Profile Evaluation - Range of schools to apply to

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Hello experts!

I'm planning to apply early round 1 for 2015 and would like opinions on ranges (stretches, matches, safety's) on which schools I should apply to. I mean "should" sincerely because I have a few of what may or may not be flaws in my candidacy.

The worst:
2 petty misdemeanor charges/convictions DUI's. First one over 7 years ago, and the second over 5 years ago.
1 misdemeanor charge/conviction of an open container during the first DUI charge 7 years ago.
I have completed all necessary court orders. Since then, I have been free of any major and minor mishaps. At matriculation, 8 and 6 years will have passed (I don't know if that makes a difference)
I knew I had an issue, and I got treatment and it was a complete 180 in all aspects of my life.

After college, I went into financial services as an investment advisor for a fortune 100 company doing financial planning for medium net worth clients and business planning for small to large companies. Each year I took on bigger clients and companies and mentored junior advisors.
I will have over 4 years of work experience at matriculation.

GMAT: 730 (Q47, V43, IR8, AWA5)

Academics:
2.3 GPA from competitive public university - economics major.
I understand this is really low and took UCLA extension classes in attempts to mitigate this flaw in my candidacy and have gotten all A's in them (calculus, statistics, accounting, micro economics, macro economics).
Passed level 1 in the CFA program and planning to take level II next June.

Extra-Curriculars:
Chamber of Commerce, Committee Chair. Involved and volunteer with my Church.

Post-MBA Ambitions: Investment/asset management at a bulge bracket or regional/elite boutique bank. Completing the CFA charter (if not done already).

I'm an asian american male living on the west coast and will be 27 upon matriculation.

In regards to my original question, which schools would be a good fit (north america)? I have come to grips that the top schools are off the table (or may not be?) but some advice on which schools or rank range that I should be focused on to craft an open and honest explanation to would be helpful. I would love to attend the top 10 schools but I also want to remain realistic given my handicapped application.

Also, how many schools should I apply to? Is there anything I can do in the meantime to boost my application from now till R1?

Thank you for taking the time and looking forward to your advice!

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by Jon@Admissionado » Tue Jun 30, 2015 8:13 am
Hey there dude,
So you do have some challenges in your profile, but at the same time, you have a good story there - of making mistakes, learning your lesson and PROVING yourself. and that can count for a LOT! And I suggest you use it.

At the same time with such a low GPA, Top 10 schools are basically gonna be out of range. My suggestion would be that you apply to a range of schools in the 10-30 range. Most people apply to 4-6 schools, and that should be about right for you too. Although if you have the time and energy to apply to even more schools, go for it. I mean those DUIs are X-factors and you don't know if the Adcom will like the story of a changed man, or will hold it against you so you may want to hedge for it.

But otherwise, I think from the moment you become an investment adviser and get that stellar GMAT, things look great. Have a look at some finance-strong schools like Tepper, Johnson, UNC, maybe UCLA.. and then add a few less strong schools down the list to balance off for that low GPA and those DUIs. You may even want to take a shot at 1-2 top 10 schools (NYU comes to mind), although they will be stretches.

I think you can aim pretty high as long as you nail those explanations and your career plan in the essays, but it's also always good to play it safe too.

Best,
Jon
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by everydayguy » Sun Jul 05, 2015 2:22 pm
Thanks so much Jon! Your advice was in line with what I was hoping to get back.

I have campus visits to my prospective programs that I wanted attend. With the advice of my undergraduate pre-mba advisor, I also requested to have time to speak with one of the graduate admission faculty. I was given the impression that if I be upfront with my circumstances and my interest in the program, they would be able to give me better advice on how to become more competitive in the application process. In my opinion, however, I don't know how what to think about that type of direct approach.

Also, some of the programs I am interested in do not as for disclosure of a criminal background. Would it be wise to disclose in the optional essay anyway? I guess I just want to know if would do more harm than good.

Thank you

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by Jon@Admissionado » Wed Jul 08, 2015 8:33 am
Well, I'd say go for it. But at the same time take things with a grain of salt.

Meaning, it's also a bit of a poker game, and they aren't going to reveal all their cards, necessarily.

But in general, take every opportunity for contact with the AdCom. It'll just mean that there are higher chances that someone knows who you are, and cares...

Best of luck,

JF
"Hands down the best MBA admissions consulting firm of all-time, and boy, what an incredible founder!" -- Raj Patil, Founder of Admissionado

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https://admissionado.lpages.co/case-studies-lp/
https://admissionado.com/mba/reviews/
https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Admis ... 700945.htm

Reach out, and let's gab. Our only requirement is that you don't prefer warm milk over cold milk. Everyone else, 100% welcome.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866-409-4753
Hit us up on WhatsApp.
Ping our satellite: 0884#&@-2#101101
Contact us via web form you lazy git: https://admissionado.com/contact/
Mostly, email Claudia.