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by s1800028 » Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:27 am
Hi,

1) Sinagporean Chinese Male, 28.
2) GMAT (estimated to be around 620-40 currently, aiming to achieve 700)
3) Master of Science (Finance) from European University, 3.75 GPA (1st class honours). Completed in 2009 as a part-time course in Sgp.
4) Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) from Australian University. Average Grade = 71% (for 24 modules). No GPA system.
5) Qualified Chartered Accountant since 2008.
6) Currently working in Singapore at a top Global Investment Bank (from Europe) as an Accountant. (3 years), promoted to AVP start of this year together with a role change. Current team is very flat with all AVPs and 1 VP. I am the most junior hence do not manage anyone in this new team. Other highlights include being seconded to NY for 3 months on an integration project/migration of role into Sgp (2008) and initiating an efficiency project as a project manager (2007-2008).
7) Worked in Australia (1 yr) previously as a Fund Accountant.
8) Served National Service (2.5 yrs).

9) Volunteering:
Part of my company volunteer group
Committee member of company social club
Committee member of Chartered Accounting Group in Singapore

10) Other activities
Team leader of company football team, won the inaugural competition.
Have been actively involved during Undergrad period, ie Founder of Entreprenuer's Club in my College, captain of College Tennis team.

11) Aiming to apply in R2 2009 for start in 2010 fall.

12) Targets:
Columbia
NYU
Chicago
LBS
INSEAD
Wharton
HBS

13) Post MBA goal
To be in strategy ie in a Consulting firm or Investment Bank.


I have not taken the GMAT yet, but I have taken a couple of CATs and mock tests, and I believe I am about the 620-640 range currently. I am working extremely hard to achieve at least a 700. GMAT scheduled for mid Sep 09.

Q1) Will a GMAT score in the range of 640-20, together with my current profile, make it highly impossible for me to apply to the schools that I am targeting? I am aiming for 700 but what is the absolute minimum to be competitive?

Q2) Any comments on my current profile will be much appreciated too. Too common? Weakness? Although I am promoted to AVP, I do not manage anyone now. Is not managing someone directly a poor point? Because had I choosed to stay in my previous team, I would have 1-2 direct reports.

Q3) What else can I do to improve my profile?

Q4) Is my target list realistic? Any other Uni I should consider?

thanks
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Sun Jul 19, 2009 11:51 am
Hello,

To answer your questions:

1) Yes. A GMAT in that range could be a deal-breaker, particularly considering your industry and demographic groups which tend to have strong GMATs. I believe you’d need at least in the high 600s (680, 690) to be seriously considered, and even those scores would be relatively low for your group for most of the schools you mention.
2) Even if you get your GMAT up into the 700s, you’ll be qualified, but you won’t necessarily stand out among applicants to the schools you mention. Therefore, look for ways to differentiate and distinguish yourself through your essays (answer the question, why would the adcom pick you over other similarly qualified Asian applicants with a background in finance?). Not managing someone is fine; many strong applicants haven’t had direct managerial experience. To differentiate yourself identify insights and learning/growth from key experiences, such as your assignment in NY, your global accounting perspective, working with executive level people, project management, etc. Also show that you are a fast-track employee with unusually strong impact.
3) Continue performing leadership roles at work (formal or informal), take leadership roles in a volunteer capacity outside of work, make some connections or do informational interviews in your future field of choice.
4) Your target list is realistic if you score in the 700s on your GMAT, probably not if below 700. Even with a 700-range GPA they will be reach-level programs (reasonable reaches, but still reaches), so you may want to add a school or two in the next tier that would still meet your needs, if that option is feasible for you.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com
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by s1800028 » Tue Jul 21, 2009 6:54 am
Hi Cindy,

Thanks so much for your response.

1) I appreciate your confirmation on this. I am working really hard to reach that all important barrier.

2) Although I know that I am in a common group, have I done enough through what I have highlighted? Or do you think its lacking? I did learn a lot from my experience in NY and project management.

3) What do you mean by informational interviews? Do you mean ask people in that role or just reading up? I have done some reading up hence I am keen to do that kind of work.

4) If I do score 620-650, what other schools would you recommend me to look into? I am very keen to get into strategy.

Thanks a million!
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