Profile Assessment: concern = generic candidate

chet steadman

Hi,

I'd like to apply to a few schools for 2009 admission. My top 5 targets are Stanford, Harvard, Penn, Berkeley, and Columbia (probably in that order, though I admittedly haven't done a heap of research yet).

Age: 25
Experience: 3 years at GS
Undergrad: 3.7 (magna cum), Finance/MIS
GMAT: First practice today = 600, hope to get over 700 (not unreasonable as I blew through the questions in about half the allotted time and wasn't familiar with the question types and scoring format)
Extras: Completed LI CFA, taking LII in June. Not sure what else...

My main concerns are that I don't stand out in any particular way (generic finance type), and that I didn't attend a top school--according to US News, it's ranked around #70 overall.

Lisa Anderson · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:34 am Post subject:

Dear Chet,

For the programs you mention, your profile will be common but by no means a majority in the applicant pool. For any MBA applicant, you have to distinguish yourself in the eyes of the committee. Figure out what makes you unique, what you will bring to the program, and how each program is a good fit for you. If you effectively communicate those things in your application, when combined with a strong GMAT/GPA/work experience/recommendations, you will have a compelling case for top MBA programs.

Good luck!
Lisa

chet steadman · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject:

Lisa,

As an update, I've since received a 730 on my GMAT and a passing grade on my Lvl 2 CFA. My other concerns still remain, but do you think, given the information you have, that I have a solid chance at Stanford (i.e. does the average 3.7, 730, 3 years of exp candidate have a good shot)?

Also, will admissions officers recognize the difficulty of the CFA curriculum, and that studying a few hundred hours a year probably limited my ability to partake in other extracurriculars, volunteer work, etc.?

Thanks

Lisa Anderson · Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

Dear Chet,

Congratulations! That is an awesome score! You do have a competitive, interesting profile and a good shot at the top programs. As I wrote in April, it comes down to how you present yourself in your applications. Schools are familiar with the CFA and the demands of studying to pass. However, it is true that some schools really value the community involvement and want to see it, so it might affect your chances at those programs. At the end of the day, I think you should apply to any school you feel is a good match for your career goals and you.

Best of luck,
Lisa