Chance for Columbia?

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Chance for Columbia?

by billyburg » Sun Aug 24, 2014 10:57 am
Hello,
I'm trying to get a feel for whether or not I have a chance at getting into Columbia...here goes:

GMAT: 690 (it is what it is baby)
GPA: 3.6 from liberal arts school in the deep south

Post MBA Goal: Return to the family business ($2B-$5B Investment advisory firm) to try to grow into and establish a national brand

Work experience:
1 yr at family firm, client service stuff...nothing to write home about

3yr at similar firm. Hired in verrry entry level position, at the end of 3 years I was managing $50million of client money, was the head of fixed income research, and my ideas represented over $100mm of the firm's $800mm AUM

1 yr as an associate at a top multi-family office in NYC (consistently ranked in the 1-5 range of all the "Top Investment Manager" lists by Forbes, Barons, etc, but the name itself probably doesn't have a lot of cache). Got promoted after only 3 months

Certifications: CFA and CAIA

Why the MBA now?---To continue to develop investment expertise but also fill the holes of management/strategy because I have recently decided that I want to get back into/grow the family business. (I never left the industry, just wanted to "spread my wings" away from home).

Extra Curricular/Leadership:
President of fraternity
little league baseball coach
international volunteer work

So what do you think? I know it probably makes more sense to apply J-term give the family business theme, but due to timing, I'm really trying to avoid that and just do Early Decision. If Columbia doesn't work out any thoughts as to my chances at UVA, NYU, or Duke? Many thanks

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by Jon@Admissionado » Mon Aug 25, 2014 11:15 am
Dude,
So let's start with the good stuff: despite your GMAT being what it is, you have the distinct advantage that your family business is also what it is.
:)

And with a relatively good-sized investment advisory firm, schools will like that. Why? Because it's a definite win for them. They have all these applicants with dreams and plans, and you are an applicant with both a dream and a good chance of implementing it. ;)

Pluuuuuus not just a silver spoon but someone who went out tot he world and got a bite of it. And they are gonna like that.

And actually I would say it totally makes sense to apply to J-term with your family goals, and everywhere else too.

And I would even say, that although your GMAT is a good 30 points below average (being what it is... :) ) you shouldn't be applying out of Top 10 programs at first.

Hope this helps,
Best,
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