Profile Eval for 2015/16 Application Cycle

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Zimbabwean national, came to the US for college
Econ major at highly selective, top 10 liberal arts college (3.4 GPA)
Master's in accounting at top program (3.6 GPA)
1 year experience in public accounting (audit) with Big 4 firm (started FT in Jan 2014)- CPA licensed.
Study abroad in London, independent research in South Africa, job transfer to Canada in February (same firm)

ECs:
College - co-founded a charity organization, resuscitated a then-defunct club, member of the inaugural ethics student advisory board, served as a student government rep, awarded a grant to do an independent research project abroad, resident advisor
Grad school - admissions ambassador, finance club, international association, two-time participant in cancer run
Professional - somewhat light (irregular volunteering) but aiming to improve

GMAT: in 2011 - 620 (V31.Q44). I have started studying to retake. I am confident I can significantly improve my score. Goal is to crack 700.

Targeting Top 20. I like Duke, UNC, Virginia - will also include one or two M7 schools maybe. I am considering applying in the 2015/16 cycle.
Short-term goal post-MBA in IB.
Long-term goal to transition into frontier/impact PE/VC in Africa

How competitive will I be in the upcoming cycle? If I have a realistic chance, I will go for it. Otherwise, I am willing to wait another cycle and get more professional experience.

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by Jon@Admissionado » Tue Jan 20, 2015 3:57 am
Hey dude,
Well Zimbabwe! That is a country we do not see often!
And that will for sure work in your favor.

Two paces of advice:
1. Retake the GMAT.
2. Wait until you have three years experience.

If you are a GMAT that is 700+ and WE 3+ years, you will be golden: Top 20 schools with some M7.

Keep up volunteer work and leadership and sports int he meanwhile, cause everyone likes an active applicant, but otherwise, looks good!

Best,
JF
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by CriticalSquareMBA » Tue Jan 20, 2015 10:27 am
Hey there! There's a lot working in your favor here and I'd hate to see you jump the gun and get into just any program. With the right score and the right experience, you'll be in a really good spot for a meaningful run. I mean, even for folks who come from accelerated fields such as consulting / banking, etc. we're seeing more of trend to get 3 or 4 solid years of experience. It's not just for your chances to get in, but also for you. School's more meaningful if you bring more to the table to begin with. That said, could you make a run this coming year if you really want to? Yeah, sure, nothing's stopping you. But a little patience is probably gonna pay off here!

Bhavik
Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

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