Here are my stats:
-American male, mid twenties
-BBA in finance and BA in economics from top state school (3.9 GPA)
-Three years investment banking at a top bank (think Goldman Sachs / Morgan Stanley / JP Morgan), with third spent in an international office
-Two years experience at a middle market private equity firm (good track record but not much of a national brand name)
-Worked on several high profile deals as a banker
-760 GMAT
-174 LSAT
-Decent extracurricular involvement during school (some work for nonprofits, executive board for a couple of student organizations, paper published in undergraduate economics journal)
My goal is to work at a fund specializing in distressed debt and other unique and illiquid investments. The main thing I'm worried about with my apps is that my profile just seems too generic - good student at a state school works at a bank and then does private equity. It just doesn't seem unique enough. The programs that I'm really interested in are Harvard, Stanford, Penn/Wharton, Chicago/Booth, Columbia and Northwestern/Kellogg.
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Chances for Top JD/MBA?
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Stacy Blackman
- MBA Admissions Consultant
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Hi Bleeker,
Thanks for your post. You do have a very strong candidacy.
In regards to your question, lets look at a profile of another business school applicant:
- 3.7 GPA from Duke
- 730 GMAT
- 3 years in investment banking at Goldman Sachs
- YMCA Young Adult Board Member
On the surface, most would agree that this sounds like a great applicant. And she is a great applicant-solid essays, strong recommendations, a polished presentation in her interview. The only problem is that she is competing against all of her fellow all-star Goldman analysts, as well as analysts at other top banks.
Top schools are seeking diversity. No matter how excellent, they will not accept all candidates with similar profiles. One question weighing on your mind is probably how to set yourself apart from the rest of the talent in the applicant pool. Fortunately, because the essays play an important role in this process, the resume details featured above are just the beginning. In your essays you have a great opportunity to let your unique voice come through and demonstrate how you are different from your competition. It is these details that can truly make a difference for you.
You may have the same basic job description as many others, but what did you do with that job? Were you promoted? How did you find better ways to accomplish tasks? Did you act as a mentor? Were you a leader? Did you propose great ideas? How did you gain the respect of others?
When thinking about how to differentiate, don't get frustrated if you do not have a building named after you, or if you have not won an Olympic medal. Excellence can come in smaller packages, and these small examples are the best way to showcase your individuality and unique contributions.
I hope the above is of help. If you'd like, we also provide free 30 minute phone consultations here: https://www.stacyblackman.com/contact/
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
Thanks for your post. You do have a very strong candidacy.
In regards to your question, lets look at a profile of another business school applicant:
- 3.7 GPA from Duke
- 730 GMAT
- 3 years in investment banking at Goldman Sachs
- YMCA Young Adult Board Member
On the surface, most would agree that this sounds like a great applicant. And she is a great applicant-solid essays, strong recommendations, a polished presentation in her interview. The only problem is that she is competing against all of her fellow all-star Goldman analysts, as well as analysts at other top banks.
Top schools are seeking diversity. No matter how excellent, they will not accept all candidates with similar profiles. One question weighing on your mind is probably how to set yourself apart from the rest of the talent in the applicant pool. Fortunately, because the essays play an important role in this process, the resume details featured above are just the beginning. In your essays you have a great opportunity to let your unique voice come through and demonstrate how you are different from your competition. It is these details that can truly make a difference for you.
You may have the same basic job description as many others, but what did you do with that job? Were you promoted? How did you find better ways to accomplish tasks? Did you act as a mentor? Were you a leader? Did you propose great ideas? How did you gain the respect of others?
When thinking about how to differentiate, don't get frustrated if you do not have a building named after you, or if you have not won an Olympic medal. Excellence can come in smaller packages, and these small examples are the best way to showcase your individuality and unique contributions.
I hope the above is of help. If you'd like, we also provide free 30 minute phone consultations here: https://www.stacyblackman.com/contact/
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
Interested in a free 30 minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Sign up here: https://stacyblackman.com/contact
S T A C Y B L A C K M A N Consulting
Admissions Strategy
323.934.3936
www.StacyBlackman.com
Read the SBC blog.
Follow me on Twitter.
Like SBC on Facebook.
Learn more about me
S T A C Y B L A C K M A N Consulting
Admissions Strategy
323.934.3936
www.StacyBlackman.com
Read the SBC blog.
Follow me on Twitter.
Like SBC on Facebook.
Learn more about me
