The best way to apply? (mixed up background)

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Hi!

I have a question on what would be the best way to apply to a businees school in my situation. I was born in the US, my mom is Vietnamese-American and my father is German. So that makes me half Vietnamese and half German with a dual citizenship from the US and Germany. On top of that I moved to Germany when I was 6. I grew up bilingual but attended German speaking schools. I have a Bachelor's in European and International Law at an English speaking program of a German University. The same goes for my Master's Degree. In between I studied in England for a semester and attended their English Law School.
Since then I have specialized in Space Law. As space is a very international community, most work is done in English. At the beginning of this year, I wanted to give my career path a different direction, so I worked for a non-profit organization in the Netherlands as a mixed business-law employee. Since April I started working as a Project Manager at an international company that has subsidairies in different countries. Therefore most projects are with a transnational team and the work is done in English. I speak four languages (German, English, French and Dutch), two of them fluently as they are my mother tongues. In October I will consult a well-known space company for legal issues in space on the side, parallel to my other job as a project manager. My goal is to stay in the aerospace field. That is why I strongly think that an MBA can enhance this and give me better chances to get into top management.

My questions are now: As what citizen should I apply? American or German? If German, do I still have to do a TOEFL test, even though my background is English oriented and my mother tongue is English?
Should I let my Vietnamese background also play a role?
My goals are set very high and until now I have always achieved them somehow, even though not taking the path I thought I would be. Therefore the business schools I want to apply to are the typical ones that you hear everyday (;D). I just want to give myself better chances. I am studying hard for the GMAT at the moment. My undergraduate grades weren't very good. But my Master's Degree was a B, I understand that is a 3,0 GPA.
Is there any way to tell if I have chances to get into "those" business schools? (BTW, I also have a life next to work, work and work. I am captain of a lacrosse team, I like to cook, travel, do acrylic painting and I love fashion).

I hope my post wasn't too overwhelming. I'm sorry for the length. I look forward to your answers.

Thank you,

Kristina

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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:50 am
Hello, Kristina,

To answer your questions:

- I believe that you should cite your US citizenship (at least, US adcoms will want to see this if you have it - it would seem like a strange and questionable omission if they found you left it out). They may even ask, "Are you a US citizen or resident" in which case you would have to answer yes. If the application permits you could note your dual citizenship - the key is to be forthcoming.
- Probably most or many schools would not require the TOEFL since you have had instruction and worked in English. But you should check with each school as they vary.
- Regarding your Vietnamese background, you should address it in your applications if it has had a formative and importance influence on you - don't just mention it to sound different, which will be transparent. The various schools' essay questions will vary in how much and which personal factors you discuss in the various applications.
- Regarding your competitiveness, the grades are not so great it seems, but if earn a high GMAT it could mitigate this to some extent. Your career and work seem to be strong, positive differentiating factors, if they are presented effectively in the application. (Keep in mind that top b-schools want to see progress and advancement, not just "interestingness"). I can't really tell without the GMAT, but if you do well I think you would have a chance a top b-schools with an effective application presentation.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com

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by KrisReinhardt » Sat Aug 13, 2011 1:37 am
Dear Cindy,

thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. I will keep your advice in mind when I'll be preparing my applications.

Kind regards,

Kristina

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by Jon@Admissionado » Sat Aug 13, 2011 8:45 pm
KrisReinhardt wrote:Hi!
My questions are now: As what citizen should I apply? American or German? If German, do I still have to do a TOEFL test, even though my background is English oriented and my mother tongue is English?
Should I let my Vietnamese background also play a role?
My goals are set very high and until now I have always achieved them somehow, even though not taking the path I thought I would be. Therefore the business schools I want to apply to are the typical ones that you hear everyday (;D). I just want to give myself better chances. I am studying hard for the GMAT at the moment. My undergraduate grades weren't very good. But my Master's Degree was a B, I understand that is a 3,0 GPA.
Is there any way to tell if I have chances to get into "those" business schools? (BTW, I also have a life next to work, work and work. I am captain of a lacrosse team, I like to cook, travel, do acrylic painting and I love fashion).

I hope my post wasn't too overwhelming. I'm sorry for the length. I look forward to your answers.

Thank you,

Kristina
Wow Kristina, Love your profile! It was a wild ride reading your story. You seem to have had an interesting life moving around all over the place.
so to address your questions a bit directly:


My questions are now: As what citizen should I apply? American or German?

American. Usually it's a bit easier to get in, and will open up more options for aid. And most schools allow you to write both your nationalities in your application. And feel free to include stories about your Vietnamese background. First of all, it's interesting. Second of all, you can play up your diversity, which is always great.


Is there any way to tell if I have chances to get into "those" business schools? (BTW, I also have a life next to work, work and work. I am captain of a lacrosse team, I like to cook, travel, do acrylic painting and I love fashion).

First of all, awesome that you have a life out of work. Schools LOVE dynamic interesting people (just gotta know what to write and how to present it). I would say in fact the major thing to watch out when you apply is that you don;t go toooo all over the place. You've done lots of stuff, speak lots of languages etc. and you want to make sure you keep it FOCUSED!

As for are top schools reachable. Gotta get the GMAT. Then yes.
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by MBAPrepAdvantage » Sun Aug 14, 2011 7:25 am
Definitely apply as a U.S. citizen both because your MBA admissions chances are higher applying as a domestic applicant and you will be eligible for more scholarships (research Forte Foundation). But that said, of course, bring your multicultural background and experience into your applications as this is a strength of yours.

What have you been scoring on your GMAT and what was your undergraduate grades? With the strength of the rest of your profile you should apply to your target schools if you are at the 20% mark of their average GMAT scores (schools often publish their 20%-80% split).

Good luck and keep us informed as to your progress,
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