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Hi, I'm new to the forum. In regards to GMAT, I only got a 690. (50 Q, 33 V). For programs, I'm aiming for HBS, Wharton, MIT, and Columbia. With my current situation is this a realistic goal?

I'm Chinese American and worked in banking. Unfortuanetly, I became a victim of the crunch in December and since have been out of work. Undergrad GPA is 3.6/4.0 at UPENN, but unfortuanetly, I had a very niche major (East Asian Studies). Work experience wise, I worked at a major UK Bank since graduation with rotations in UK (all of 2008), HK (3 months), Milan (6 months) and New York (1 year).

Dear Cinemasia,

Thanks for your post and welcome to the forum!

There are clearly some positive elements to your profile:

1) You attended a great undergraduate program (UPENN) and secured a GPA (3.6) that is very much in line with the ugrad GPAs of accepted students at your target schools.

2) You have a unique major in East Asian Studies. This will really help you to stand out from the hundreds of ugrad business majors and engineers applying. It also adds a cultural/intellectual dimension to your candidacy. Keep in mind that top MBA programs are looking for well-rounded candidates.

3) Your work history features nearly three years with a major bank and has taken you to London, Hong Kong, Milan and New York City. This is a great asset.

Of course, as you seem to have guessed, there are some negatives in your profile as well:

1) Your GMAT total score of 690 is 20-30 points below the average at the schools on your list. Given that you potentially fall into an over-subscribed group (finance professional), this will not put you in the best position.

2) Your GMAT verbal raw score of 33 (roughly 69%) is a bit of a red flag. While many finance types perform poorly on the verbal section of the exam, this result doesn't fit with your background as an East Asian Studies major from an Ivy League school. The good news is that I'm sure that you can improve the result with just a little more work on the verbal section. Boosting your verbal score up into the 80th or 90th percentile will do wonders for your overall score.

3) The fact that you are presently out of work is understandable given the economy, but you need to find something fast - since it's been 3+ months. If you cannot find a job in your field, consider taking on a volunteer position in your community. The key with gaps in employment is to stay active in some way - you don't want the adcom to assume you are sitting at home watching TV, sufring the web or playing Xbox, etc.

4) You didn't comment on your XCs in college or since. This is another element that the schools on your list will take into account.

In short, you have some work ahead of you, but I don't think it's an insurmountable task if you get started ASAP. You may want to contact us by emailing your resume/CV to [email protected] and setting up a free initial phone session with one of our counselors.

Best of luck,

Graham