Profile Evaluation Please -- nontraditional arts / nonprofit

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Dear Stacy and Lisa,

I would greatly appreciate your feedback on my profile:

26 year old caucasian female from Hawaii

GMAT
Just started studying to take the test; preliminary Kaplan practice test score 640

EDUCATION
B.A., top 15 liberal arts college, major: Art History, minor: Economics, GPA 3.5
M.A., top 30 research university, Art History, GPA 3.5

WORK EXPERIENCE
2.7 years total post-graduate work in arts nonprofits
-- 11 months education programming manager
-- 10 months exhibitions assistant
-- 11 months research assistant

OTHER ONGOING WORK
Freelance art writer, exhibitions consultant

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Volunteer leadership roles in two arts festivals

SKILLS & INTERESTS
Languages: French, German
Sports: 6 years team sports, marathon runner

CAREER GOAL
Nonprofit arts management

TARGET SCHOOLS
Yale, Haas



Questions:

1. Given my limited and fragmented work experience, would it be best for me to wait another year or two before applying?

2. Is my lack of demonstrated quantitative skills and/or hard business experience going to be problematic, and if so would taking an accounting or business class help? (I have already taken quite a bit of economics as well as calculus and statistics as an undergrad.)

3. Are there other things I should consider doing to strengthen my profile?

Thank you!
Last edited by Courtney on Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:56 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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by Lisa Anderson » Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:15 pm
Dear Courtney,

1. Given my limited and fragmented work experience, would it be best for me to wait another year or two before applying?
I think you have the minimum preferred amount of experience. The question is are you ready and do you feel you have gained quality work experience in your tenure. If you feel you are ready, then you should apply.

2. Is my lack of demonstrated quantitative skills and/or hard business experience going to be problematic, and if so would taking an accounting or business class help?
If you did well in quantitative coursework in your undergraduate studies and score well on the quant section of the GMAT, then I don't think you will have much of a problem. However, if you want to take some quantitative coursework for your own development and preparation, then you should consider taking calculus, accounting and/or statistics. In the event you do not do well on the quant section (raw score over 45), then the alternative transcript can also help to strengthen your application.

3. Are there other things I should consider doing to strengthen my profile?
There does not appear to be many weaknesses in your profile as posted, but you do not have your GMAT score yet. I think your essays, recommendations and interviews will be key to your ultimate decision. Schools will be looking for you to convey a solid rationale for a MBA in relation to your career goals as well as evidence of your leadership potential.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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by Courtney » Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:04 pm
Dear Lisa,

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate your feedback!

Best wishes,
Courtney