Profile Eval for Top Schools-710, 3.5 GPA, USG Experience

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GMAT Score:710
Any thoughts? Thank you!

GMAT: 710 (49Q 38V)
Nationality: US Citizen, Asian-American born.
Age: 26 year old
Education: Mechanical Engineering BS and MS from UCLA.
Grades: 3.5 BS GPA, 3.8 MS GPA.
Work Experience: 3 years, working for the department of defense as an analyst/briefer to a top government official (Similar to Robert Gates). Will have 4 years of experience upon matriculation.
Volunteer: Working on projects for Engineers Without Borders in Haiti.

My biggest concern is how my government experience will be seen by the ad com. I heard that they don't really like applications who come from the government sector for who knows what reason. However, the work I have been doing is very significant and I am able to influence and advise top government officials one step removed from the POTUS.

The schools I am looking to apply to are:
Harvard
Stanford
Wharton
Columbia
Yale
Chicago Booth
Maybe Haas
Maybe MIT.

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Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

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by Tani » Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:39 pm
I'm not sure who told you that schools aren't impressed by government work. There were certainly people with government experience in my class and many make a point of having a significant group of military officers in their classes. You will need to use your essays to make sure that they understand the importance and recognize the leadership component of your work. I know from working with my clients that it can be difficult to convey what you are actually doing given security clearance issues, but a seasoned admissions consultant can help you through that minefield.

Your work for Engineers without Borders whould be impressive. Be sure you clearly position the challenges involved and what you learned from them.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
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by mrleeandy » Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:43 pm
Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate it. I take it the rest of my profile looks ok?

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by Tani » Mon Oct 18, 2010 9:13 pm
Yes, a solid profile.
Tani Wolff