NFT: Graduate School Application Process

Part-time MBA requirements are a little more lenient than FT program, so you should be good with a 600 score. I believe I got a 590 and had only 2 years of experience when applying.

Part-time applications are always less scrutinized and if you have a good essay writing/interview skills you should be fine.

situation. I would just warn you of part-time programs. Within the MBA world I have found them to be frowned upon unless you have a track planned out for yourself i.e. company paying for the MBA or a promotion waiting once you graduate.

The value of the MBA is in the top 25 (obviously big time in top 10) programs going full-time and getting a killer summer internship that you parlay into a nice offer or an even better full time gig when you finish year 2.

In comment 12941674 Young Elijah said:

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situation. I would just warn you of part-time programs. Within the MBA world I have found them to be frowned upon unless you have a track planned out for yourself i.e. company paying for the MBA or a promotion waiting once you graduate. The value of the MBA is in the top 25 (obviously big time in top 10) programs going full-time and getting a killer summer internship that you parlay into a nice offer or an even better full time gig when you finish year 2.

There is a stigma between a FT and PT MBA although I never looked up the reason as to why. I do work for a company that will pay reimburse me though.

I can't afford to do a FT MBA. I have no one to support me financially so there's nothing I can do about the stigma.

Most law schools now offer a part time 4 year combined jd and mba. This would allow you to take the lsat which if you do well on will make moot the rest of your qualifications allowing you to start fresh. Also very flexible scheduling.

as YE stated, some people use it to start a new career and advance fast.

Others (like me) do it to get it done, network, add it to the resume, and further their career with their current company.

Set up time to talk with the Dean, treat it like a job interview and use the opportunity to bring up your situation and get his advice on next steps.

the only stigma is if you getting your MBA full time right out of undergrad without any work experience.

I believe you need at least 5 years of corporate experience to truly get anything out of your MBA or else it is just going to be like ungrad where you spend most of the time reading and trying to understand the concepts rather than applying your work to what you are learning in school.

In comment 12941691 jlukes said:

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as YE stated, some people use it to start a new career and advance fast. Others (like me) do it to get it done, network, add it to the resume, and further their career with their current company. Set up time to talk with the Dean, treat it like a job interview and use the opportunity to bring up your situation and get his advice on next steps.

Your situation pretty much sums it up for me jlukes.

Looking closely into the situation, I realized the requirements I listed for Baruch are for its FT MBA program. I was searching for the PT requirements and didn't notice my search took me to the FT requirements instead.

That is a bit reassuring.

but cost-wise it is of good value and the next best route if you can't get into a top program.

You're 50 points better than the average that's significant. I don't know if 550 is average for full time or part time, if it's full time, you're likely even better than that.

I had the same worry as you. I applied to one of if not the best quant schools in the country (Carnegie Mellon Tepper) and while I got a GMAT score that was pretty much average (690), my quant section wasn't that amazing compared to my classmates. It was I think 69th percentile when I took it but dropped to 60th or so. I got a 44. My strength was in my Verbal. I was very worried that a quant school would think I couldn't handle their quant. I think I showed them that I can handle the quant in other ways. I had a research based work background (actually it was very stuff and not a big deal but they didn't have to know that) and while I was just a Marketing major I got A/A-s in almost all of my quant classes. My guess is you don't have to worry about it but if you do worry about it maybe you can write in an optional essay that the reason you weren't as strong in the section they're more interested in was this and this and you can demonstrate you aptitude in the section they're interested in. But honestly I wouldn't even both. 50 points above the average is A LOT more important, IMO than the splits you get.

P.S. The GMAT is important only with consulting companies and maybe banks (not even sure about banks) and especially the top consulting companies. Otherwise, don't worry about it. Also it's not a measure of how smart you are. I know people that are infinitely smarter than me that got 50 points fewer than me in the GMAT.

In comment 12941689 dust_bowl said:

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Most law schools now offer a part time 4 year combined jd and mba. This would allow you to take the lsat which if you do well on will make moot the rest of your qualifications allowing you to start fresh. Also very flexible scheduling.

I will say I heard that the LSAT is a lot harder than the GMAT though and it makes sense as it has a lot more weight on the application where business school looks at a lot more factors.

In comment 12941749 BestFeature said:

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You're 50 points better than the average that's significant. I don't know if 550 is average for full time or part time, if it's full time, you're likely even better than that. I had the same worry as you. I applied to one of if not the best quant schools in the country (Carnegie Mellon Tepper) and while I got a GMAT score that was pretty much average (690), my quant section wasn't that amazing compared to my classmates. It was I think 69th percentile when I took it but dropped to 60th or so. I got a 44. My strength was in my Verbal. I was very worried that a quant school would think I couldn't handle their quant. I think I showed them that I can handle the quant in other ways. I had a research based work background (actually it was very stuff and not a big deal but they didn't have to know that) and while I was just a Marketing major I got A/A-s in almost all of my quant classes. My guess is you don't have to worry about it but if you do worry about it maybe you can write in an optional essay that the reason you weren't as strong in the section they're more interested in was this and this and you can demonstrate you aptitude in the section they're interested in. But honestly I wouldn't even both. 50 points above the average is A LOT more important, IMO than the splits you get. P.S. The GMAT is important only with consulting companies and maybe banks (not even sure about banks) and especially the top consulting companies. Otherwise, don't worry about it. Also it's not a measure of how smart you are. I know people that are infinitely smarter than me that got 50 points fewer than me in the GMAT.

Ugh, I realized it may be confusing, I got a 44 score, but last I checked that was 60th percentile, but I believe started off as 69th percentile.

its really just a different level of dedication from the student, school, and employers that results in a different type of outcome for the student.

Lukes' situation is the ideal/prototypical part-time set up so, Sly, if you have similar goals then go for it. But the one word of caution I would say is that you highlight and, identify the expected career path you hope to earn once you graduate. My sister earned her MBA in 3 years, was super successful at her company, but was never rewarded in her ascension through the ranks. It was only after she (just) left, 7 years later, did she get the bump in title and pay that she deserved. That, unfortunately is the standard for the part time MBA, you need to shift companies to get the real benefit beyond the learning and networking.

In comment 12941758 BestFeature said:

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In comment 12941749 BestFeature said: Quote: You're 50 points better than the average that's significant. I don't know if 550 is average for full time or part time, if it's full time, you're likely even better than that. I had the same worry as you. I applied to one of if not the best quant schools in the country (Carnegie Mellon Tepper) and while I got a GMAT score that was pretty much average (690), my quant section wasn't that amazing compared to my classmates. It was I think 69th percentile when I took it but dropped to 60th or so. I got a 44. My strength was in my Verbal. I was very worried that a quant school would think I couldn't handle their quant. I think I showed them that I can handle the quant in other ways. I had a research based work background (actually it was very stuff and not a big deal but they didn't have to know that) and while I was just a Marketing major I got A/A-s in almost all of my quant classes. My guess is you don't have to worry about it but if you do worry about it maybe you can write in an optional essay that the reason you weren't as strong in the section they're more interested in was this and this and you can demonstrate you aptitude in the section they're interested in. But honestly I wouldn't even both. 50 points above the average is A LOT more important, IMO than the splits you get. P.S. The GMAT is important only with consulting companies and maybe banks (not even sure about banks) and especially the top consulting companies. Otherwise, don't worry about it. Also it's not a measure of how smart you are. I know people that are infinitely smarter than me that got 50 points fewer than me in the GMAT. Ugh, I realized it may be confusing, I got a 44 score, but last I checked that was 60th percentile, but I believe started off as 69th percentile.

No worries man. Since I've been looking at GMAT prep for so long, I understood everything that you said.

My quant score dropped drastically as that was always my weak area. I also had an oversea 12-day vacation planned 5 weeks before the exam so that really messed up my study. Therefore, spending 3 weeks cramming math nearly broke my body.

I'm just happy that this part of the process is over. I think I'm going to skip taking the GMAT again. Now I'm going to submit the rest of my application and hope for the best.

is a thing of the past. these days, almost every MBA program requires actual work experience. So, PT programs are becoming more and more popular. I wouldn't say there is a stigma at all. However, the school itself still plays a big part in the employment world. Top programs are still looked upon much more favorably, right or wrong.

I graduated from Baruch's PT program. The PT program, I don't feel, played any part in where I landed. I do think not going to a top program hurt a little. That said, Baruch's program grows in reputation and reach each year.

Usually part timers are people that are sponsored by their job or are at least thinking to go back to the same job and work while going to school. Full timers don't get the resources than part timers do. And don't get the same social experience.

Honestly, in your situation it's perfectly fine.

I don't quite understand the stigma outside of the fact that the requirements to get into part time are significantly lower. You get over 50% of people going to top 5 part time programs. That's really the only thing I can think of. Part of the filtering process for employers is how much work you put in to even get to the MBA when 73% of people get into Ross (Michigan) the #5 MBA, that filter is not as impressive.
Top Part Time MBAs - ( New Window )

In comment 12941780 Sly Guy said:

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In comment 12941758 BestFeature said: Quote: In comment 12941749 BestFeature said: Quote: You're 50 points better than the average that's significant. I don't know if 550 is average for full time or part time, if it's full time, you're likely even better than that. I had the same worry as you. I applied to one of if not the best quant schools in the country (Carnegie Mellon Tepper) and while I got a GMAT score that was pretty much average (690), my quant section wasn't that amazing compared to my classmates. It was I think 69th percentile when I took it but dropped to 60th or so. I got a 44. My strength was in my Verbal. I was very worried that a quant school would think I couldn't handle their quant. I think I showed them that I can handle the quant in other ways. I had a research based work background (actually it was very stuff and not a big deal but they didn't have to know that) and while I was just a Marketing major I got A/A-s in almost all of my quant classes. My guess is you don't have to worry about it but if you do worry about it maybe you can write in an optional essay that the reason you weren't as strong in the section they're more interested in was this and this and you can demonstrate you aptitude in the section they're interested in. But honestly I wouldn't even both. 50 points above the average is A LOT more important, IMO than the splits you get. P.S. The GMAT is important only with consulting companies and maybe banks (not even sure about banks) and especially the top consulting companies. Otherwise, don't worry about it. Also it's not a measure of how smart you are. I know people that are infinitely smarter than me that got 50 points fewer than me in the GMAT. Ugh, I realized it may be confusing, I got a 44 score, but last I checked that was 60th percentile, but I believe started off as 69th percentile. No worries man. Since I've been looking at GMAT prep for so long, I understood everything that you said. My quant score dropped drastically as that was always my weak area. I also had an oversea 12-day vacation planned 5 weeks before the exam so that really messed up my study. Therefore, spending 3 weeks cramming math nearly broke my body. I'm just happy that this part of the process is over. I think I'm going to skip taking the GMAT again. Now I'm going to submit the rest of my application and hope for the best.

I strongly encourage you to NOT take the GMAT. The average for part time MBA at Baruch is probably at most like 500. I considered retaking the GMAT to get 700 but decided against it. I was applying to top 25 schools so on some level it made sense and not having like a 720 precluded me from a realistic shot at the top 10 and may have been the reason I got weightlisted by Tepper. But part time MBA at Baruch you'll probably be in at least the 80th percentile of people in your program. 600 is actually very good.

I took some finance classes at Tepper and it's not easy. I don't think anyone will worry about quant skills.

I just read it, it sounded like I'm just learning English.

There is a bit of a stigma due to the lower standards for Part-Time programs.

Do you think the MBA will significantly boost your career prospects and future income stream? Does your employer want you to have it in order to get promoted?

Those are all key questions to consider - otherwise it becomes a very expensive time commitment.

I'd also take the GMAT one more time, IF you think you can make an improvement potentially to 650. A 10/20 point increase is not worth it, and it will show the program that you simply can't get over that hump, despite taking it multiple times.

In comment 12941816 Anando said:

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There is a bit of a stigma due to the lower standards for Part-Time programs. Do you think the MBA will significantly boost your career prospects and future income stream? Does your employer want you to have it in order to get promoted? Those are all key questions to consider - otherwise it becomes a very expensive time commitment. I'd also take the GMAT one more time, IF you think you can make an improvement potentially to 650. A 10/20 point increase is not worth it, and it will show the program that you simply can't get over that hump, despite taking it multiple times.

I agree with half of this. He should only do it if it makes a difference in his career, although it does sound like his job is paying for it. However, unless he actually decides to go to Stern or some other better school I honestly don't see the value of trying to get a 650. The test isn't cheap, his time I assume is valuable. With a 650 he might get into the Stern PT program (probably not the full time program). But is his job willing to pay for a Stern MBA? It's quite a different price point.

I can't figure out why an accounting firm would want you to get an MBA. Maybe other schools are different but we have ZERO people going into accounting. Unless you mean corporate finance, which is something people sometimes call accounting. Accounting like what you see in big accounting firms is not an MBA job. It's more important to be a CPA.

In comment 12941832 BestFeature said:

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I can't figure out why an accounting firm would want you to get an MBA. Maybe other schools are different but we have ZERO people going into accounting. Unless you mean corporate finance, which is something people sometimes call accounting. Accounting like what you see in big accounting firms is not an MBA job. It's more important to be a CPA.

I should've been more clear. I don't work for an accounting firm. I work in the accounting department for a non-profit. And since I graduated with a Finance degree, my accounting background could use some touch up. That's why I'm currently thinking about going back for an accounting degree. That may change though since I always wanted to work for a bank.

It would be cool if I could get into Stern but even if I get a 650, I'm 99% sure my 3.0 GPA won't cut it. No way I could get a 700.

But either way, I really appreciate you taking the time to give your input BF. Your posts have put my mind at ease (at least for today anyways. I still have to send the applications out and wait for a response).

running a 2.09 average at Stony Brook but with very high GMAT scores, I was accepted into Baruch full-time, but on a provisional basis. Provisional acceptance students got last crack at courses, and every MBA prerequisite I needed was closed out by the time I picked.

I promptly walked down to to City Hall and enrolled in Pace's program. The program sucked, but I got through it at least 1 1/2 years earlier after not getting the courses I needed at Baruch. So, watch out for that.

In comment 12941870 Sly Guy said:

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In comment 12941832 BestFeature said: Quote: I can't figure out why an accounting firm would want you to get an MBA. Maybe other schools are different but we have ZERO people going into accounting. Unless you mean corporate finance, which is something people sometimes call accounting. Accounting like what you see in big accounting firms is not an MBA job. It's more important to be a CPA. I should've been more clear. I don't work for an accounting firm. I work in the accounting department for a non-profit. And since I graduated with a Finance degree, my accounting background could use some touch up. That's why I'm currently thinking about going back for an accounting degree. That may change though since I always wanted to work for a bank. It would be cool if I could get into Stern but even if I get a 650, I'm 99% sure my 3.0 GPA won't cut it. No way I could get a 700. But either way, I really appreciate you taking the time to give your input BF. Your posts have put my mind at ease (at least for today anyways. I still have to send the applications out and wait for a response).

No problem. I don't know why I assumed it was an accounting firm, I guess that's what I think about when I hear "accounting".

I just double checked, yeah it looks like those numbers would still be below Stern PT program (more like 670-680, 3.3-3.4), I linked the numbers. I thought that PT programs are more lax than they were I guess. Well if you're staying in NY and are not doing CBS or Stern, I can't imagine a 650 helping you do anything other than having a nice talking point in a Baruch MBA cocktail party (actually that's a joke, none of your classmates will really cares what your GMAT score was unless it's ridiculous).

Honestly, my one caveat is, I don't know for sure, maybe you do need to retake it. I just doubt it honestly. You're also an alum and I think that may help (I was an alum too, btw, I forgot to mention Baruch '08). I think you stand a very good chance of getting in. If you get denied would you be able to retake it next year and reapply?
Stern PT MBA Student Profile - ( New Window )

In comment 12941886 manh george said:

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running a 2.09 average at Stony Brook but with very high GMAT scores, I was accepted into Baruch full-time, but on a provisional basis. Provisional acceptance students got last crack at courses, and every MBA prerequisite I needed was closed out by the time I picked. I promptly walked down to to City Hall and enrolled in Pace's program. The program sucked, but I got through it at least 1 1/2 years earlier after not getting the courses I needed at Baruch. So, watch out for that.

Interesting, 2.09 in what? That matters a lot to programs. 2.09 in engineering is not the same as communications. Yeah I heard there are people that were born in this country that had a 410 or so GMAT at Pace, so there's that.

I'm sure it's possible that you get denied even with a 600, so if it helps you sleep better at night I'd retake it. I just don't think that the split is more important than the score.

the more I realize that I'm a decent candidate for the program. I could take it again but like you said, it's probably not worth it and it wouldn't enhance my candidacy for the top schools.

Class of 2008? We most likely ran into each other and not know it. I'm Class of 2010.

It was math, but I was an awful student undergrad. One lower grade and I would have had to petition to graduate. But a 695 on my GMATs.

It was test-taking (good) vs. ADHD (disastrous.)

In comment 12942052 manh george said:

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It was math, but I was an awful student undergrad. One lower grade and I would have had to petition to graduate. But a 695 on my GMATs. It was test-taking (good) vs. ADHD (disastrous.)

1) Math is hard. 2.09 is still bad but from my experience sub a 3.0 engineering schools get into good schools if their GMAT is good enough.

2) Was 695 a score in 1970? It's not now so I'm curious.

In comment 12941921 Sly Guy said:

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the more I realize that I'm a decent candidate for the program. I could take it again but like you said, it's probably not worth it and it wouldn't enhance my candidacy for the top schools. Class of 2008? We most likely ran into each other and not know it. I'm Class of 2010.

I walked in 2008 but I finished my classed December 2007. We were in the school at the same time but different year obviously.