Please evaluate

[s1800028]

Hi Lisa,

How are you?

I think you have been really great at providing feedback hence I really wanted to get you feedback directly. Can you please provide me your comments?

1) Sinagporean Chinese Male, 28.
2) GMAT (estimated to be around 620-40 currently, aiming to achieve 700)
3) Master of Science (Finance) from European University, 3.75 GPA (1st class honours). Completed in 2009 as a part-time course in Sgp.
4) Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) from Australian University. Average Grade = 71% (for 24 modules). No GPA system.
5) Qualified Chartered Accountant since 2008.
6) Currently working in Singapore at a top Global Investment Bank (from Europe) as an Accountant. (3 years), promoted to AVP start of this year together with a role change. Current team is very flat with all AVPs and 1 VP. I am the most junior hence do not manage anyone in this new team. Other highlights include being seconded to NY for 3 months on an integration project/migration of role into Sgp (2008) and initiating an efficiency project as a project manager (2007-2008).
7) Worked in Australia (1 yr) previously as a Fund Accountant.
8) Served National Service (2.5 yrs).

9) Volunteering:
Part of my company volunteer group
Committee member of company social club
Committee member of Chartered Accounting Group in Singapore

10) Other activities
Team leader of company football team, won the inaugural competition.
Have been actively involved during Undergrad period, ie Founder of Entreprenuer's Club in my College, captain of College Tennis team.

11) Aiming to apply in R2 2009 for start in 2010 fall.

12) Targets:
Columbia
NYU
Chicago
LBS
INSEAD
Wharton
HBS

13) Post MBA goal
To be in strategy ie in a Consulting firm or Investment Bank.


I have not taken the GMAT yet, but I have taken a couple of CATs and mock tests, and I believe I am about the 620-640 range currently. I am working extremely hard to achieve at least a 700. GMAT scheduled for mid Sep 09.

Q1) Will a GMAT score in the range of 640-20, together with my current profile, make it highly impossible for me to apply to the schools that I am targeting? I am aiming for 700 but what is the absolute minimum to be competitive?

Q2) Any comments on my current profile will be much appreciated too. Too common? Weakness? Although I am promoted to AVP, I do not manage anyone now. Is not managing someone directly a poor point? Because had I choosed to stay in my previous team, I would have 1-2 direct reports.

Q3) What else can I do to improve my profile?

Q4) Is my target list realistic? Any other Uni I should consider?

thanks so much!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear s1800028,

Q1) Will a GMAT score in the range of 640-20, together with my current profile, make it highly impossible for me to apply to the schools that I am targeting? I am aiming for 700 but what is the absolute minimum to be competitive?
It would not be impossible, but it would be very tough as an international applicant to gain admission to one of your target schools with less than a 670. Ideally, you want to be at or above the average GMAT to be in the best position. If you are in the mid-50% range, then you still have a good chance assuming other aspects of your application are strong and provide the school a compelling reason to admit you. Outside the mid-50% range is quite difficult to overcome, but it does happen in some cases.

Q2) Any comments on my current profile will be much appreciated too. Too common? Weakness? Although I am promoted to AVP, I do not manage anyone now. Is not managing someone directly a poor point? Because had I choosed to stay in my previous team, I would have 1-2 direct reports.
It is not a disadvantage to not have direct reports, but it can help if you have supervisory experience. If you have other evidence of leadership skills from previous jobs or outside the office, then you will be have a showcase for those skills. I think career progression is quite important, so your promotion will be an asset to your profile.

Q3) What else can I do to improve my profile?
Score well on the GMAT and put forth the effort to submit a strong overall application. Your essays are critical and can make the difference if you are below average on GMAT/GPA.

Q4) Is my target list realistic? Any other Uni I should consider?
Without having a GMAT score, it is hard to know if your list is realistic. I would suggest spending time finding schools that are a good match for your goals (as there are many great programs out there, even if the methodologies of the many rankings do not show that) and then evaluating how competitive you are once you have your GMAT score. Please see our sticky on school selection for tips on identifying schools.

Good luck,
Lisa