Another Profile advice case

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saad87pk: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 6; Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:54 am

by saad87pk » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:24 am

Hi Guys,

Thanks a lot in advance for your help. I know it’s a little early for me to be thinking about an MBA seeing that I just graduated undergrad. But I would like to get some advice on what you guys think of my profile and what I should be doing in the next 2-3 years to have a good shot at the top 5 business schools. Do you guys think 3 years is very little experience?

My Top choice: Columbia, Kellogg
Schools I like a lot: Duke, Michigan, UVA, Cornell
Depending on improvement of my profile id also like to apply to: Harvard, Chicago, Wharton
Profile: Pakistani male, moved to the US 7 years ago.
Age 21

Recommendation: I can get recomendations from a Columbia Professor and Wharton MBA grad who has been teaching for 3 years and has worked very closely with me in one of my leadership roles

Academics
GMAT: Taking it sometime early next year, expecting between a 690-720.
GPA: 3.35 overall, 3.7 in Finance

Career Goals: Private Equity

Activities and Achievements in college
First 2 years at Northwestern Oklahoma State
- President, Student governing association-youngest president in over a 100 year school history at age 18
- Co-founder of national chapter and co-president, Physics Club
- Treasurer, Academic team
- Cofounder and delegation vice chair, Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature

Last 2 years at Rutgers (Worked 40+ hours a week to pay for school)
- Senior Representative, Business Governing association
- Secretary, Little investment bankers of Rutgers
- Alumni Leadership Recognition Award, Awarded to the top 30 leaders at Rutgers University
- Diverse Business Leadership Award, Awarded to the top 15 Business Leaders of Business

Other EC: 6 years at AFPSRD - helped raise money to cure children and adults in pakistan that suffer from polio and raised money to hire professionals to teach polio victims find jobs like sewing etc.

Summer jobs
- Controlling analyst, GPC Biotech
- Unpaid extern, Bear Stearns investment banking
- Wealth management analyst, Merrill Lynch - recieved higest performer award out of 94 interns (MBA and Undergrad interns)

Current Position:
- Global Wealth management analyst, Merrill Lynch -valuate and generate retirement plans (401k, direct benefit etc.) for clients like Honda, Lufthansa airlines etc.
- Co-founder and CEO, Lazerev, Siddiqui & Co. – Provide clients corporate finance and strategic advice, focusing on companies operating or desiring middle eastern exposure

Thanks a lot guys,
Saad Siddiqui

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:24 am

Scottie@VeritasPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 500; Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:34 amFollowed by: 6 members; Location: Florida; Thanked: 45 times

by Scottie@VeritasPrep » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:39 am

Saad,

Three years is definitely on the minimum end of experience required prior to business school. The reason business schools require professional experience is so that students can relate and contribute to class discussions based on those experiences. Additionally, professional experience usually creates more mature students who are prepared for the rigors of business school.

That said, your profile looks very good. You have proven that you are comfortable with the quantitative aspects of business. Definitely aim for 700+ on the GMAT. Finally, you should continue to be involved with extra-curricular activities and interests that are not business related. Admissions committees tend to looks for well rounded students not those who only excel in their professional pursuits.

Scottie Winslow | Admissions Consultant |
Veritas Prep

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options

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saad87pk: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 6; Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:54 am

by saad87pk » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:02 am

VP_MBA Expert thanks a lot for your advice, when you say activities not related to business what would would you say are good examples of those in my situation. Thanks again for your help

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Scottie@VeritasPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 500; Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:34 amFollowed by: 6 members; Location: Florida; Thanked: 45 times

by Scottie@VeritasPrep » Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:42 pm

Saad,

Your fundraising project is a good example. Extracurricular activities should show that you have other interests besides professional ones. For example, when I was in business school I had a classmate who climbed mountains and donated sponsor money to charity, one who choreographed for Michael Jackson, and one who owned an African import/export business in addition to her regular job. However, there were many without such unique interests (myself included) who were just involved in their communities via charity work, board participation, and volunteerism. You can also highlight any outside interest(s) that might be worth mentioning ie. being a musician, learning another language, drawing, etc.

There are a lot of people who apply to business school with spectacular GPAs and GMAT scores and strong professional experience. You need to show that you are unique so that you can differentiate yourself from the crowd.

Scottie Winslow | Admissions Consultant |
Veritas Prep

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options

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saad87pk: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 6; Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:54 am

by saad87pk » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:42 pm

Thanks a lot VP_MBA Expert, appreciate your help

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VP_MBA_Guru: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 690; Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 12:51 pmFollowed by: 3 members; Thanked: 39 times; GMAT Score:750+

by VP_MBA_Guru » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:08 pm

Hi S,
You are on the right path. A lot can change in 3 years, but like you implied, it doesn't hurt to keep MBA admissions in the back of your mind. My only concern (at this time) of your profile is your undergrad experience. Since your schools are not top tier names, try to break at least 700 on the GMAT.

Regards,

NP

Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep

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