I’m getting ready to take the GMAT at the end of the month. Going to get my MBA starting in the fall. So tired of people telling me I need to get a Master’s and I also figure that if idiots can make dumb decisions and big bucks then I should be in that club too! Why not? Some question why I’m not getting an IT field master’s since I’m in that field. But I figured that this would give me to more well rounded career route and also give me some sort of fall back in case some other IT bubble bursts. Not to mention the managers seem to have more of this kind of degree. Anyway… back to the question. I’ve heard all kind of people say things about the GMAT. Anywhere from it doesn’t matter much to it’s a killer test to its no big deal. There isn’t a cut of to get in the program for a score, which half tells me it’s just a formality on the test and they let most everyone in so they can get your $$$. Just wondering your experience with the GMAT I guess.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:There isn’t a cut of to get in the program for a score, which half tells me it’s just a formality on the test and they let most everyone in so they can get your $$$.
Hmmm, that doesn't match my brother-in-law's experience at all. His work was paying for his schooling on the basis of his score, and he also wanted to get into a more rigorous program. He studied for about three months non-stop (well, except for work and church) to get a good score on it. And he had a prior degree in business. So that's all I know about it. *shrugs*
Posted by Jay (Member # 5786) on :
It’s at WVU (of course) (I just wanted to be a student for our national championship run!) http://www.be.wvu.edu/emba/index.htm Work is paying for mine also, but it’s on grades not test scores. I was trying to get them to reimburse the $250 un fraking real test fee, but they said no and that they might look into incorporating that into future benefit program. Yeah, I’m not into studying all that much. Maybe a little here and there, but no nonstop for me! What on earth am I doing going back………… idiot…
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Not even the most competitive graduate programs have a GRE cutoff (or GMAT, in this case), generally speaking, but its still a very important part of the graduate school application. A bad score can certainly sink an application if not buoyed up by other qualifications. About the only schools with cutoffs for GRE scores (I don't know about GMAT scores) are some state schools, and they're usually pretty low.
How're you going to be admitted to any decent MBA program in the fall, though, if you haven't taken your GMAT yet?
Posted by Jay (Member # 5786) on :
quote:Originally posted by fugu13: How're you going to be admitted to any decent MBA program in the fall, though, if you haven't taken your GMAT yet?
Well, that’s the last thing I had to do. There were other applications and what not. My test lead here at work, who went through this program a number of years ago, said he started the classes before he even took the GMAT. Just a formality for him I guess. I asked them about deadlines and they didn’t seem to concerned. Hey… you saying WVU isn’t decent?!?! I’m not looking for a prestigious degree or anything, but they are accredited and have a few other recognitions they list on their site. It’s local for me. I just want a masters.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Heh, that's amusing.
The procedure might well be different for EMBA programs; most graduate programs need you to have the entire application (including test scores) in well before the program starts. WVU (I posted before I saw where you were going) is likely to have at least a moderately decent program, though I have no specific knowledge.
Posted by Jay (Member # 5786) on :
So ok, it’s still an MBA right? I thought the E thing just meant you’re still working while you take it sort of almost Evening. That it’ll take 2 years instead of just a year of full time stuff. Is there a big difference?
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
I doubt it makes much of a difference. The admissions process seems to be different, but that's understandable. I bet the courses have a somewhat different slant, but that'd be primarily due to the students in them already having work experience.
Posted by Jay (Member # 5786) on :
True. That was a requirement that you have at least 3 years of work experience. The one thing that did sound really neat to me was that it’s one class at a time. That should help out the studying a bit (not that I’ve ever done more then I’ve had to of that in my life).
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
There are different kinds of Masters Programs. One is what I think fugu is thinking of - a regular, researh/academic program - often leading to a PhD. For those, admissions is very selective and grad students are usually supported by fellowships, etc. The other kind is a "professional masters" program. These are programs that the student (or his employer) pays for and are revenuye generating for the school. The admissions criteria is not a rigorous for these.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Most of the masters programs I've been researching that are like I've been mentioning are professional . They are also academic and research oriented, but rarely lead to PhDs. The field I'm going into (assuming someplace accepts me ) is Public Policy (aka Public Affairs).
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
The school I'm looking at suggests taking the GRE in October for admission the following fall.
I'm thinking I won't be taking it this year, but maybe next.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
If you're planning on going straight to grad school after your finish your degree, when should you begin thinking about taking the GRE? I'm a sophomore, but only lack a few credits of being a junior. Should I think about taking it this spring coming up (early 2007)?
If all goes well I should finish my undergrad in Spring 2008 (that's going full time and going through the summer). I hope to enter grad school in Fall 2008.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Fall '07 should be sufficient. For the LSAT, I know January is the latest most schools will accept for admission the following spring, and I think the GMAT/GRE are similar in timeframe.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thanks.
I'm sure my school has info somewhere that will help, and I'll bring it up next time I meet with my advisor as well.
I'm just prone to premature panic over things, and right now I'm agonizing over what concentration to pursue within my major.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
It doesn't hurt to take the GRE early if its not a big financial burden. You can retake it, but only once a month. Also, its not a very easy test to study for, or one that waiting for without studying is going to help with (except insofar as your vocabulary is increased or you are refreshing your math knowledge).
I'd suggest aiming to take it at the nearest point in the future where you are also taking a math class but are at a slow point in the semester (giving you plenty of time to get relaxed and caught up on sleep for the test day), assuming such a point will be before its necessary you take it.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I have no more math classes to take. I've fulfilled all my math requirements and then some, taking an additional class not needed for my major.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
K, then take the GRE as soon as reasonably possible (doing some practice tests in the few weeks before); if you're unsatisfied with your scores, bone up and take it again when convenient.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
. They are also academic and research oriented, but rarely lead to PhDs. The field I'm going into (assuming someplace accepts me ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
) is Public Policy (aka Public Affairs).
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I've fulfilled all my math requirements and then some, taking an additional class not needed for my major.