Evaluate Profile and Advice please!!

njlw226

Stacy,

Below is my profile, can you tell me give me an evaluation on how I would fare (I know that essays and interview are still a big factor). I am planning to apply for entrance in Fall 2007, to a full-time program preferrably with a focus in finance. I plan on applying to UNC's early action round, and McCombs suggested early deadline. From there I am interested in UCLA, Michigan, Chicago and a few others. Can you suggest any other possible schools where I would be competitive?

I am currently 25 and will be 26 upon matriculation. I will right around 3 years of work experience when I start school. 1 year as an analyst with JP Morgan Chase, and 2 years as a financial analyst with Ventas, a very
large healthcare REIT. I graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in accounting and a Cumulative GPA of 3.44. My GPA in accounting and Finance courses was 3.62.

I had numerous extracurricular activities in college. I was Vice-president
and President of my fraternity, as well as numerous other smaller positions. I was Secretary of a Greek Honor Society. I was also Vice-President of my University's Interfraternity Council, which is basically the governing body of all fraternities on campus. I was a member in the school spirit club, and was a member of a couple other smaller clubs. Since college, I have remained involved in my fraternity as a member of the Alumni Board of Advisors, a Regional Advisor for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and a member of the Alumni Association. I am also a member of the Young Professionals Association of Louisville. I am the current head of my company office's Charity Committee.

I took the GMAT for the first time after only about 3.5 weeks of study time. At the time I registered for the test, I had planned on attending the
University of Louisville, where the average score was in the 500's, so I was confident that I didn't need to study more than I did. Shortly before I
actually took the test is when I started really looking into full-time top
20 programs and decided to go that route. I got a 630/6.0 the first time
around. I was extremely disappointed and signed up to take it 2 months
later. I was somewhat burnt out but studied like crazy and got a 670/6.0
which I was still disappointed with because most of my practice tests were
over the 700 mark. 670 still looked to be acceptable for most of the
programs though, so I decided not to take it again.

I think I might have a few small 'weaknesses' - being only 26, GMAT of 670, only 3 years (appx.) of work experience, but I think my entire package is a good one to offer most schools. I do feel like I bring alot to the table with my knowledge in accounting, finance, healthcare, and real estate.

Sorry for making this so long, thanks again.

Stacy Blackman · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:47 pm Post subject:

I agree with you - you are a solid candidate! I think you have a good chance at the schools you mentioned and could possibly go for even more competitive ones. Which schools depend on your goals and some of the finer details in your story.

njlw226 · Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:51 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply Stacy!

What other more competitive schools do you think I should look into??

Stacy Blackman · Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:14 pm Post subject:

Lots of great options - it really depends on what you want out of your experience!

njlw226 · Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:07 pm Post subject: another ?

Stacy,

I just found out my company would be willing to pay the tuition for me to attend Chicago GSB or Kellogg part time. 2 questions:

-From my profile above, could I get into the PT program at either school?
-Assuming I was accepted to a couple top 15 full time programs, and either of the PT programs at Chicago or Kellogg with tuition paid by my company, which should I do?

Stacy Blackman · Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:39 pm Post subject:

I think you would have a good chance of getting into one of those programs, but this assumes that you manage your application well. The only info I have is the data supplied here and that is merely a jumping off point.

Very hard for me to tell you where to go. It's very personal. The full time program is better for a career changer, and better if you want to become really involved in the campus life. However, with a part time program you have a brand name on your resume, a great education and if the company sponsors you, you cannot beat that price!