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Younger Applicant Profile Request

by Nole23 » Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:34 pm
I recently graduated in 2008 (I'm currently 23) and took the GMAT in preparation for attending an MBA program in 2011. Below is a list of some of my credentials, and I was wondering how competitive my profile is as well as what I can do to improve it.

GPA - 3.85/4.0 Public State University
GMAT - 680 47/37 (On the lower side, but I'm hoping my higher GPA will make up for it)

Work Experience - By the time I apply, I will have 3 years of work experience as a financial analyst for a real estate investment/development company. Currently I serve in a leadership role with 2 analysts under me. However, I feel that my experience sets me apart because I have worked towards the development of one of the world's first completely solar powered communities in addition to the traditional investment analysis.

Extra Curriculars - Actively involved in kickball league as well as habitat for humanity volunteer. I know this is one of my weaker areas, but I am trying to improve. Also, I was extremely involved during my undergrad with greek life, teaching, and philanthropic work. Would it be appropriate to use some of this information in essays and interviews for extra Curriculars?

Below are my rankings for program choices.

1. University of Chicago
2. Northwestern
3. UC - Berkeley
4. Duke
5. UCLA - Anderson
6. UVA

Any comments/suggestions would be great.

Thanks
Last edited by Nole23 on Fri Aug 21, 2009 1:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Wed Aug 19, 2009 6:30 pm
Thanks for providing the info on your background...it is wise of you to plan so far ahead for the MBA process. The three years work experience will be on the lighter side, but I like the uniqueness as you say of the project, especially with the Green focus (assuming going green is still the rage in three years)--sounds superficial but these kinds of things resonate with committees. I would focus on the leadership, since it sounds like you already have a couple of direct reports. Upwardly mobile progress is good to show--make sure you impress your superiors enought that they would write a stellar recommendation for you. You have plenty of time between now and application season for 2011, so if you can take a prep course and get a seven handle on your GMAt you will be in an even better position---don't get me wrong, a 680 is a great score, but it's getting really competitive out there and schools always like to see their average go up. Yes, your GPA is good, but without knowing which school you went to, it doesn't mean much to me...if you went to a top 20 college, the GPA will indeed carry some weight. If you went to a top 100 college, then it may not impress as much. Ultimately the most important thing is always packaging your experience in a way that appeals to your target schools. Take advantage of your run time to go visit your school choices (which by the way, sound very reasonable for you to have a shot considering what I can see of your credentials). Convey passion and solid reasons for why you need the MBA, articulate a compelling vision for your future and thoughtfully convey meaningful reasons why each school is the best choice for you and you will be on your way. Keep up the community involvement too...and yes it's ok to harken back to your college days. If anything, that just demonstrates that you have a long history of giving back and being involved. Hope this helps, and good luck.
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant


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Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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by Nole23 » Fri Aug 21, 2009 1:33 pm
Thank you very much for your informational and candidate response.
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