Profile evaluation: URM looking at top 20 b-schools

Expert replies

JZippy: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 2:28 pm; GMAT Score:680

by JZippy » Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:46 pm

Hi there,

Could you tell me what sort of chances I have to be accepted to a top 20 b-school?

I am a Mexican-American, 27 year-old male. I am a US citizen, but was raised in Mexico until I was 17. I went to high-school and worked full-time, and lived on my own for my jr. and sr. year of HS (I intend to write about this in my essays).

I scored a 680 on my GMAT, graduated from a small private school with a 3.72 GPA, and earned the top award in my major's department. I was very active in extracurricular activities: founded and presided over first-ever political club on campus; organized many fundraisers and events; wrote for the school newspaper.

I have been working full-time for almost three years since I graduated from college, and have volunteered for political campaigns and non profits. I have been working in the non-profit field, but intend to move into consulting and eventually start my own business. Ideally, I would love to get into Stanford or Haas.

Any thoughts on what my chances are at Stanford, Haas, or any other top 20 school? Also, any tips on how to best market myself?

Thank you. I appreciate any advice you can give me.

Jaime

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Clear Admit | Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:46 pm

Stacey Oyler: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 900; Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 6:49 amFollowed by: 81 members; Location: San Francisco, CA; Thanked: 106 times

by Stacey Oyler » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:05 pm

Hi,

Thanks for your post. Please see my comments below:

I scored a 680 on my GMAT, graduated from a small private school with a 3.72 GPA, and earned the top award in my major's department. I was very active in extracurricular activities: founded and presided over first-ever political club on campus; organized many fundraisers and events; wrote for the school newspaper.

Without knowing your major or the name of your school it's a bit difficult for me to fully address your quantitative profile. I can say that in general you have an impressive GPA which will help balance out your GMAT score which is below average at the schools on your list. If you didn't take quant classes in undergrad, you may wish to do so now in order to address any concerns the adcom might have about your quantitative ability.

I have been working full-time for almost three years since I graduated from college, and have volunteered for political campaigns and non profits. I have been working in the non-profit field, but intend to move into consulting and eventually start my own business. Ideally, I would love to get into Stanford or Haas.

The work you've been doing and your career trajectory to date aren't mentioned. However, your non-profit experience could help set you apart from other candidates in the applicant pool.

Lastly, Stanford and Haas are both extremely competitive for admission. You may wish to consider adding a couple of less competitive (or lower ranked) programs into the mix.

Regards,

Stacey

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Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

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awa144: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:05 pm

by awa144 » Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:11 pm

Chances for an Ivy Grad, who then got a JD at a state school, did JAG (military lawyer) for 4 years and then applies to Harvard B-School. Assume he had a 3.0 at the Ivy School, a 3.6. at law school and a 680 on the GMAT.

Thanks so much!

If you reply you are awesome.

Stacey Oyler: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 900; Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 6:49 amFollowed by: 81 members; Location: San Francisco, CA; Thanked: 106 times

by Stacey Oyler » Tue Jun 26, 2012 2:54 pm

Hi,

Thanks for you post. Unfortunately it is difficult for me to speculate the chances of success given the information shared in the post. It looks like a great profile, but without specifics I can't offer up my thoughts. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] for a free profile evaluation.

Best,

Stacey

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