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profile eval thanks

by jxia » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:15 am
I am planning to apply the following MBA in 2010: Darden, Stern, Cornell, and Tepper.

Here are my stats:

gmat: 690 (v 34, q 49)
gpa: 3.14 from Cornell Engineering majored in Operation Research
work experience: 4 years. I have worked for IBM about 1.2 year and a Fixed income hedge fund about 1.5 year and now I am with an automated trading firm. I am doing mostly programming/finance operation work.
extracurricular activities: My partner and I own a real estate investment that is worth about $720,000. I am responsible for negotiate rent contract, obtain mortgage, and maintenance of the property. My other extracurricular activity is to help sale and promote New Tang Dynasty Gala. Falungong organizes a yearly Chinese new year and I am involved with the promotion of the show. I am also a CFA level 2 candidate.
Career goal: I hope to make switch from IT/Operation to more finance related role. After MBA I plan to work in Asset Management and eventually become a Portfolio manager.
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:13 pm
Hello,

I’d consider the schools you mention reasonable reaches. While those adcoms would not question your ability to perform in the program based on your numbers and your experience, I note that both the GPA and the GMAT are a little low, though the GMAT not by much and the 3.14 is from a very rigorous program. Still, having both of these numbers on the low side will add to the challenge, especially if you are Chinese (a group that tends to have high numbers). You might consider adding a school or two from the next tier, if you can find ones that meet your needs.

Also, transitioning into the finance side poses a challenge in the current economic climate. It’s not impossible, but I suggest that in the goals essay you write directly about how you plan to do this under current circumstances – how/why you will be marketable to firms in an industry that’s still in some contraction and where even experienced people are losing jobs.

Your work experience and extracurriculars look strong, and interesting.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com