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Hi,

I'd like to know if I stand a good chance for admission at a top 10 MBA program (especially H-W-S), and if the admissions staff really takes into account the minority that is being represented.

My guess here is that my profile is somewhat strong within the minority I represent (Mexico). I think that the strong areas of my profile are: 1) non-traditional WE background, 2) GMAT score (within this minority) and 3) solid extracurricular activities.

Nevertheless, I might be all wrong here so I'd appreciate your evaluation. Thanks!

About me: 25 years old, Mexican male.

GMAT: 740 (AWA 6.0).

Bachelors: Economics - 7.4/10 (Mexico's grade system). I started working early on during my studies and that affected my grades. However, that specific job experience gave me the job that I have today.

Career:

- 2.5 years (2 part-time and 0.5 full time) as Market Intelligence Analyst at a small U.S. based consulting boutique.

- 2 years as Market Intelligence Senior Analyst at one of the Big 4 accounting firms. I joined the U.S. and Americas market intelligence department (100+ people) as the youngest and without an MBA-a strict requirement for the position.

International exposure: I haven't worked in other countries but I currently manage a team of analysts in India and have clients (partners of the firm) all over the Americas (e.g. Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Canada, USA, etc.). I think that this is where I could bring value to the class. I can share my experience about working with partners in different countries and how they perceive and use the strategic planning process to develop business.

Extracurriculars:

-Member of the chess team in college.
-Won several state championships and competed in national championships.
-Assistant teacher in the chess extracurricular course.

Community:

-Chess lessons for children with disabilities.
-Presentations about bad effects of drugs in the brain to 20+ schools in my city.
-Gave talks to 10+ schools (secondary level) about how we can use the scientific method in life. (I have a passion for that).

Hello,

From the information you've provided, I'd consider you a viable and strong candidate for the programs you mention. The adcoms will look at your application holistically, and your status as an under-represented minority will be part of that. I'd consider you a viable applicant even without the benefit of that factor.

That said, these schools are ALWAYS reaches, albeit reasonable ones in your case. That means, in practical terms, that you still need to prepare outstanding applications to have a credible shot.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com