Safety / OK / Reach? -- Profile Evaluation

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Hello, I am interested in a profile evaluation.

26 years old, white male currently living in San Francisco.

GMAT: 710 (V 45, Q 42)

Undergrad: 3.5 at Boston College w/ double major in Finance and Management/Leadership

Work Experience (4.5 years)
--I will describe the roles in a bit more detail below, but I initially worked in a client-facing role for 2 years at a wealth mgmt firm, then realized that I wanted to be more focused on the investing side of the business and was promoted to our research department, which focuses on analyzing external investment managers and recommending best-in-class managers to our client services group. I think it is intersting experience because my responsibilities are very different from the typical "wealth management" firm that is more focused on asset allocation and partially motivated to selling their own products. I have had exposure to several remarkable hedge fund managers that are very eager to meet with our firm because of our firm's reputability (and size in terms of assets that we advise upon).

I hope to pursue an MBA because I have continued to move closer to direct investing; I started on the client side, moved to manager research (which is effectively one step removed from direct investing), and would like to develop the skills (either through investment banking, consulting, or PE/VC/Hedge Funds) to become a research analyst in either PE, VC, or Hedge Funds. I want to build a network, and acquire the modeling and business analysis skills in order to become a better investor.


2010-Current
--Research Analyst at a wealth management firm that is focused on creating multi-asset class portfolio for ultra high net worth families, pensions, and endowments.
--My core responsibilities as a research analyst include performing due dilligence on external equity investment management firms and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the portfolios and teams of several high profile mutual fund and hedge fund managers. It has been a great experience because I have been able to learn from and interact with some of the most well-known investors in the world in face-to-face meetings on a consistent basis.
--Very team-oriented work environment in a small group of ~20 people (out of ~100 in the firm). Roughly 14 of the 20 in the research dept have MBAs, primarily from Stanford and Wharton.

2008-2010
--Client services/portfolio mgmt analyst at the same firm. This was more of an introductory role (I was promoted into the research department described above).
--Core responsibilities include assisting internal Portfolio Managers with creating customized client portfolios based on research provided by our internal research department.

Extracurriculars:
--Passed Level I of the CFA examination; plan to pursue Levels II and III once I have more clarity about whether or not I will be attending a top school next year
--Sporadic volunteer work: Boys & Girls Club, Food Bank, State Parks Conservancy
--Several team-based intramural sports: Softball, Kickball
--Manage personal portfolio of mutual fund and single stock investments

Recommendations: I would likely have recommendations from direct supervisors that are CFA charterholders and have MBAs from either Stanford or Wharton. I also have a strong personal connection with a Columbia alum who is still very intimately connected with Columbia GSB.

I have already done extensive research on most of the schools I'm interested in and have visited the majority of these. I am trying to assess which of the following are stretches, which are reasonable, and if any are likely admits: Wharton, Booth, Tuck, Stern, Columbia, Duke and/or Kellogg.


~~~Thank you!~~~
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by Stacey Oyler » Fri Jul 06, 2012 5:14 pm
Hi Racercase,

Thanks for your post. You have a solid profile in terms of academics and work experience. Your extracurricular activities might be a bit light, but perhaps you have some potential essay topics in your work with the Boys and Girls Club.

I think you have compiled a great list of schools. I generally think it's best to apply to 4-6 schools with a mix of rankings - perhaps two reach, two target and two safer choices. Your list might be a little heavy on the reach schools with Wharton, Booth and Columbia being the most challenging followed closely by Tuck, Kellogg, Stern and Duke. You might consider swapping out a reach for another target, or even better yet adding a safer option like Darden for instance.

In terms of school selection you might want to think about exactly what you wish to get out of a program - you'll get a top notch education at every school on your list, so I urge to consider other factors like location and class size to be sure you are selecting schools that are a good "fit."

Please feel free to send your resume to [email protected] for more a more detailed (and free) profile evaluation.

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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