Undergraduate profile evaluation

[jelt]

Hi,

I'd appreciate it if you could evaluate my profile, and suggest what schools I should consider (as good fits and as schools that I could realistically get into). Also, since my primary focus is Asia, if you knew of any good schools in the region that fit my profile, that would be great too.

Undergraduate senior

GPA: 3.91, economics, University of Chicago

Thank you for your advice!
Jason

[Amy]

Hi Jason,

I think your academics look great, you have some excellent work and volunteer activities to discuss and other material for a good application.

If you are able to score well on the GMAT, I think it would be worth applying to the top schools. Schools like HBS and Wharton have a strong reputation internationally, which it sounds like you are looking for. International programs that might be of interest include INSEAD. I have heard that there is a program in China called CEIBS, but it has a limited reputation in the world right now. The Financial Times MBA rankings tend to have a more global perspective than Businessweek.com, so I might research there.

Good luck!

Amy

[beny]

CEIBS is very well known within my circles (probably because I know a lot of Fletcher people so I have a bit more of an international perspective - Fletcher has a semester exchange program with CEIBS).

[jelt]

Hi Amy,

Thank you, that is a very encouraging reply. I've just did my first GMATprep attempt without much preparation, and I got a 720. This is probably in the league of the schools that I aim to apply to. The question I have is, do I need to substantially outperform the mean, since I lack full-time work experience?

I guess the above question relates to another general query that I have. I've read your reply in another post, where you say that undergraduates have to demonstrate leadership and teamwork. Will the qualities we then show be evaluated against other undergraduates, or in a general pool versus all MBA applicants?

Thanks a lot,
Jason

[Amy]

Hi Jason,

I don't think you need to substantially outperform the mean. The process is holistic, so a high GMAT won't affect the view of your work experience.

It looks to me like you have demonstrated enough extracurricular and professional experience to be a viable candidate. I would be more concerned about someone without any demonstrated opportunities to lead, work in teams, or manage others.

Because you are coming straight from undergrad, and some schools are recruiting for that demographic, you can be confident that no one would expect you to have the same level of work experience as someone with many years post grad.

Good luck!

Amy