Ask Veritas Prep Admissions Consulting

Hi,

Just wanted to see what the experts say regarding my profile for applying to elite MBA programs. (Note: I would be applying in 2014).

Stats:

Gender: Male
Race: White (IRISH)
School: UCLA/UNC/UMICH
GPA: 3.9/4.0
GMAT: 770 (50Q/45V)
Age: 23 (Will be 24 when applying)

Work Experience:

-Will have 2 years when applying, in the middle of an analyst stint at a top Investment Bank (GS/MS) in a top group for the bank. Have received great performance reviews and done meaningful work on IPO's and Sell-side engagements.

-In College, worked at Boutique Investment Bank and large Private Wealth Management firm.

Extracurriculars:

-Fraternity President of 100+ brothers
(Also VP of same fraternity in year prior)

-Spearheaded an annual Bone Marrow Registration drive. (Registered multiple thousands of individuals for the national bone marrow registry).

-President of Accounting Club in College.

-D1-Athlete - Lacrosse (only Freshman year)

Purpose:

Although I've been blessed with a great start to my career, I really want to fast track it as much as possible. I'm exceptionally hungry to keep climbing in my career, and am looking for an avenue to not only to best further my career trajectory but also to build a professional network. I'm looking to move from M&A/Sell-side work to working my way up to be a Portfolio Manager type at an Asset Manager or Private Equity fund.

Questions:

What are some good matches based on my profile? (Basic research on these forums and Businessweek have pointed me to Columbia, HBS, Wharton)

Is my profile competitive for the elite schools?

Also, As I don't have a compelling life story or any amazing achievements, what should I look to do to boost my chances (I feel like just starting a non-profit now, or the like, would be window dressing that the adcoms would see right through. Also it wouldn't be authentically "me").

Thanks so much.

You really don't need any window dressing with that kind of profile. You would be competitive at any b-school you feel you have a fit. I think your list is aiming too low and you should at least throw in for the elite schools along with your target list. 2 years of WE can sometimes be considered light, but because you were at a top I-bank, where the octane is high and the work is long and intense, you would likely still be considered. Just make sure you can speak to your leadership development and why now is the right time for you to go back to school. It's very common for top FAs at the buldge bracket banks to go back after a two year stint. Just make sure your story differentiates you from the others who will try to apply at the same time.