Hi Alex,

Your GPA is great and your Peace Corps experience not only is interesting, but also has a strong business component. You should be able to build strong essays based on your background. Be sure to stress those parts of your experience that show leadership and experience managing and leading people. Most business schools (including HBS) want to see people who have shown the ability to excel in a business environment. You will need to draw parallels between your Peace Corps assignments and the skills acquired in a business setting.

You don't say how many years experience you have. If you have only done two years in the Peace Corps you would be very young for a program such as Harvard's. You might want to add a couple years' corporate (or not-for-profit managerial) experience to your resume before applying. You could also consider deferred admit. The business school will be particularly hesitant to take an individual who has no corporate experience. That doesn't mean it never happens, just that it is unlikely.

Either HKS or HBS would allow cross-registration so that you could pick up programs in both schools.You should also definitely look into the joint program. I suspect that you are impatient to begin your studies, but you should get into contact with HKS about the joint HKS/HBS degree program and ask what they are looking for in terms of years of experience. You have a great start, and I would hate to see you settle for a less challenging and less rewarding program simply because of timing.

As for your GMAT, you are definitely on the low side. You would increase your chances substantially if you could get that score over 700. That does not mean go out and schedule a retake today. Be sure you have identified facets of your approach or your knowledge that are limiting your score. Schools feel that someone who takes and takes and retakes the exam is focusing on the wrong thing. Don't redo unless you have discovered significant changes that promise a substantially increased score.

I don't mean to discourage you. You show great promise, but you need to be sure you don't rush into something that is less than optimal.

Good luck,

Thank you for taking the time to help me. I really appreciate your advice. I will definitely take everything to heart and use it to help me out. Before joining Peace Corps I was a Corporate Account Executive at a small company for a little under a year. I was responsible for all the companies corporate accounts and outside sales. Patience will definitely help me out in the long run. Thank you.

Good luck Alex, You have a lot to contribute. I know you will find a great program that meets your needs.