Gosh, it appears that I have caused quite a commotion. J But I am so glad that everyone is checking in, and sharing their expertise! Let’s try to settle this issue once and for all. And remember, there are certain questions where admissions people cannot be fully honest. The issues of quotas, student body mix, etc. is certainly one of them.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned guys, is that this process is at its core a math problem. Most business issues are, at their core, a math problem.
Take for example two identical candidates. They are both from Sri Lanka. They both got 700 on their GMAT. They both went to good undergraduate schools, and they both wrote good essays. But one candidate is a man, and one candidate is a woman. Two IDENTICAL candidates otherwise. Well, the woman has an advantage. Why? Because there are fewer women applying then men. It’s just a math problem.
Lets do this a different way. There are two candidates. They both scored a 700 on the GMAT. They both worked for goldman sachs, and both wrote great essays (with our help of course). But one candidate is from China, and the other is from the Philippines. Other than that, they are two identical candidates. Well, the Philippino has the advantage. Why? Because there are fewer Philippinos applying than Chinese.
I hope this helps my friends. Always remember, most problems can be boiled down to math! But let’s keep the healthy discussing going! It is great to see so many passionate people out there. Best of luck,