Profile Evaluation - Canadian

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Profile Evaluation - Canadian

by df1019 » Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:49 pm
Hello,

Currently in my 4th year studying at the University of Toronto in the BBA Management Co-op program (one of the best and most competitive in the country). My major is in Finance, with a CGPA of 3.65 (4.0 in last semester, 3.94 in semester before that). I have not taken the GMAT yet, but let's say I score 700.

My Goal: to enter into a JD/MBA program at a top school, with aims to land a job in Investment Banking / Private Equity / Hedge Fund.

All my work experience is through internships. I worked 8 months at the Microsoft HQ in Canada as a Partner Marketing Associate. Worked in a team of 12, and have very good references from there. Very great experience, did things that no other interns have done before. Last summer, I worked at BNP Paribas, one of the world's largest banks, within their Corporate & Investment Banking group in Equity Derivatives and Structured Products. I was the first intern in the Toronto office, and did some very neat stuff (i.e. working with New York office on trades, meeting with clients and hedge funds, etc).

Very involved in school. I am currently the President of the largest business association on campus (representing 2000 students), leading a team of 25 Executives, 12 Associates, and indirectly approximately 20 others. Manage a budget of ~$40,000, and spend 20+ hours a week doing this. Most of my time is spent on this one activity.

On a side note, I am currently doing an Independent Study (only top students get to do this) with a professor, studying the effects of the credit crisis on the Canadian junior mining industry. I have to write a 50-60 page paper, and have extensively interviewed Investment Bankers, Consultants, Lawyers, and Miners from all over Toronto on Bay Street (our version of Wall Street).

I recently won U of T Consulting Competition (presented to BCG, Bain, McKinsey and all the top consulting firms). I was the youngest competitor in a national business competition. I was awarded the Canadian Millenium Scholarship. I own and run my own web business, which is very successful and has brought me over $30,000 in revenues (I do a lot of web consulting). On the side, I also have my Real Estate license and have sold over $3 million in houses to pay off tuition fees.

Let me know if you think I am competitive for top U.S. schools and/or top Canadian schools. Thanks!
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by Lisa Anderson » Sat Feb 07, 2009 5:26 pm
Dear df1019,

You appear to be building a solid foundation for a competitive application, but you do not indicate when you are planning to apply for school. Are you planning to apply to enter straight from your undergraduate studies? or do you plan to work for a few years? It is difficult to gain admission straight from undergraduate studies, but not impossible. With your high GPA and a high GMAT (>720), you would be competitive for the small number of slots for folks entering directly from college. It is also good that you have some solid internship experiences and leadership in extracurricular activities. If you plan to work for a few years first, just maximize those opportunities to progress and gain leadership experiences in your career.

Best of luck,
Lisa
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by df1019 » Sat Feb 07, 2009 8:08 pm
Thank you Lisa!

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I am planning on entering straight from undergraduate. I've had a hard time finding a job in this market. Have been interviewing with a couple of investment banks, and they have cut back and either didn't hire or hired 1 instead of 4-5 in a good market.

I am planning on studying for GMAT/LSAT this summer, and intend to enter September 2010. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thank you!