Candidacy Evaluation Please

[jamie2377356]

Hi there

I would really like to know what you think about my candidacy for the following schools.

Here we go:

Undergrad:
Went to a Canadian Uni relatively unknown. Took 2 extra years to graduate for the reason of my father dying and having to take care of my family.

GPA:
First two years averaged 75%, last 2 years averaged 85%. Honours Econ.

Work experience:
Moved to London UK and have worked for a boutique Private Equity advisory as an Executive where I helped raise $1billion and was promoted.
Spun out with colleagues to start our own Private Equity Derivatives firm currently regulated by the FSA (quite innovative idea).

Community:
Founding President of a PE association with 50 members managing $75 billion.

Age:
29 now, will be 30 when applying in the fall, will be 31 when entering. I am wondering how this will be viewed because although I would be above the average age, I would still have the average amount of work experience..

GMAT:
Have not taken it yet

Here is the thing, I am already in the private equity industry but I would like to get into the principle investing side of it, and generally would like to formally learn the language of business.

It would only be worth it for me to attend a top 5 school.

I am quite confident that after a few months of studying that I could score 720+ on the gmat.

What I am asking is do you think that I would be a good candidate for any of the top schools listed below under the assumption that I score a 720 on the gmat? If the chances are very slim then I would prefer not to waste the time studying for it and just push on with my career. However, if I have a decent shot then it would be worth it to try.

Schools:
Harvard
Stanford
Wharton
Sloan
Columbia

Weaknesses Summary:
31 years old upon entering
worked for boutique firms no big names
Unknown undergrad school
Okay GPA

Strengths Summary:
International experience
Trade association president - leadership
Entrepreneurship - Innovative new company in the PE industry
Great PE contacts

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi Jamie,

Thanks for your post. Overall you seem to have a solid profile. It's a bit difficult for me to fully evaluate your profile without your GMAT score, but based on the information you've shared, I can offer you some advice.

First off, I strongly suggest that you enroll in a course or commit to self study for the GMAT with a plan to score 730+. The reason I set such a high bar is that the average GMAT score at Wharton for instance is 730. Also, those coming from PE or finance backgrounds tend to score in the mid 700's.

That being said, you can certainly be competitive at the schools on your list if you are able to put together solid essays as well as provide sound reasoning (short and long term post MBA goals) for seeking your MBA. The latter is especially important given your age - the adcom may question why you waited until this point in your career to seek an MBA when many of your peers would have done so after 2-3 years.

Study hard for the GMAT and give yourself plenty of time to prepare applications for Round 1 in the Fall. Please feel free to reach out to us at Clear Admit if we can help ([email protected]).

Best,

Stacey