Profile Evaluation - chance at a top 5 school?

Launched September 22, 2008
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Joined: Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:01 am
My profile is as follows:

Nationality: US
Current Age / Gender: 27/ Male
Undergraduate: Large State School, BS Business Admin

GPA: 3.0 (I plan on submitting additional info explaining that I worked almost full-time through college and that I recognize that I did not give my undergrad a worthy effort, but that I have grown into a completely different person since then.)

GMAT - 710 (this was achieved without preparation - I will take the GRE as well for purposes of joint-degree applications and plan to score very high. Should I re-take the gmat?)

Work Exp - Hired out of college at a mid-size financial services firm and promoted immediately to Director of Marketing. Left after 2 years to pursue dream of Peace Corps. Served 2 years as Peace Corps Volunteer working with the strengthening of business administration practices in community tourism projects, was named the regional business director, elected member of the volunteer advisor council, editor-in-chief of the volunteer news publication, will receive outstanding recommendations.

Extra-curriculars: have recently founded my own non-profit with the format of a web 2.0 start-up - taught myself how to develop a website for this cause. Generally active otherwise in extra-curriculars.

Reason for MBA - I am extremely inspired by the idea of the double and triple bottom line in business. I dream of a career that merges social responsibility through entrepreneurship and innovation with business for the benefit of all. I would like to manage start-ups in emerging markets.

Other - fluent in Spanish, currently studying Chinese. Marathon runner.

Do I have a realistic shot at Stanford or HBS? My current list of schools at which I'm applying is as follows: Stanford, Harvard, Yale (Peace Corps fellowship duel degree), Columbia and Duke (Peace Corps Fellowship)

Any constructive feedback will be sincerely appreciated.

Thank You.
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by Stacey Oyler » Tue Jul 20, 2010 11:11 am
Hi,

Thanks for your post. Let's take a look at the different components of your profile:

Academics: As you suggested, you will want to write an optional essay stating your situation in college. It should be brief and to the point - not making excuses, but rather explaining the circumstances. As for your GMAT, I do suggest that you consider retaking it. I realize that many schools accept GRE scores, but nearly every applicant who submits a GRE score also submits a solid GMAT score. Doing well on both will maximize your chances especially in gaining admission to joint degree programs. Another reason to retake is to boost your academic profile. Given your undergraduate performance, a solid GMAT score will help mitigate concerns the adcom may have about your academic ability.

Professional: You have an interesting background and as such it will differentiate you from others in the pool. Be sure to emphasize your leadership and teamwork skills that you gained during your time in the Peace Corps.

Extracurricular: The non-profit you started sounds great and will certainly help to substantiate your post MBA goals.

Overall you are in good shape and have a good balance between reach and target programs on your list. Retaking the GMAT will make you more competitive for the programs on your list.

Best,

Stacey
Sign up for my MBA admissions course, featuring me and other Clear Admit experts, by visiting: https://www.udemy.com/business-school

Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

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