posted by lsu711
Member since Sep 2003
13047 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 1:47 pm to
In my experience, the top 7 or 8 are much more about personality and story than numbers. They see thousands of 700+ GMATs and 3.5+ GPAs. You have to use the essays to stand out from the crowd. Most schools base an invite to interview on one review of your app, so there is a very fine line between getting in and being left out.
Posted by TheSurge
The Keg
Member since Nov 2009
183 posts
Posted on 12/23/10 at 1:49 pm to
lsu711, how many years of experience do you have?
first pageprev pagePage 2 of 3Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram