Low GPA, Low GMAT… Do I Have A Chance? - 工管

QUESTION:

Iˆm a 24-year-old girl from India. I passed out of an engineering grad
school with not-so-good academics (57%), but was involved in a bunch of extra
curriculars: I was a drummer in a local heavy metal band, played in my
college band, was the cultural secretary in college, organized fests, won
awards for debates, etc. I have also done a lot of community service, like
scribing for blind kids, volunteering at orphanages, etc.

As you can see, Iˆve done a LOT… besides succeed in my academics. Also, my
GMAT is a paltry 660 (q41, v40).

My target schools are Emory, Georgetown, University of Maryland, Smith and
Darden (which is a long shot…)

My question is just this: Are these schools possible in terms of my track
record, or am I being too ambitious?

ANSWER:

Thanks for the note. I LOVE your unusual background! How many heavy metal
female drummers from India do you think are applying to Emory this year? Not
that many.

So, letˆs talk good news and bad news.

The bad news is that your grades will be real obstacles here. Your GMAT is
low, even by the standards of some of the schools that you mentioned. Any
chance you can retake it and NAIL the thing? Maybe prepare now, take it again
this year and apply in R1 next year? With a 700 GMAT, Iˆd say that I like
your chances. You can talk your way out of a low GPA if you have solid GMAT.
Problem is, you donˆt really have either one going for you. So right now,
that will be a struggle.

The good news is that you DO have a chance. Let me ask you this, though. Do
you want to stay in the States after school? Because if yes, then you should
add a few schools to your list and apply in the areas you want to stay in.
Do you like NYC? Then apply to schools on the Northeast, like BC or
Carnegie Mellon. Even Rutgers. Do you like the midwest? Consider Ohio
State or Michigan State. Or try your hand in California at USC. You have a
shot at the schools you mentioned (why not shoot for UNC or Cornell as a
stretch), but it will be a challenge for sure. And if youˆre dead set on
starting a program next fall, you need to open up your chances a bit. You
should apply to seven schools at least, and a broad range including some
safer choices.

And needless to say, your main opportunity to shine will be through those
essays. You need to tell a story, and sell it with the kick and authority of
Lars Ulrich. And Iˆm sure you will.

By the way, ¯Run to the Hillsˆ is clearly of the best metal songs of all
time.

Good luck!

— Jon Frank
http://www.precisionessay.com

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