Ask Clear Admit

Hi,

I'd really appreciate if you could evaluate my profile as I am non typical applicant. I intend to apply in the first and second rounds for the next application season.

1) GMAT Score 720 (Q46 V42 AWA 5)

2) Background
Male, 30 years old, from South America.

3) Academics
Attended one of the best universities in my country. Majored in Economics.
Graduated as one of the best 3 in my class. Converted GPA: 3.45

4) Professional information
6 years of working experience.
Entrepreneur.
Founded and operated a small coffee shop chain (with around 50 employees) that I have just sold after receiving multiple offers from competitors. Actually, we will have the contracts signed by the end of the next two weeks. Great articles were published in newspapers and magazines about my company.

5) Professional Goals
Entrepreneurship in finance.
I am currently working on some ideas that I would like to pursue after b-school. I need the skills that I will be able to develop attending a MBA program that is great both on finance and on general management.

6) Extracurriculars
Pro bono consulting for small companies
Some community activities

7) Targeted Schools

HBS, Stanford - Are they reasonable reaches? Will my age harm my chances of acceptance on these schools?

Wharton, Booth, Tuck

Columbia, Kellogg, Yale, MIT


- Should I Retake the GMAT? Will a 750 or 760 improve a lot my profile?

- How would you classify these schools regarding my chances?

- Would you suggest any other MBA that would fit my profile and expectations?

Hi,

Thanks for your post. You certainly have a unique and interesting profile. The fact that your entrepreneurial efforts to date have been successful is fantastic and I am sure you'll be able to find a lot of great potential essay topics from your experience starting, running and selling your company.

The main issue for you is around your goals. It's not really clear why you need an MBA to be an entrepreneur. You've already had one successful venture, why is an MBA needed to have another? What do you mean by financial entrepreneur? What skills are you lacking specifically?

I think your GMAT score is just fine for the programs on your list. The only reason I would suggest retaking it is if you have less than ideal grades in undergrad and/or if you strongly feel you could get a 650 or higher.

In regard to your school selection. HBS and Stanford both tend to favor younger MBA applicants. HBS even has a program called 2+2 to support this effort. Your age/experience might be a bit on the higher side for these two schools. I think you could be competitive at other schools on the list, however, I do encourage you to think about adding a school or two that isn't in the top 10.

Regards,

Stacey

Hi Stacey!

Thanks a lot for your advice!

I will make sure my reasons for attending a top MBA program and my goals after the MBA are well explained in my essays.

I'm happy to help. Best of luck!

Stacey