Mr. 2020

You would make an ideal Fuqua MBA student. Your Sundance film, your interest in diversity and inclusion, and your background in consulting at a top (I assume) speciality consultancy in retail tells me you have a lot to offer the class. I also like your post-MBA goals to return to consulting because Fuqua should be able to easily offer you the opportunities that will make your investment in the degree immediately worthwhile. As you no doubt know, Fuqua’s current acceptance rate is 23%, its latest average class GMAT is 705 and the average class GPA is just a tad under 3.5. Your basic stats show you nicely above on the GPA but about 75 points below the class GMAT average. I can tell you that unlike most schools that claim they look at all candidates holistically, Fuqua walks the talk. That makes me a little less concerned about your GMAT. Still, if you could retake the test or try the GRE and get closer to the average, your chances would improve significantly. I’m going to say your odds are above the current admit rate but not by much because of the 75 point deficit on the GMAT. One piece of advice: Work the school. Get on campus, show up on admission events, chat up the admissions people, talk to student and alumni. It looks to me that Duke is your only target so a little schmoozing to make sure admissions knows this important fact could also make a difference to you.

Hello Mr. 2020! Thanks for posting. Krista Nannery from mbaMission here.
In my experience, b-schools LOVE supply chain majors. There’s just something about that skill set. You understand how business gets done! Mash that up with your experience working directly with CMOs and no one will doubt your executive presence, something I think b-schools really value. They want to know they can put you in front of recruiters, and given your work experience, that will be really clear. Add that stellar GPA and your interesting extracurriculars, and you could be a dream candidate!
It’s just that GMAT. I’ve seen over the years that it’s really tough to crack the top schools sub 700. Fuqua might be possible with a 680, but I’d really like you to give them more than that! For my clients who are struggling to break 680 on the GMAT, I normally recommend switching to the GRE. They usually feel like it’s a better test for them. I know it may be hard if you’ve invested a lot in the GMAT already, but try not to make a decision here based on a sunk cost. Try a practice GRE and consider making the switch. Then invest in the exam — consider a private tutor — and give Fuqua and any other program you’re considering another reason to say yes to you!
Hope that helps!
Krista

Mr. 2020 – Susan Cera, Director of MBA Admissions here.

There is lots to like about your profile – outstanding undergrad performance, solid work experience in a niche field that will add value to classroom discussions, interest in D&I, and interest in film. You likely have some fantastic material for your 25 random things essay!

An obvious shortcoming is your softer GMAT which falls towards the bottom of the 80% GMAT range. From my experience working with Fuqua’s admissions committee, I know that they can be incredibly forgiving of a less than stellar GMAT score. However, I’ve been surprised this year by the number of solid male candidates with GMAT/GRE scores just below the 705 average who Fuqua placed on the waitlist. That doesn’t bode well for a 630.

If Fuqua truly is your top choice I would suggest that you do the following: 1) Retake the GMAT – you probably need to add 50+ points, 2) Invest in getting to know Fuqua – reach out to student ambassadors whose interests align with yours – consulting, D&I, film. I could see you adding a lot of value as a liaison between some of the identity clubs – AWIB, BLMBAO, Fuqua Pride – or leveraging your film expertise to add value to FuquaVision, 3) Clarify your goals and identify a few target companies that recruit at Fuqua, 4) Connect with folks in the Marketing and Consulting clubs or perhaps with Professor Chris Moorman who conducts the CMO Survey – I would venture to guess she would love to learn from your experience working with CMOs! 5) Apply in the binding EA round to demonstrate that Fuqua truly is your top choice.

Doing all (or most) of these things will increase your odds substantially because you will be well positioned to nail your essays and your interview. I’m giving you odds of 35% with your 630. If you get to a 680, I think you jump to 75%.

All the best!