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UPDATE: Do I have what it takes?

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UPDATE: Do I have what it takes?

by briangtsmith » Sun Oct 17, 2010 10:56 am
Just as an update- I've improved my CAT's, and have been scoring in the low-mid 700's. If I get 720+, would I stand a chance at an uber-elite like Harvard, Stanford, Northwestern, etc?

Thanks!




Hi all,

Stats

Male, 26 years old at matriculation
American, Caucasian
Graduated The George Washington University with 3.27 GPA and membership in Leadership Honor Society
Campus leader (officer in 1 club, appointed class rep for junior year, and organized 4 charity concerts)

Studied Abroad in Japan, Fluent in Japanese

Field: Hospitality
1 Year: Intern at The Ritz-Carlton
1 Year: Walt Disney World, 20 direct reports
1 Year: Re-opened The Plaza (Fairmont) in NY, 20 direct reports

Field: Real Estate
2 Years: REDAC, Inc (Japanese corporation)
- No direct reports, but proposed new division and now run said division
- Report directly to Executive Vice President, managing buildings function as extended stay hotels


Goal
Get MBA to pursue career in hotel development. I have strong hospitality leadership background, international experience, and have delved into real estate, so I feel I possess a strong profile.

Assessment
Essays: Should be very good and focused
GMAT: Practice CAT's range from 650-690

Schools of interest

Yake
UCLA
USC
Duke
UNC
Emory
Georgetown
UT-Austin

So...do I have what it takes?

Thank you!
Last edited by briangtsmith on Wed Nov 03, 2010 4:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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by Tani » Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:32 pm
You should be a strong candidate. Without knowing what your recommendations will look like, the only pitfall I see is your GMAT score. For the schools at the top of your list you should have a 700+ score. That doesn't mean you wouldn't get in with a 690, but breaking 700 would improve your chances.

If you are interested in hospitality you should definitely check out Cornell. They are known as the best hospitality program in the country. Because they have extensive industry knowledge, they will also recognize the value of your experience.

Sparkling essays will be a huge asset. You might consider using an experienced admissions consultant to ensure that your story is as strong as possible. Your international experience and your exposure to the real estate side of the industry will set you apart form much of the competition making you more attractive to the admissions committee.

You have great potential, be sure you put the effort into your application to ensure that the admissions committee see the best possible picture of your ability to contribute to and benefit from the school's program.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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by briangtsmith » Thu Oct 21, 2010 7:00 am
Thank you for your in depth response!

Regarding Cornell- I am familiar with their program and have researched it extensively. My wife, however, is applying for a PhD simulataneously and, as her schooling may take 5+ years, we need to choose a location where I could find a job upon graduating. If we went to Ithaca, NY, I would have a great education but, sadly, not have great job prospects for those 3 years.

Focused on getting my GMAT higher right now. I am taking it November 5, and ready to schedule a second go around if need be.

Thanks!
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