Information Session at Georgia Tech
Two weeks ago, I went to an open house at Tech, complete with current student reception and an information session. I was, briefly, able to meet with some students who are enrolled in the Evening MBA program. Classes for Tech are a more traditional part time / flexible MBA style. You can take between 0 and 3 classes a semester and each meets one day a week between Monday and Thursday. Although there are differences in the way the State program and this MBA work, they are pretty comparable overall. I left reassured that a program like this one would be very doable for me.
The information session served to reiterate the websites statements that those attending the program in the evening would receive the exact same curriculum and the most of the same faculty as the Full Time MBA students. Also, as conformation, the diploma received from this program would read only Masters in Business Administration, thus omitting any "Evening / Part Time" stipulation. Which is very nice when Business Week ranks the Full Time program as number 29 in the country.
The Evening MBA is fairly new so enrollment is kept low and is gradually building toward the max desired for each class. Although access to those students currently in the program was limited, the open house began at 5:30 PM and evening courses begin at 6:00PM, it was very nice to have the opportunity to see the program and the facilities.
I always feel it is important to place your face in front of as many people who may make decisions as possible. We shall see in due time, if this viewpoint on social interaction is valid.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Awarded Interview with Georgia State
Awarded Interview with Georgia State
I was invited for and scheduled an interview via email with Georgia State University. Showed up perfectly on time sporting a charcoal suit with a French cuff shirt. We discussed the program: GSU offers a “lockstep” program, which is very good for the anal retentive, extremely organized personality like myself. It means that you take all the core courses on a designated time schedule, which guarantees completion of the program in about two years. Then your class votes on electives offered the following term. You can take those electives or go to a different location and take courses that are better suited for my career goals. Seems like they have this pretty well figured out.
Next my work experience: What I do for a living: I spoke about how I have knowledge of a specific niche in the financial industry (more on that later). How I can contribute to class discussions. The interviewer told me I had a strong resume. I will take that as a completely positive statement.
What I expect of the program. The interviewer pointed out that I would be on the young side in terms of the other students, which I expected for a program that averages six years of work experience and I have only four. When he spoke of the next steps in the process his tone, led me to believe I was a strong candidate for acceptance.
Due to the rolling admissions, the interviewer told me that the admissions committee would be meeting the following day to make a decision on my status, and I would most likely hear something once they adjourn.
We walked through a checklist for topics covered. Checked everything off. All in all it was a roughly thirty minute interview, and I left fairly confident, and happy a decision would be coming my way soon.
I could definitely see myself in this program.
I was invited for and scheduled an interview via email with Georgia State University. Showed up perfectly on time sporting a charcoal suit with a French cuff shirt. We discussed the program: GSU offers a “lockstep” program, which is very good for the anal retentive, extremely organized personality like myself. It means that you take all the core courses on a designated time schedule, which guarantees completion of the program in about two years. Then your class votes on electives offered the following term. You can take those electives or go to a different location and take courses that are better suited for my career goals. Seems like they have this pretty well figured out.
Next my work experience: What I do for a living: I spoke about how I have knowledge of a specific niche in the financial industry (more on that later). How I can contribute to class discussions. The interviewer told me I had a strong resume. I will take that as a completely positive statement.
What I expect of the program. The interviewer pointed out that I would be on the young side in terms of the other students, which I expected for a program that averages six years of work experience and I have only four. When he spoke of the next steps in the process his tone, led me to believe I was a strong candidate for acceptance.
Due to the rolling admissions, the interviewer told me that the admissions committee would be meeting the following day to make a decision on my status, and I would most likely hear something once they adjourn.
We walked through a checklist for topics covered. Checked everything off. All in all it was a roughly thirty minute interview, and I left fairly confident, and happy a decision would be coming my way soon.
I could definitely see myself in this program.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Essay Thought Process
Essay Thought Process
I applied to Georgia State University’s Professional MBA and Georgia Tech’s Evening MBA as discussed in a previous post. I applied for these programs, because I wanted to start right away. Both have a similar deadline October 1 and October 2 respectfully, both start in the spring, and I can use essentially the same essays for both.
Now, don’t scoff at the last reason, I think it is perhaps the most important. It is very hard to have a life, write essays, and work full time. I used my commute to jot notes, and got to work early to put to the notes to work in drafts of the essays. Probably took me a solid week to write esach and another to edit them for use. Is this the “perfect path” to writing essays? Of course not, preferably, I would have three months of preparation and four versions of the essays with different approaches and directions. Instead, I will tell you my thought process.
Georgia Tech Essay Question One Creative Writing:
If you could host a dinner party and invite any four people, either living or dead, whom would you invite and what would the five of you discuss together? There is no right answer concerning dinner guests; rather, we want you to be creative and thoughtful in your response.
My beautiful girlfriend (LM) is a huge music nut. She has really introduced me to music. My car radio is always on 680TheFan, a local sports talk radio channel here in Atlanta. She suggested John Lennon, a very good fit as my first guest. I went to my good friends Steve and Sam’s condo, to watch the Florida State Miami game and Steve suggested Arnold Schwarzenegger (which I now know how to spell) because of my love for weightlifting and fitness. Arnold doubled as a Conservative to counter Lennon’s "Liberalness". And from there I got Muhammad Ali (my poetic athlete) and Sam and LM collaborated on J.K. Rowling, a modern day writer.
Once I had my four guests, I was able to come up with topics and how each would react… Took me a few days…
Due to my duffus move of incorrectly reading the word limit of 4000 as 400, I was able to write an inadvertently brief, albeit content packed essay.
Georgia Tech Essay Question Two Traditional Question:
Describe how your experience, both professional and personal, has led you to the decision to pursue an MBA at Georgia Tech. How does this decision relate to your future career goals?
A very traditional essay topic, I decided to go in a different direction; putting myself into the future.
Georgia Tech Optional Essay:
(Optional) The admissions Committee believes that the required essays address issues that are important in learning about you and in understanding your candidacy for the MBA program. However, you may provide us with any information pertinent to your admission that has not been covered in the rest of the application. Feel free to discuss any unique aspects of your candidacy or any perceived weakness.
Aha, as discussed in a previous post my GPA in undergrad was average at best. Here is the time when I would try and describe my life, my interests, and my inadequate GPA, all in my self-created 400-word limit.
Once the essays were written, I knew I could apply to the two schools on the top of my list, since Georgia States only essay required was the same as Georgia Tech’s essay about expectations and also had an optional essay. Copy and Paste! Be sure to change Georgia Tech to Georgia State… And presto! Two applications finished.
That’s it for now. With rolling admissions, I should be able to postpone any more applications until I hear back from my first two school options.
I applied to Georgia State University’s Professional MBA and Georgia Tech’s Evening MBA as discussed in a previous post. I applied for these programs, because I wanted to start right away. Both have a similar deadline October 1 and October 2 respectfully, both start in the spring, and I can use essentially the same essays for both.
Now, don’t scoff at the last reason, I think it is perhaps the most important. It is very hard to have a life, write essays, and work full time. I used my commute to jot notes, and got to work early to put to the notes to work in drafts of the essays. Probably took me a solid week to write esach and another to edit them for use. Is this the “perfect path” to writing essays? Of course not, preferably, I would have three months of preparation and four versions of the essays with different approaches and directions. Instead, I will tell you my thought process.
Georgia Tech Essay Question One Creative Writing:
If you could host a dinner party and invite any four people, either living or dead, whom would you invite and what would the five of you discuss together? There is no right answer concerning dinner guests; rather, we want you to be creative and thoughtful in your response.
My beautiful girlfriend (LM) is a huge music nut. She has really introduced me to music. My car radio is always on 680TheFan, a local sports talk radio channel here in Atlanta. She suggested John Lennon, a very good fit as my first guest. I went to my good friends Steve and Sam’s condo, to watch the Florida State Miami game and Steve suggested Arnold Schwarzenegger (which I now know how to spell) because of my love for weightlifting and fitness. Arnold doubled as a Conservative to counter Lennon’s "Liberalness". And from there I got Muhammad Ali (my poetic athlete) and Sam and LM collaborated on J.K. Rowling, a modern day writer.
Once I had my four guests, I was able to come up with topics and how each would react… Took me a few days…
Due to my duffus move of incorrectly reading the word limit of 4000 as 400, I was able to write an inadvertently brief, albeit content packed essay.
Georgia Tech Essay Question Two Traditional Question:
Describe how your experience, both professional and personal, has led you to the decision to pursue an MBA at Georgia Tech. How does this decision relate to your future career goals?
A very traditional essay topic, I decided to go in a different direction; putting myself into the future.
Georgia Tech Optional Essay:
(Optional) The admissions Committee believes that the required essays address issues that are important in learning about you and in understanding your candidacy for the MBA program. However, you may provide us with any information pertinent to your admission that has not been covered in the rest of the application. Feel free to discuss any unique aspects of your candidacy or any perceived weakness.
Aha, as discussed in a previous post my GPA in undergrad was average at best. Here is the time when I would try and describe my life, my interests, and my inadequate GPA, all in my self-created 400-word limit.
Once the essays were written, I knew I could apply to the two schools on the top of my list, since Georgia States only essay required was the same as Georgia Tech’s essay about expectations and also had an optional essay. Copy and Paste! Be sure to change Georgia Tech to Georgia State… And presto! Two applications finished.
That’s it for now. With rolling admissions, I should be able to postpone any more applications until I hear back from my first two school options.
Essay 3 - Georgia Tech Optional Essay
(Optional) The admissions Committee believes that the required essays address issues that are important in learning about you and in understanding your candidacy for the MBA program. However, you may provide us with any information pertinent to your admission that has not been covered in the rest of the application. Feel free to discuss any unique aspects of your candidacy or any perceived weakness.
I find myself staring forward for a split second, focusing on form, trying not to think about the weight. Spotters on both sides of the barbell, ready to intervene if needed. After a quick meditation, using my thumbs I grip the barbell, a familiar routine. As I stare at the ceiling I think, "A big day for me." I count aloud, letting the spotters know when to lift. Three, two...ONE.
There I was with 500 pounds held only by my outstretched arms. The bar bends due to the stress of the weight.
I entered college with little insight about my future; the only certainty I believed was that I was going to be an engineer. Yet, I have always struggled with the sciences. I believed myself capable of working through these limitations, striving one day to be passionate about my career. Knowing the ideals of business to be useful, I adopted it as a minor.
With a slow controlled motion, I slowly start lowering the barbell.
The start of my sophomore year, I hit a roadblock: chemistry. My grades suffered and I dreaded attending class. My minor, however, helped me realized how intuitive business classes were for me. After a couple mediocre grades, I changed my major to business. My grades returned to a respectable level.
As the barbell gently touched my chest, the real struggles begin.
Anyone can hold heavy weight at bay for a short period of time, once it's resting on your chest you have to push it away. So much goes through your mind, the physiology of the human body, the chemistry of the muscle pump, the biology of the way the muscle reacts and the way it repairs after.
I began studying bodybuilding. For the first time in my life, I had a passion. I was good at it; I could explain it to everyone whether they wanted to hear it or not. I began questioning my business path. I saw my challenges in the sciences like I saw the weight I was lifting, seemingly impossible, yet with focus achievable.
A couple inches above my chest is my plateau; I pushed right through, this repetition was different.
I could take the science courses needed to get into chiropractic school, complete my business degree and work in healthcare. After a year more of sciences, I realized I enjoy lifting weights and training, however I still dreaded the classes; finally, my epiphany.
My arms locked out and the spotters took the barbell back to the rack.
As I sat on the bench, I realized, I would make my mark in business. Ever since, I have enjoyed the world of business and continued my passion for weight lifting. My GMAT score of 610 combined with my experiences in Sales, Finance and Management have helped to prepare me for the next challenge; repetition number two, a MBA from Georgia Technical Institute.
I find myself staring forward for a split second, focusing on form, trying not to think about the weight. Spotters on both sides of the barbell, ready to intervene if needed. After a quick meditation, using my thumbs I grip the barbell, a familiar routine. As I stare at the ceiling I think, "A big day for me." I count aloud, letting the spotters know when to lift. Three, two...ONE.
There I was with 500 pounds held only by my outstretched arms. The bar bends due to the stress of the weight.
I entered college with little insight about my future; the only certainty I believed was that I was going to be an engineer. Yet, I have always struggled with the sciences. I believed myself capable of working through these limitations, striving one day to be passionate about my career. Knowing the ideals of business to be useful, I adopted it as a minor.
With a slow controlled motion, I slowly start lowering the barbell.
The start of my sophomore year, I hit a roadblock: chemistry. My grades suffered and I dreaded attending class. My minor, however, helped me realized how intuitive business classes were for me. After a couple mediocre grades, I changed my major to business. My grades returned to a respectable level.
As the barbell gently touched my chest, the real struggles begin.
Anyone can hold heavy weight at bay for a short period of time, once it's resting on your chest you have to push it away. So much goes through your mind, the physiology of the human body, the chemistry of the muscle pump, the biology of the way the muscle reacts and the way it repairs after.
I began studying bodybuilding. For the first time in my life, I had a passion. I was good at it; I could explain it to everyone whether they wanted to hear it or not. I began questioning my business path. I saw my challenges in the sciences like I saw the weight I was lifting, seemingly impossible, yet with focus achievable.
A couple inches above my chest is my plateau; I pushed right through, this repetition was different.
I could take the science courses needed to get into chiropractic school, complete my business degree and work in healthcare. After a year more of sciences, I realized I enjoy lifting weights and training, however I still dreaded the classes; finally, my epiphany.
My arms locked out and the spotters took the barbell back to the rack.
As I sat on the bench, I realized, I would make my mark in business. Ever since, I have enjoyed the world of business and continued my passion for weight lifting. My GMAT score of 610 combined with my experiences in Sales, Finance and Management have helped to prepare me for the next challenge; repetition number two, a MBA from Georgia Technical Institute.
Essay 2 - Georgia Tech Expectations Essay
Describe how your experience, both professional and personal, has led you to the decision to pursue an MBA at Georgia Tech. How does this decision relate to your future career goals?
8:45 PM EST: "Final boarding call for London- Heathrow departing at 9:15," blares over the loud speaker. I place away my Mac and walk to my seat. Hartsfield Jackson is always so busy, but with focus, I can attend to my work.
10:15 AM EST: "Electronics can now be used in the cabin", such words of comfort. I have a sales pitch for our newest product line. I am meeting with executives for the World Sports Corp to discuss advertising space on their affiliate networks at ten this morning. I email my team, as a few finishing touches need clarification. The person who added wi-fi on airplanes is my hero.
9:20 AM BST: "Put away all electronic equipment", franticly finishing the presentation slide, I pack the Mac.
10:20 AM BST: I exit the plane and hail a cab. Now the real fun begins.
I know within five years of receiving my MBA from Georgia Tech, the above scenario will be a reality.
I have reached a plateau in developing the analytical and management skills necessary to achieve my ultimate career goal of Marketing Director for a Fortune 100. As an actuarial analyst my focus is numbers. I confirm census data and work in computer systems like ProVal and Relius on a daily basis. This is my second career. My first was a Sales Manager with Hilton Hotels Corporation. After three years with Hilton, I felt like it was time to take my career in another direction, finance. After a year of analytical work in a consulting based third party administration firm, I find myself constrained, unable to delve into specifics of pension actuarial work. Due to this dilemma, I have been branching out of traditional analyst responsibilities, working to rebrand our company from a marketing perspective. This side bar to my full time job has fueled me to refocus my career goals.
I believe, based on the financial skill sets needed and regulation implementation from the government, the career of pension actuaries is becoming more limited on a yearly basis. Georgia Tech's MBA will supply me with the skills I need to get into a Marketing Manager position with a Fortune 100 company. No other program in the United States will be able to offer the diversity of international students and faculty that will prepare me for international business relationships.
In the past year as a Retirement Plan Consultant I have been working closely with financial wholesales and fund managers. I have a niche in the Defined Benefit plan market and have an understanding of what drives Financial Advisors. In my previous career, I worked directly in sales, as advisors do. I have managed small teams from the time I graduated college and my results have proven I can motivate team members to achieve set goals. I have gained a vast amount of experience in my professional work. I know I can contribute to your already stellar program. With a MBA from Georgia Technical Institute, within the next eight years, my assistant will be contacting London buyers on my behalf to schedule my international meetings.
8:45 PM EST: "Final boarding call for London- Heathrow departing at 9:15," blares over the loud speaker. I place away my Mac and walk to my seat. Hartsfield Jackson is always so busy, but with focus, I can attend to my work.
10:15 AM EST: "Electronics can now be used in the cabin", such words of comfort. I have a sales pitch for our newest product line. I am meeting with executives for the World Sports Corp to discuss advertising space on their affiliate networks at ten this morning. I email my team, as a few finishing touches need clarification. The person who added wi-fi on airplanes is my hero.
9:20 AM BST: "Put away all electronic equipment", franticly finishing the presentation slide, I pack the Mac.
10:20 AM BST: I exit the plane and hail a cab. Now the real fun begins.
I know within five years of receiving my MBA from Georgia Tech, the above scenario will be a reality.
I have reached a plateau in developing the analytical and management skills necessary to achieve my ultimate career goal of Marketing Director for a Fortune 100. As an actuarial analyst my focus is numbers. I confirm census data and work in computer systems like ProVal and Relius on a daily basis. This is my second career. My first was a Sales Manager with Hilton Hotels Corporation. After three years with Hilton, I felt like it was time to take my career in another direction, finance. After a year of analytical work in a consulting based third party administration firm, I find myself constrained, unable to delve into specifics of pension actuarial work. Due to this dilemma, I have been branching out of traditional analyst responsibilities, working to rebrand our company from a marketing perspective. This side bar to my full time job has fueled me to refocus my career goals.
I believe, based on the financial skill sets needed and regulation implementation from the government, the career of pension actuaries is becoming more limited on a yearly basis. Georgia Tech's MBA will supply me with the skills I need to get into a Marketing Manager position with a Fortune 100 company. No other program in the United States will be able to offer the diversity of international students and faculty that will prepare me for international business relationships.
In the past year as a Retirement Plan Consultant I have been working closely with financial wholesales and fund managers. I have a niche in the Defined Benefit plan market and have an understanding of what drives Financial Advisors. In my previous career, I worked directly in sales, as advisors do. I have managed small teams from the time I graduated college and my results have proven I can motivate team members to achieve set goals. I have gained a vast amount of experience in my professional work. I know I can contribute to your already stellar program. With a MBA from Georgia Technical Institute, within the next eight years, my assistant will be contacting London buyers on my behalf to schedule my international meetings.
Essay 1 - Georgia Tech Creative Essay
If you could host a dinner party and invite any four people, either living or dead, whom would you invite and what would the five of you discuss together? There is no right answer concerning dinner guests; rather, we want you to be creative and thoughtful in your response.
The four people I would invite to a dinner party would be John Lennon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Muhammad Ali and J.K. Rowling. There is much I would like to discuss with my guests. I will guide the conversation from the topics of peace and religion, to art and poetry, as well as politics and acting.
Lennon and Ali were from distinctly different backgrounds but both stood for peace in a violent, war-driven world. Ali was the face of a violent sport, yet, when called upon by the government to fight, stood strongly in his convictions and was arrested for draft dodging. How was he able to withstand the persecution of the American public, as he stood alone? Lennon's music touched individuals spiritually inspiring the masses to protest the war. Lennon and Ali can talk about the influence of their anti-war rhetoric and their role in stimulating peace worldwide.
Lennon and Ali studied with religious mentors seeking peace and guidance. Lennon studied with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to gather a refreshing view of the world as a departure from organized religion. Ali, disgusted with Christianity, changed his religious beliefs, and consequently his name. I would like to understand Lennon's state of mind as he and his companions prepared to play in San Francisco after receiving death threats because of his statements about Christianity. Rowling has openly struggled with her religious beliefs, oft accused of believing in the magic she writes about. The five of us will discuss religious persecution, organized religion and alternate belief systems.
John released a book on poetry and his livelihood came from generating emotion in those who listened to him. Rowling also developed a unique style of writing. Ali, although brash, used the written word to articulate his emotions in a uniquely poetic way. Schwarzenegger was the first body builder to incorporate music into his routines, ever since all others have followed his lead. Rowling has inspired legions of children to begin reading; doing for writing what Arnold, Ali and Lennon had done for their respective mediums. I believe art invokes thought; how do my dinner guests define art?
As a teenager, I began to recognize Lennon's polarizing position as an activist. He worked to invoke change as political outsider. Arnold opted to run for Governor in an effort to change policy from the inside. How would they discuss their strikingly different political agendas? With the past 30 years as an example, how does Lennon, the only guest no longer alive, view the world today? Are we essentially in the same place? Does he feel like his generation was able to spark the change in politics intended?
Arnold's action movies brought a focus to science fiction, a genre Rowling has successfully exploited. How would their experiences in acting and writing compare to that of Lennon? I believe these four individuals, three of which are of foreign descent, have helped define the last 50 years of American culture. All four individuals have influenced art, sports and politics and their contributions are rivaled by few. After discussing the topics above, with a satisfied smile, I would return the focus to the meal.
The four people I would invite to a dinner party would be John Lennon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Muhammad Ali and J.K. Rowling. There is much I would like to discuss with my guests. I will guide the conversation from the topics of peace and religion, to art and poetry, as well as politics and acting.
Lennon and Ali were from distinctly different backgrounds but both stood for peace in a violent, war-driven world. Ali was the face of a violent sport, yet, when called upon by the government to fight, stood strongly in his convictions and was arrested for draft dodging. How was he able to withstand the persecution of the American public, as he stood alone? Lennon's music touched individuals spiritually inspiring the masses to protest the war. Lennon and Ali can talk about the influence of their anti-war rhetoric and their role in stimulating peace worldwide.
Lennon and Ali studied with religious mentors seeking peace and guidance. Lennon studied with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to gather a refreshing view of the world as a departure from organized religion. Ali, disgusted with Christianity, changed his religious beliefs, and consequently his name. I would like to understand Lennon's state of mind as he and his companions prepared to play in San Francisco after receiving death threats because of his statements about Christianity. Rowling has openly struggled with her religious beliefs, oft accused of believing in the magic she writes about. The five of us will discuss religious persecution, organized religion and alternate belief systems.
John released a book on poetry and his livelihood came from generating emotion in those who listened to him. Rowling also developed a unique style of writing. Ali, although brash, used the written word to articulate his emotions in a uniquely poetic way. Schwarzenegger was the first body builder to incorporate music into his routines, ever since all others have followed his lead. Rowling has inspired legions of children to begin reading; doing for writing what Arnold, Ali and Lennon had done for their respective mediums. I believe art invokes thought; how do my dinner guests define art?
As a teenager, I began to recognize Lennon's polarizing position as an activist. He worked to invoke change as political outsider. Arnold opted to run for Governor in an effort to change policy from the inside. How would they discuss their strikingly different political agendas? With the past 30 years as an example, how does Lennon, the only guest no longer alive, view the world today? Are we essentially in the same place? Does he feel like his generation was able to spark the change in politics intended?
Arnold's action movies brought a focus to science fiction, a genre Rowling has successfully exploited. How would their experiences in acting and writing compare to that of Lennon? I believe these four individuals, three of which are of foreign descent, have helped define the last 50 years of American culture. All four individuals have influenced art, sports and politics and their contributions are rivaled by few. After discussing the topics above, with a satisfied smile, I would return the focus to the meal.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Scores and Background
Scores and Background
I scheduled the GMAT around college football season as I knew I would never actually study with my beloved Gators distracting me. I took the test on September 5th. I didn’t know what to expect in terms of results, practice tests ended with scores ranging from 450 (eek) to 550 (ok). Since I studied for this exam more than I had prepared for any standardize test before, I was going to do my best. So my score was…
…we will get there.
Everyone Has a GPA Excuse:
Firstly, I was all over the place in college, before settling on a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Boy ‘o boy did my GPA suffer for my lack of a clearly defined path. I took engineering courses and accounting courses and science courses… the list goes on and on. Undergrad ended with a relatively poor GPA, I never cared much, until I realized how much easier the graduate school application process would have been if my GPA had been better.
Score: 2.96/4.0.
Completely Useless Percentage (CUP): 74.00%
Lesson learned from GPA: GPA is important for more than just obtaining your first job out of college.
LSAT: The No Other Current Options Test
You should know, I have always been pretty schizophrenic when it comes to my career choices. While I was in college I wanted to be a Chiropractor, a testament to my healthy lifestyle, but I am horrible in the sciences (and honestly, unsure about the field). Next, I assumed, as many college juniors do, lawyer-ing (made up word, but I like it) would be the path for me… took the LSAT, didn’t enjoy any aspect of the preparation, and didn’t perform nearly as well as my GPA demanded I do to get into, well… any school really.
Score: 148/180.
CUP: 82.22%
Lesson learned from LSAT: don’t take LSAT if you aren’t sure you want to go to law school.
Real Life Out of Necessity:
My first job out of college was a job (that’s all, not a career by any means). I got a 9-5-er as a Sales Manager with a very reputable Hotel Company. The job was perfect for everyone, they paid me very little since it was a first job out of college, and I approached it as… well… a first job out of college. My boss’s all jumped ship when the hotel sale was announced and a less productive co-worker was promoted over me. She made my life hell until I left. Worked there for 2.5 years.
Spent six months as a Restaurant Manager. Highly not recommended.
I was offered a job in Atlanta from former bosses and the previous hotel management company. Left Hotel Company for good for current consulting job, been here for 14 months.
Score: 4.5 years of work experience
Lesson learned from Real Life: Do your job, see if you want a career in that field, if not, look for next job, don't burn bridges, and never be out of work.
GRE:
I took the GRE as a possible out from job one. Did decently, but not nearly well enough (again, as my GPA demanded) to land in a decent school in any type of graduate program. Alas, out of necessity, I focused on my career.
Score: 1070/1600
CUP: 66.88%
Analytical Writing: 4.5/6.0
CUP: 75.00%
Lesson learned from GRE: my score was competitive for many programs… however, my GPA was a load of poo. Real lesson learned: if your GPA isn’t very good, then you better get a REALLY REALLY good score on your GRE.
GMAT: My Last Possible Option for More Education
The night of September 4, rather than cramming for the test (which I know wouldn’t help me) I spent the evening drinking beer with my beautiful girlfriend (more on her later). I woke up at 6:00 AM with a massive headache and, soon to be, hangover. It was a struggle, but goodness I did pretty well.
Score: 610/800.
CUP: 76.25%
Analytical Writing: 5.5/6.0
CUP 91.67%
So, if you are keeping score at home I have now taken all three major, non-medical, graduate admissions exams.
Lesson learned from GMAT: A pretty good score and some work experience is really the only way around a poor GPA.
Hopefully I get into a program.
I scheduled the GMAT around college football season as I knew I would never actually study with my beloved Gators distracting me. I took the test on September 5th. I didn’t know what to expect in terms of results, practice tests ended with scores ranging from 450 (eek) to 550 (ok). Since I studied for this exam more than I had prepared for any standardize test before, I was going to do my best. So my score was…
…we will get there.
Everyone Has a GPA Excuse:
Firstly, I was all over the place in college, before settling on a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Boy ‘o boy did my GPA suffer for my lack of a clearly defined path. I took engineering courses and accounting courses and science courses… the list goes on and on. Undergrad ended with a relatively poor GPA, I never cared much, until I realized how much easier the graduate school application process would have been if my GPA had been better.
Score: 2.96/4.0.
Completely Useless Percentage (CUP): 74.00%
Lesson learned from GPA: GPA is important for more than just obtaining your first job out of college.
LSAT: The No Other Current Options Test
You should know, I have always been pretty schizophrenic when it comes to my career choices. While I was in college I wanted to be a Chiropractor, a testament to my healthy lifestyle, but I am horrible in the sciences (and honestly, unsure about the field). Next, I assumed, as many college juniors do, lawyer-ing (made up word, but I like it) would be the path for me… took the LSAT, didn’t enjoy any aspect of the preparation, and didn’t perform nearly as well as my GPA demanded I do to get into, well… any school really.
Score: 148/180.
CUP: 82.22%
Lesson learned from LSAT: don’t take LSAT if you aren’t sure you want to go to law school.
Real Life Out of Necessity:
My first job out of college was a job (that’s all, not a career by any means). I got a 9-5-er as a Sales Manager with a very reputable Hotel Company. The job was perfect for everyone, they paid me very little since it was a first job out of college, and I approached it as… well… a first job out of college. My boss’s all jumped ship when the hotel sale was announced and a less productive co-worker was promoted over me. She made my life hell until I left. Worked there for 2.5 years.
Spent six months as a Restaurant Manager. Highly not recommended.
I was offered a job in Atlanta from former bosses and the previous hotel management company. Left Hotel Company for good for current consulting job, been here for 14 months.
Score: 4.5 years of work experience
Lesson learned from Real Life: Do your job, see if you want a career in that field, if not, look for next job, don't burn bridges, and never be out of work.
GRE:
I took the GRE as a possible out from job one. Did decently, but not nearly well enough (again, as my GPA demanded) to land in a decent school in any type of graduate program. Alas, out of necessity, I focused on my career.
Score: 1070/1600
CUP: 66.88%
Analytical Writing: 4.5/6.0
CUP: 75.00%
Lesson learned from GRE: my score was competitive for many programs… however, my GPA was a load of poo. Real lesson learned: if your GPA isn’t very good, then you better get a REALLY REALLY good score on your GRE.
GMAT: My Last Possible Option for More Education
The night of September 4, rather than cramming for the test (which I know wouldn’t help me) I spent the evening drinking beer with my beautiful girlfriend (more on her later). I woke up at 6:00 AM with a massive headache and, soon to be, hangover. It was a struggle, but goodness I did pretty well.
Score: 610/800.
CUP: 76.25%
Analytical Writing: 5.5/6.0
CUP 91.67%
So, if you are keeping score at home I have now taken all three major, non-medical, graduate admissions exams.
Lesson learned from GMAT: A pretty good score and some work experience is really the only way around a poor GPA.
Hopefully I get into a program.
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