MarkMc

@rack_attack124 I think the challenge here was when this was published the GRE had already changed format, but the GMAT had not. There may have been difficulty trying to compare tests that were even more different then than they are now. I applied to a DPA, a DBA, 2 in Technology Management, a Communications Media Program, and a Financial Planning Program. On the GMAT I had a perfect AW score 4.5 on the GRE. (GMAT was like 94th percentile and GRE was 80th). Quantitative I was in the low teens on the GMAT, but 48th percentile on the GRE. Verbal was about a little higher on GMAT (high 70's/low 80's compared to 71st percentile on GRE). My biggest swing was far and away the quantitative scores. This is coming off a BS in Business Administration, a MBA in Finance, and a MA in Diplomacy and International Relations.

Where do you see a 67% error? I see a predicted range of scores (and the anticipated score was actually higher than my GMAT score when my GRE was converted). It gave me a higher predicted quantitative and lower predicted verbal percentile. You may disagree, but typically GMAT test takers are better versed in quantitative methods (save for the science specific).

Literally the next day. I'm going to work through what may come with financial assistance and then make a discussion. While I hate to abruptly leave one program that I started working through shortly after enrolling, but in the end each program will be better off if I wish to be there or someplace else. Unfortunately this may happen more often than we realize.

Unfortunately it appears the conversion is correct. As someone who took both I scored significantly lower on the GMAT. It appears that for one reason or another the GMAT is more competitive than the GRE and thus the higher percentiles in the GRE typically falls significantly in the GMAT.

And - graduate admissions department are the best place to start. I ended up choosing the program with the admissions department that was the most straight forward and gave me clear answers about what it would take to get in. They should be able to guide you on their ideal, typical, and borderline candidate profile.

I agree with @rack_attack124 you'll need to sort some of this out. I scored much better on the GRE, which I did much better on in terms of percentiles (except for writing). However, when you do the conversion scoring it seems as though this happens for many people and may push you down in the qualifying. You can find these conversions online. There are programs that will take folks right out of undergrad (mine was one). And they even offered a BS/MBA (or BA/MBA - can't remember which). Many programs have a qualifying "score" (GMAT or GRE plus GPA times a multiplier) with minimums on both.

An MPA program may not be the path for development. You may be looking more at a International Affairs/Relations Program that has a development component. My MA is in Diplomacy and International Relations and they offered a International Economics and Development specialization as well as a dual degree with a MPA. You may be able to explore this at the PhD program. At the end of the day you need to decide where you'd ideally like to land and pick the path that puts you on that trajectory. Hopefully it will also provide some flexibility.

Well. With my nerves I went ahead and scheduled knowing that I still had to hear. Theoretically yes - I need to know by 6/22, however some of this takes 30-60 days for processing. Of course, I no sooner schedule and in less than 24 hours I hear from my first choice. The second choice is now offering a GA/TA possibility so I'm going to explore a bit and see where I come out at. It's getting quite interesting.

What do you want to do when this is all said and done?

They haven't given a deadline for accepting. Admissions are on a rolling basis and it's a small program. I'm also getting heat from my student loan programs, making things super awkward with the timeline continuing to countdown.

I've been accepted to a program that's likely my second choice. It appears as though my first choice program has pushed decisions back until the end of April. I've got a few challenges I need consider. 1. My student loans enter repayment 6/22. I can likely afford to pay these off by the end of a PhD (or make a significant dent). 2. My first choice accepting me may make a major change on how to move forward. It appears to be a better fit, more affordable, and a better structure what I want to accomplish. 3. The second choice program appears to be getting more expensive. I hadn't planned to apply for a GA or TA position since work will cover, however the number of courses my job will pay is shrinking as the electives seem to be less diverse. That being said - my second choice has sent me acceptance paperwork for scheduling. Should I go ahead and schedule with my second choice program? It allows me to lock down a status, keep my student loans deferred, and start the process there. Should I also revisit GA/TA opportunities at the same time? I can always withdrawal and let them know I got a last minute acceptance, but I'm not sure if this is the best way to go about it. Thanks!

At Seton Hall I know they will take MBA candidates from a pretty diverse background. You're looking at some top programs so that may be a bit more challenging, but not impossible. Research and research interests that align with faculty will be key. At the MBA level many students will have work experience, but PhD this isn't necessary (as they are looking at research rather than a professional degree). I just heard of another student getting into a PhD program (who was an awful human being) that has a bachelors in science, a MBA (that nepotism helped him get into the program and land a GA position) and is in at one or more PhD programs. Keep in mind that MBA's tend not to be research centric, so there is little of that to help bolster his application/resume.

Your GPA is a little low, but your GRE is in the range. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Nothing you can do but apply and find out