Research MBA Programs

Hello all,

I would be grateful if someone could quickly review my profile, and give their opinion on my chances at my target MBA programs. I am currently 24 years old.

- 3.27 overall GPA from a top private University in Texas, with a double major in Business and Economics. My last 4 semesters I had a 3.6 GPA, which included making Dean's list twice, adding a second major, and taking all but one upper level course
- Held an officer position in my University's Financial Analyst Program (this was a competitive program to be accepted into)
- Held multiple officer positions in my fraternity
- Currently working as an associate management consultant for a major international accounting firm ($4.2 billion revenue internationally in FY 2013)
- Plan to continue working in management consulting for 4-5 years before starting my MBA
- Haven't taken the GMAT yet, but I am aiming for a 700
- Will have at least my Certified Financial Services Auditor certification before starting, but am also aiming to have my PMP and CIA certifications

My top target programs are Columbia, Stern, Kellogg, and Booth. After my MBA, I want to focus in the financial area of consulting, or possibly work in VC/PE.

Opinions about my chances, and also how to strengthen my profile, are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Hi there - Sounds like you have the start of a solid profile. Are you still living in Texas? You don't mention any international experience or volunteer work. Those might be things to focus on in the next 4 years. If you are still living in Texas (and also went to school there) that would be something to think about. Schools look at location - and just to give you an example, a consulting job in McKinsey's NYC office vs their Charlotte office are not viewed in the same way.

Best,
Leah

Thank you for your response!

I am actually going to start volunteering to tutor underprivileged children this upcoming school year.

I am still living in Texas, however I am hoping to relocate to New York before 2016. I am also very open to international assignments, it just depends on if the opportunity arises.

Thank you for the reply. I really like the concept of thinking about what I want my application to look like, and working backwards. That is great advice.

I'm pretty excited right now. I just took a practice GMAT on the Veritas website, completely cold, and scored a 650. I definitely think a 700, if not higher, is within reach. I was scared to take a practice test, because I was afraid of getting around a 550 and having too much of a point difference to expect around a 700.

Is the Veritas Prep worth the $750 for on-demand material?