round 2 strategy/profile evaluation

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round 2 strategy/profile evaluation

by blg529 » Thu Dec 01, 2011 5:56 pm
My profile:
3.89 GPA undergrad from Northwestern with double major in Econ & Psych; 3.96 GPA in social psychology MA from top 5 program (was in the PhD program and left because I was more interested in the applications of research to the real world than the academic bubble)
770 GMAT (49 Q, 47 V, 6.0 AWA)
3 years (at matriculation) work experience in venture capital for a mid-size firm based in LA (we co-invest with all of the top Silicon Valley funds, but an adcom member probably hasn't heard the name)
Only associate in company history to be promoted from associate to venture partner without an MBA/significant previous work experience (promoted after 15 months)
ECs: excellent undergrad/lots of leadership, less since (10 hours/week commitment to a semi-professional choir with leadership, homeless lunch volunteer who started an ongoing clothing drive but no formal leadership position)
Excellent letters of recommendation (receommeders let me read them) from direct supervisor and CEO of a company whose board I am an observer on
Future career plans: to combine my psych background and the mangement/quant experience I've developed in VC and the interest I've developed in marketing through helping our portfolio companies develop their marketing strategies to transition into a career in brand management
Female, caucasian US citizen

In the first round I applied to Stanford, Haas, Kellogg, and Anderson (at the time I was limited by my husband's concerns about location and his career but now he's more willing to move anywhere necessary). So far the only school that invited me to an interview is Anderson (also interviewed at Kellogg but that was self-initiated). So I'm starting to think I need to make a plan for R2 because I am pretty set on going to school this coming fall. Where would you suggest I apply? So far I was considering Ross, Fuqua, and Stern. I also know Wharton is highly regarded for their marketing research but I'm not sure if recruitment for brand management is good there or if they are interested in marketing students since it is known as a finance school. I know it's a stretch, but I've heard Wharton is more interesting in the numbers (which I have). I'm not really sure what went wrong in round 1 and I'm starting to feel discouraged.

Thanks in advance.
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by Stacey Oyler » Mon Dec 05, 2011 4:34 pm
Hi,

Thanks for your post. Given the information you've shared, you have a very strong profile. Your academics and professional experience are indeed impressive. Your goals are also logical and sound. I'm thinking that you reason you weren't as successful as you hoped to be in round 1 was perhaps due to your essays. Specifically you may have chosen thoughtful topics, but missed the mark in terms of standing out and getting remembered. It's easy to get hung up on writing professional essays and fail to stand out and get notice. It's more common than you might think.

I think your list for round 2 sounds great - and you should have time to complete those applications before the deadlines. One quick tip, adcoms are often concerned about those who already have have advanced degrees. They often have concerns that perhaps the applicant is a perpetual student and trying to avoid the working world. They may also have concerns around the fact that you left the PhD program. You'll want to address the reasons for this directly in your application.

Best of luck,

Stacey
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Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
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215.568.2590

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