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Profile Evaluation

by stevieg » Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:39 pm
Hi,

I trust that you are well.

Please could you perhaps give some advice on my evaluation.

I am planning to apply to the top 5 schools.

HBS is my number 1 choice.

Background
Born and raised in the UK.

BA in History from University College London (GPA:3.0)

Journalist for the The Times Group of Newspapers (1 year)

Derivatives analyst (UBS) - 3 years.

I have 6-7 year track record of strong extra-curricular activities, volunteering with several organisations (mentoring,education etc).

I am looking for a career change however and want to move into the non-profit sector with a long term target to set up a charitable foundation.

I am yet to take a GMAT but I'm assuming with my low GPA I would possibly need a 700+?

I know that Harvard may seem a long shot but I think
I can do it. I just wandered what your thoughts were and if you think my optimism is misguided!

Many Thanks for your time.

Regards,

Steve
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Re: Profile Evaluation

by Linda Abraham » Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:13 pm
stevieg wrote:Hi,

I trust that you are well.

Please could you perhaps give some advice on my evaluation.

I am planning to apply to the top 5 schools.

HBS is my number 1 choice.

Background
Born and raised in the UK.

BA in History from University College London (GPA:3.0)

Journalist for the The Times Group of Newspapers (1 year)

Derivatives analyst (UBS) - 3 years.

I have 6-7 year track record of strong extra-curricular activities, volunteering with several organisations (mentoring,education etc).

I am looking for a career change however and want to move into the non-profit sector with a long term target to set up a charitable foundation.

I am yet to take a GMAT but I'm assuming with my low GPA I would possibly need a 700+?

I know that Harvard may seem a long shot but I think
I can do it. I just wandered what your thoughts were and if you think my optimism is misguided!

Many Thanks for your time.

Regards,

Steve
HBS admitted Philip Delves Broughton, who was also a British journalist who wanted to change careers so it has been done. :-)

Kidding aside, if your GMAT comes out in the 700+ range and you can show a history of leadership on and off the job, then I think you may still have a shot, but I don't think it's a good one. I share your concerns that your GPA may contribute significantly to a ding. At the same time, all the schools are looking to maintain the percentage of Europeans in their programs and that may help you.

Best,
Linda Abraham
Linda Abraham
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Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 29
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by stevieg » Thu Oct 01, 2009 4:54 pm
Hi Linda,

Thanks for your reply - much appreciated.

Indeed, Philip Delves Broughton was accepted by Harvard!

I'm worried about my GMAT as in practice tests I'm scoring low, between 600-640. I know this probably isn't going to be good enough and many people are saying I have to shoot above a 700 to be competitive.

I have completed my essays and believe they are strong; this may mean I can get less than 700 but I still don't think this would be enough. I'm told that with sub 700 there's no point in applying to HBS.

Would you agree?

In general I believe my recommendations will be very strong (as my recommenders know me very well) and my essays. My work experience I feel is good.

However, I just think my GPA and GMAT may let me down and my feeling is that HBS may ultimately look unfavourably on this.

If you could let me know your thoughts it would be appreciated.

Kind regards,

Steve
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by Linda Abraham » Fri Oct 02, 2009 8:19 am
stevieg wrote:Hi Linda,

Thanks for your reply - much appreciated.

Indeed, Philip Delves Broughton was accepted by Harvard!

I'm worried about my GMAT as in practice tests I'm scoring low, between 600-640. I know this probably isn't going to be good enough and many people are saying I have to shoot above a 700 to be competitive.

I have completed my essays and believe they are strong; this may mean I can get less than 700 but I still don't think this would be enough. I'm told that with sub 700 there's no point in applying to HBS.

Would you agree?

In general I believe my recommendations will be very strong (as my recommenders know me very well) and my essays. My work experience I feel is good.

However, I just think my GPA and GMAT may let me down and my feeling is that HBS may ultimately look unfavourably on this.

If you could let me know your thoughts it would be appreciated.

Kind regards,

Steve
Given a 3.0 GPA and a 640 GMAT and having reveiwed the information above, I don't think it would make sense for you to apply to HBS -- even though you have good work experience and leadership. I agree.

For now I advise you to focus on your GMAT prep and just get the highest score you can. Once you get it, then decide where to apply. HBS is not the only fine business school in the world. And while most of the top ones have similar requirements in terms of GPA and GMAT, there are many excellent business schools in the "second tier" that may provide you with the skills you seek, if not the panache of Harvard. You may have to consider them if you don't raise you GMAT. But cross that bridge after you have your score.

Best,
Linda
Linda Abraham
Accepted.com -- Helping You Write Your Best!
310.815.9553
Accepted Blog
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