What should I do to improve my profile?

mwilliams · Last edited by mwilliams on Wed May 14, 2008 3:24 pm; edited 1 time in total

Academic:
Age 20
Rising Senior at West Virginia University (I don't think the school's rank is high)
3.54 GPA and Improving (3.6 is target by graduation)
Finance and Accounting Double Major
GMAT practice tests are indicating 720+ (750 is my goal)

Internships:
This Year: Tax Department of Chesapeake Energy (Fortune 500) (with some work in energy derivatives)
Last Year: Accounting Department in State Government Branch

Groups:
WVU Investment Association Co-Founder/President, Finance Club Vice President, Intramural Flag Football Team Captain, Former Colleges Against Cancer Treasurer, Triathlon Club, Mountaineers for Christ

Athletics:
Avid Runner (currently training for a Marathon), Triathlete, Former National Level Swimmer (in High School), Mountain Biker, Snowboarder

Other:
Eagle Scout, Political Campaign Volunteer for 4 candidates (Republicans and Democrats), Completed volunteer consulting project for non-profit, Participated in week long mission trip to the projects of Atlanta (including leading a small group into one of the worst neighborhoods), Volunteered at multiple area charities, Fully funded Undergrad with merit based scholarships, High School Valedictorian (I attended my school due to 3rd generation legacy)

Current Plans for future:
CPA (target Summer/Fall 2009)
CFA Level 1 (Target Summer 2009)
Possibly CMA and CAIA depending on time available
Looking to start Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) group to volunteer
Looking to start Students for John McCain group
Possibly joining Alpha Phi Omega (service fraternity)
Have been working with a small group the past 6 months on establishing Student Managed Fund

Questions:
1. I am currently looking to apply to HBS and Yale Silver Scholars program in the fall, how does my profile look?
2. Any advice on the value of my future plans (whether I should do something or not)?
3. What can I do to improve my candidacy?

Thanks for the advice!

VP_MBA_Guru · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 9:20 am Post subject:

Hi MW,

Thanks for your post. Unfortunately I dont have much experience working with clients applying to MBA programs immediately after undergrad. I am actually curious to learn more about the HBS and Yale programs mentioned.

That said, you are doing all the right things. One bit of advice (if you decide not to apply after graduation), try to focus on one or two extra curricular activities rather than multiple. The key is to demonstrate leadership and growth. For example, rather than volunteering with 5 different organizations, concentrate on one and devote your time to building the organization (leadership positions, accomplishing goals/milestones, upward mobility).

Good luck!

NP

mwilliams · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 9:50 am Post subject:

Thank you for the advice!

Yale's Silver Scholar program is very interesting and HBS recently started a 2+2 program which requires application during the summer after junior year (I won't be able to complete the admission package by then, unfortunately).

I'm very interested to see how my applications turn out in the fall.

VP_MBA_Guru · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 10:01 am Post subject:

Good luck with your application! On a side note - have you started thinking about your post-undergrad plans (in case you dont go the MBA route)? You might be thinking of MBA-feeder job opportunities such as IB or Consulting. Those will also help your candidacy in the future.

Regards,

NP

mwilliams · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 10:23 am Post subject:

In addition to those 2 programs I am applying to MS in Finance programs at Washington University (Olin) and University of Florida (Warrington) (both with excellent placement records). I will also be applying for jobs in IB as well as Consulting (as you mentioned). My primary goal is pursuing further education, however working is perfectly acceptable to me.

smkrn · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 11:55 am Post subject:

mwilliams · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 3:24 pm Post subject:

Well I wasn't terribly bummed about the 2+2 program, but you just made me feel better about it.

As for my GPA, I edited my it due to an unexpected A (just released grades today). That comes to a 3.85 GPA taking 40 hours for this past year. That put me in range to have the 3.6 by the time I apply.