Profile Evaluation: Unusual Candidate

Expert replies

foobarnull: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 38; Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:16 pm

by foobarnull » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:08 pm

Firstly, thank you so much for being an instrumental part of this community. I can't begin to imagine how many peoples' lives you've improved with your advice.

Here's my profile:

Academics
- 23 y.o. marketing major from CalState Northridge; graduated this summer. Well-rated undergrad business program; said to be on-par with USC's.
- 3.4 cumulative GPA, 3.95 major GPA
- Went to a community college for two years, took two years off to work, finished up at university with damn near a 4.0 (financial hardship; supported myself through college, etc.)
- Targeting 700+ GMAT (CATs so far have been ~660 with a week of prep)
- Not much in the way of "awards, patents, publications, etc." except 3-4 semesters on the dean's list at university

Work Experience
- I've been in business for ~6 years now (school was always second priority)
- Started a software/design/development firm 4 years ago; still going strong as a side-business
- Been with a medium-sized international apparel firm for 2 years; I manage 6 people now
- Can get stellar recommendations from primary employer

Misc
- Founded a non-profit org that provides tech. services to the elderly
- Born/raised in India, moved to the US during adolescence; huge culture shock (defining experience). Well-assimilated; no accent.
- Musician/graphic designer/quad lingual
- Good interviewer

--

If you're still reading, sweet. Before I tell you what schools I'd like to attend, may I please ask which ones you think I've got the best shot at? Any other comments/suggestions?

Thanks again!

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:08 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:04 am

Dear foobarnull,

I think you have the foundation for many great business schools. Your GMAT score will influence your target list, so it is hard to comment on appropriate business schools without it. You have good grades, strong work experience, and interesting personal experiences. You should have plenty of options assuming you score 650+ on the GMAT and put together a strong overall application.

Best of luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

foobarnull: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 38; Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:16 pm

by foobarnull » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:27 am

Thanks, Lisa. Assuming a solid (let's say 720) GMAT, do you feel that the top 10 are within my reach? Stanford & Kellogg are my top two choices, but I'll probably throw Harvard and two other "safety" schools that I like (still from the top 15) into my shortlist. Wondering if these are reasonable targets.

Also, I realize that many of these schools are gravitating toward younger candidates, but is 23 (24 at matriculation) too young? Does my unconventional work experience stand out as a potential negative?

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:12 pm

If you score 720+ and put together a strong application package, then the top 15 schools are reasonable for you. Your work experience is not a negative, but you need to ensure you are presenting effectively and leveraging it to your advantage as a positive differentiator. Finally, being 24 at matriculation puts you on the younger side but definitely within the mid-80% range of most business schools in terms of age.

Best,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

foobarnull: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 38; Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:16 pm

by foobarnull » Sat Sep 06, 2008 5:53 pm

Lisa Anderson wrote:If you score 720+ and put together a strong application package, then the top 15 schools are reasonable for you. Your work experience is not a negative, but you need to ensure you are presenting effectively and leveraging it to your advantage as a positive differentiator. Finally, being 24 at matriculation puts you on the younger side but definitely within the mid-80% range of most business schools in terms of age.

Best,
Lisa

Scored a 770 today

Couple more questions:

1) Do you feel that my recently completed undergrad degree will play against me despite maintaining full-time employment through college?

2) Are there any precedents for my type of a candidate in ultra elite schools? My scores are en route to many of the usual suspects.

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:42 pm

Wow--Congratulations! You have definitely put yourself in a strong position for most schools. Since years of work experience is the number of years post-bachelor's degree, you will be on the low side here and evaluated against those with 0-2 years. Your work experience during school is important, but will be scrutinized for evidence of leadership potential. Likewise, you will be evaluated on your rationale for why an MBA, why now and your maturity. Candidates with less than two years of work experience that successfully get admitted to top MBA programs generally have high GMAT/GPA and evidence in their background of leadership potential (i.e., in extracurriculars, family businesses and/or professional internships). Whether or not you receive an offer of admission will depend on how well your resume, essays and interview present your candidacy.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me

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