Top 15 Material?

[ray.z.shi]

Hi Stacy

I appreciate your honest opinion:
-Emory Undergrad Economics 3.4 gpa. GMAT 700.
-2 Years work exp at a German strategy consulting firm in China
-1/2 years as a business development analyst at an Australian boutique ibank in Shanghai before I was laid off (economic crisis).
-I am currently a business development manager at my family's start-up. In the half-year since I joined, I've increased sales by 30%, expanded customer base by 20%, expanded sales network in multiple states, led IT initiatives, developed and sourced a new product line, redesigned our product portfolio and pricing. Most of all I've negotiated a $1m contract with Walmart.
-I've also started a pro-bono small business consulting practice in Shanghai. I've also ran a small trading operation at the same time.

I applied last year (w/ 2 years exp) to 10 schools, mostly top 15, and got rejected to all. I image it was due to my short exp and high competition. I want to apply again next year (4 yrs work exp) to the following schools: Kellogg, MIT, NYU, Cornell, Darden, Fuqua. I am worried if I am aiming to high, should I have some more safety schools?

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear ray.z.shi,

I think you have a chance at the schools you note in your post. However, they are all highly selective with large applicant pools. It will be critical for you to have well-written essays, strong recommendations and great interviews to give yourself the best shot. I would also suggest applying to 1-2 reasonable to safety schools. You have some interesting work experience, so use it to your advantage in your applications.

Best of luck,
Lisa