School selection and profile review. Thanks

Launched April 26, 2006
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:36 am
Hello Stacy,

Thank you for your time on these assessments. Please take a moment to look at my profile when you have a chance. Any comments will be much appreciated. I'll try to keep it short..

-Chinese American, born in Hong Kong, fluent in Chinese.
-Graduated from a State University of New York
-Undergraduate degree: Computer Science, GPA 3.75
-GMAT 670 (Q50, V30) 2nd attempt
-Work experience: 6 years from IT/Research in an investment bank, I did transfer to another group, so-so in terms or career advancement, but I passed CFA level 2.
-just started a tax prep volunteering program, I also have few others one-off volunteering events before.

Career goal: consulting or accounting

Schools aimed: UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC - Marshall, Virginia Darden, Texas McCombs.

Am I too aggressive and should I aim for other schools?

Thanks again. Looking forward to hear from you.
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Jan 29, 2009 5:07 pm
Dear mapleleaf,

Your school list is ambitious, but I think you have a chance at any of those programs. What will determine your decision is how well you present yourself in your applications. You need to convey a solid rationale for why a MBA, why now, why that school and how it all relates to your career goals. Furthermore, you need great recommendations and well-written essays. My only suggestion is to add 1 or 2 schools that would be a safety option for you, something outside the top 20. It never hurts to have a back up plan.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me