Age: 26
College: University of Southern California
Graduated 2005
Major: Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 2.93
Grad School: University of Southern California
Graduated 2007
Major: Engineering Management
GPA: 3.27
* I took this right after college mainly to address low undergrad GPA and also to be on the fast track within the medical device industry, not for a career-changer like MBA.
Grad School: Johns Hopkins University
Expected Graduation Date: Unknown
Major: Biotechnology
GPA: 3.7
* Took this to prepare for a potential career in biotechnology equity research
GMAT: 670
Work:
2007-Present (will have 3.5 years of work experience by start of MBA program in Fall 2010)
Process Engineer for a Top 5 Pharmaceutical Company
Handled increasing responsibilities including project manager for couple projects that gave me a good view of how the business works in healthcare
Strengths:
Quantitative skills, project management, technical writing, passion for biotechnology
Career Goals:
Interested in pursuing a post-MBA job in finance, particularly in biotech equity research, then leverage that experience to join a venture capital firm specializing in stem cell gene therapy
What I hope to get out of MBA:
Finance training, soft skills, and the cross-functional mentality for both science and business
Leadership:
2007-Present: served in the Fundraiser position for Stanford's School of Medicine under the Associate Director of Development, on behalf of stem cell research scientist at the same school; gave presentations (oral and written) to potential donors and coordinated speaking engagements with the scientist
-Have gone around the world to assist as a Medical Missionary
-Involved with youth basketball league as a coach
Questions:
- Based on my short profile, I know the chances are slim but are Stanford, MIT, Wharton, and NYU worth a shot? If so, in what order?
- I'm currently enrolled in Johns Hopkins' part-time online program which can be completed anytime, anywhere. I most likely won't finish before I start my full-time studies at an MBA school in fall of 2010. How should I explain my situation?
1. Not mention it at all. (But I think this is a good thing to mention, because it shows I can balance work and school)
2. Explain that I'll somehow finish by the start of MBA. (even though I won't)
3. Explain that I'll delay until finish the MBA.
4. Explain that I'll take it concurrently with MBA (1 class maximum per semester), even though this might be overkill.
* I can also explain that I can treat my unique situation as a dual-degree program.
Your help is highly appreciated.
Thanks!
College: University of Southern California
Graduated 2005
Major: Biomedical Engineering
GPA: 2.93
Grad School: University of Southern California
Graduated 2007
Major: Engineering Management
GPA: 3.27
* I took this right after college mainly to address low undergrad GPA and also to be on the fast track within the medical device industry, not for a career-changer like MBA.
Grad School: Johns Hopkins University
Expected Graduation Date: Unknown
Major: Biotechnology
GPA: 3.7
* Took this to prepare for a potential career in biotechnology equity research
GMAT: 670
Work:
2007-Present (will have 3.5 years of work experience by start of MBA program in Fall 2010)
Process Engineer for a Top 5 Pharmaceutical Company
Handled increasing responsibilities including project manager for couple projects that gave me a good view of how the business works in healthcare
Strengths:
Quantitative skills, project management, technical writing, passion for biotechnology
Career Goals:
Interested in pursuing a post-MBA job in finance, particularly in biotech equity research, then leverage that experience to join a venture capital firm specializing in stem cell gene therapy
What I hope to get out of MBA:
Finance training, soft skills, and the cross-functional mentality for both science and business
Leadership:
2007-Present: served in the Fundraiser position for Stanford's School of Medicine under the Associate Director of Development, on behalf of stem cell research scientist at the same school; gave presentations (oral and written) to potential donors and coordinated speaking engagements with the scientist
-Have gone around the world to assist as a Medical Missionary
-Involved with youth basketball league as a coach
Questions:
- Based on my short profile, I know the chances are slim but are Stanford, MIT, Wharton, and NYU worth a shot? If so, in what order?
- I'm currently enrolled in Johns Hopkins' part-time online program which can be completed anytime, anywhere. I most likely won't finish before I start my full-time studies at an MBA school in fall of 2010. How should I explain my situation?
1. Not mention it at all. (But I think this is a good thing to mention, because it shows I can balance work and school)
2. Explain that I'll somehow finish by the start of MBA. (even though I won't)
3. Explain that I'll delay until finish the MBA.
4. Explain that I'll take it concurrently with MBA (1 class maximum per semester), even though this might be overkill.
* I can also explain that I can treat my unique situation as a dual-degree program.
Your help is highly appreciated.
Thanks!
How do you plan to convince committee in your essay that "this is a good time for you to go and get your degree?" They might say, finish up your master's and then start on a full-time MBA program. You do realize full-time MBA programs aren't a cake walk. It is a firehose treatement - even before you start your school officially. Don't underestimate these programs. 
