2+2 Profile Eval and question

[Rivkid]

Hi!

I'm working on my application to the Harvard 2+2 program, and I would appreciate any comment you have. This is my profile:

School: Queen's University (Kingston, ON)
Program: Engineering Chemistry (Combination Chem Eng/ Honour Chem)
GPA: 4.0 (over 3 years... going into senior year)

GMAT
Overall: 780 (99%)
Quant: 50 (94%)
Verbal: 50 (99%)
AWA: 6

Work experience:

The Engineering Society at Queen's operates several services that are run for students by students. I have been involved as the sales manager for the clothing company (which does more than $250 000 in sales, mainly of leather jackets), and am now the business and human resources manager for the environmental coffee company. I have also worked as a research assistant as a summer student for two summers.

extracurricular involvements:

-fencing team
-musical theatre pit orchestra
-chamber orchestra
-soccer/innertube waterpolo intramurals
-engineering outreach events

awards, patents, publications, etc...

-Chancellor's Scholar (full scholarship -4 years provided)
-Several course related scholarship


Although my academics are good, what types of things should I highlight in essays etc.? I know that HBS is looking for non-business students - is it possible that my management experience could count against me?

I would really appreciate any input!

[AppReview]

Hi,

Your overall profile is the type that HBS looks for in applicants for the 2+2 program. You have a perfect GPA, your major is something they look for (non-business) and your GMAT is extremely high with perfect scores in Verbal, Overall and AWA.

Your extra currics and professional achievements are stellar. Previous scholarships, other scholarships, patents, awards and publications make you a formidable candidate. As for your management experience, it will not be counted against you. Rather it complements your non-business major and gives an indiaction that you are genuinely interested in management as a career option and you tried your hand at it. Your progress within this endeavour is excellent.

We perceive that you are more or less a shoe in for the HBS 2+2 program. Concentrate hard on your essays (if you need help, PM us) and just make sure you present your positives and accomplishments in a subtle way. If you can understand, you have achieved a lot for your age and probably more than some other general MBA applicants (sans the work ex.). Hence, be humble in your approach. Your resume will speak volumes about your achievements, so you should conentrate on writing your essays with a viewpoint that you subtly highlight these, without appearing to be too 'pompous' about the same. We hope you get what we mean. The last thing the adcom wants to see is a candidate with tremendous potential and appearing disrespectful to his achievements and having a condescending, arrogant outlook.

All in all your profile is super and you shouldn't have difficulties getting admission (and possibly a scholarship) for the HBS 2+2 program. All the best!

Regards,
Team AppReview