Ms. Chemical Engineer

Hi Ms. Chemical Engineer, this is Julie-Anne Heafey from mbaMission. I’m guessing your shift from Technical Consultant to Process Engineer may not have been easy, and it sounds like you’ve weathered some downturns to come out on top and lead teams (in what was probably a tough environment). I’m impressed with your ambition and grit! Wharton, however, will probably be tough – your GRE is below the average, and your form indicates some potential language hurdles for someone targeting a consulting job, where communication skills are key. I also worry about whether you’ve missed the window for a 2-year MBA…after you pass 32/33, admissions committees start looking at you as more of a fit for Part Time, Online or EMBA options, but of course transitioning to a new job is harder from those programs. I’d retake the GRE if you can, and expand your list, applying in early rounds to schools where you are closer to their averages (Rice Jones or Indiana Kelley maybe?) to see how it goes. If a 2 year program doesn’t work out, you may need to consider some alternatives, but given your determination, I still believe in your ability to advance to greater things. Best of luck!!

Hello -it’s Lisa Cummings of Stratus Admissions. Female engineers often have a leg up in MBA admissions given their top quant skills, but there are a few things in your profile that give me pause. Your stats are below average for Wharton, have you considered retaking the test after some targeted tutoring or additional study? Your years of work experience may also be an issue for you for traditional 2 year programs. Adcomms may have a difficult time seeing how you could get a summer internship and then a full time job given your length of pre degree employment. Schools will also want to see come outside involvement in community or professional groups. Additionally, based on the short blurb above it is hard to parse out specifics on what your job responsibilities have been and what impact you have made at work. You will need to articulate these very clearly for your schools. I suggest you expand your list for two year programs if you are set on that route but that you strongly consider looking at EMBA or other non-traditional programs. Although many people in those programs are not looking to pivot post degree, most do offer career counseling and could help you attain your post degree goals. Best of luck!