Profile eval please

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Profile eval please

by jamie2377356 » Mon Jan 18, 2010 8:39 pm
Hi there

I would really like to know what you think about my candidacy for the following schools.

Here we go:

Undergrad:
Went to a Canadian Uni relatively unknown. Took 2 extra years to graduate for the reason of my father dying and having to take care of my family.

GPA:
First two years averaged 75%, last 2 years averaged 85%. Honours Econ.
Work experience:
Moved to London UK and have worked for a boutique Private Equity advisory as an Executive where I helped raise $1billion and was promoted.
Spun out with colleagues to start our own Private Equity Derivatives firm currently regulated by the FSA (quite innovative idea).

Community:
Founding President of a PE association with 50 members managing $75 billion.

Age:
29 now, will be 30 when applying in the fall, will be 31 when entering.

GMAT:
Have not taken it yet

Here is the thing, I am already in the private equity industry but I would like to get into the principle investing side of it, and generally would like to formally learn the language of business.

It would only be worth it for me to attend a top 5 school.

I am quite confident that after a few months of studying that I could score 720+ on the gmat.

What I am asking is do you think that I would be a good candidate for any of the top schools listed below under the assumption that I score a 720 on the gmat? If the chances are very slim then I would prefer not to waste the time studying for it and just push on with my career. However, if I have a decent shot then it would be worth it to try.

Also, I am wondering how my age will be viewed. I would be above the average age, but I have the average amount of work experience?

Schools:
Harvard
Stanford
Wharton
Sloan
Columbia

Weaknesses Summary:
Unknown undergrad school
Okay GPA
31 years old upon entering
worked for boutique firms no big names

Strengths Summary:
International experience
Trade association president - leadership
Entrepreneurship - Innovative new company in the PE industry
Great PE contacts
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Wed Jan 20, 2010 5:21 am
Hello,

It seems, from the information you provided, that you would be a viable candidate to Wharton, Sloan, and Columbia, and possibly Stanford - that means fundamentally qualified; to have a meaningful chance you will also need an absolutely stellar application that vividly conveys your "case" in a meaningful way. The age factor would be most relevant at HBS and Stanford; however Stanford has been receptive to applicants with such finance experience and goals. HBS should not be ruled out, but it's a further reach for age and other reasons.

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