Profile evaluation

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Profile evaluation

by Citygirl » Sat Sep 12, 2009 10:04 am
I am still studying for the GMAT and will more than likely apply fall 2010 for entrance fall 2011. I want to understand what my chances are for Wharton or HBS given my credentials below. I feel like the GMAT and my employment gap is my biggest weakness and I have no clue if I should even bother applying to the top 5. Thoughts?

- Undergrad GPA of 3.3 from Emory University (political science and history double major though)
- graduated 2003
- worked as a legal assistant at a Big Law firm for 9 months after graduation before considering finance
- worked as an analyst in boutique investment bank for 2 years
- worked as a bond trader/junior portfolio manager for 3 years at largest asset management firm in the world
- left bond trading position to move out of NYC and join my husband in FL, started a wedding planning business here in FL as well as started an energy consulting business with my uncle, located in the Philippines

Edited to add extracurriculars:
- iMentor from 2005-2009: Education mentor for
- Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.:
- Secretary of executive board of Lambda Eta
chapter, 2004-2005
- Vice President of Lambda Eta chapter, 2005-2006
- Member of Women's Auxiliary of Salvation Army
- Silent Auction Chair, present

I have been told that my story sounds very different from the average laid off banker on Wall Street. I was hoping to apply this fall but my GMAT score is nowhere near where I need it to be.

What is the minimum I should be aiming for in the GMAT given my "story?" I know 700 is still the obvious answer, but do I get any slack due to my age and work history?

Thanks in advance.
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by Scottie@VeritasPrep » Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:05 am
Unfortunately, I don't think anyone gets any "slack" in today's competitive application environment. However, you do have an interesting background and should be able to "spin" it into some compelling essays. As far your GMAT, aim to be in at least the 80% range of scores for your schools of choice. Best of luck!
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by Sophia007 » Tue Sep 15, 2009 12:37 pm
Hi Citygirl,

I am unable to give your further direction or feedback as you've not given us your GMAT score. How much did you actually score?

I am unable to figure out duration of your work experience. How many exact months and years do you have? Where is the gap and Why?

If you got laid off, it is a good explanation. If you got married and moved to a different city to be with your family - as a woman - that is a reasonable point. However, unless you let me know further details, it is not enough information to provide you further guidance.

Either ways, my very best wishes.
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by Citygirl » Wed Sep 16, 2009 5:32 am
Thank you so much for the responses!

I have yet to take the GMAT and am just beginning my prep for it now, so I can't even give you a base score to work with.

I have 6 years of work experience: graduated college in May 2003 and was always employed until May 2009.

As far as gap in employment, I left BLK back in March on my own accord and they called me to do a contract job from March until May. I did leave work to relocate and live with my husband. I have not been officially employed since May but I have been working on two business ventures since. Since I have not incorporated either businesses yet, I am considering myself unemployed.

I think I will come back to the forum once I have my GMAT score in place so that I can ask with more details.

Again, thank you very much for taking your time to respond. I really appreciate it.

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by Sophia007 » Thu Oct 08, 2009 11:19 am
Good Luck with GMAT citygirl. I'm sure you will do a fantabulous job!

Regards,
-S
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