Simon Says?

So I thought I was done with the MBA application process (and to a large extent, I still do think I am done) but then I received an email this past weekend from the Dean of the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester.

Now, I know this wasn't intended as a personal note - he probably cut/paste the same message to anyone who had started an online application but hadn't finished said application. Actually, he probably didn't even have to do that! Some sort of email program probably did it automagically.

But I figured, hey, if the Dean at least *acts* interested, it has to be worth looking into. He encouraged me to apply (and I received an application fee waiver earlier, so I wouldn't be spending anything more than the time on the application) and mentioned a lot of the notable alums from their "Early Leaders" program - and it was quite an impressive list. (I have yet to see any such list from USC).

He's supposed to put me in touch with some alums/current students as well as the admissions department. Of course, having already been accepted into an MBA program, I think I'll feel a lot less pressure if I go through another application process. I'd also appreciate an honest assessment from the school's admissions department on my chances of being accepted - but I don't know how plausible that is. My GMAT is on the low end of the average score spectrum (the low end of the the middle 80%) and my GPA is right at the bottom of the class average. Granted, I write kick ass essays, and will have good recommendations (but everyone has good rec's) - so outside of scores and statements, it'd be the interview and how I present myself.

I'm just waiting to hear back from them now (though the Dean did send me two follow up emails later in the day after my response, so at least I know he is interested afterward).