Profile Evaluation Request

[meimei0408]

Hello! Would really appreciate if I could get some feedback on my profile and chances at my target schools. Here goes:

GMAT Score: 760(Q48 V46 AWA 5.5)
Undergrad: Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance) at a Singapore University - 2nd Upper Class Honors
Others: Japanese Language at a reputable Japanese university - Certificate (1 Year)

Work Exp:
10 mths - Singapore bank; branch operations (scope didn't really work out for me)
32 mths - Leading airline; commercial procurement (position was rotational but I left to study in Japan); upgraded twice but no change in title
4 mths - Government agency (encourages entrepreneurship and grows local enterprises); development of programs to build business capabilities (current job)

Extra-curricular
College:
Member of the Japanese Cultural Association
Took up external Japanese Language classes and participated in activities held by the language school
(I was much more active in my junior college days taking on leadership roles in class, english literature club and volunteer trip to Myanmar orphanage but that's nearly 9 years back so I assume it wouldn't hold any weight)
Japan:
Member of the International Students Club
Exchange with Japanese student (Japanese - English) for cross-cultural and language learning
Current:
Part of the volunteer committee of MIT Enterprise Forum, which organizes events to encourage a more vibrant entrepreneur community
Part of company's organizing committee for company-wide events to promote healthy lifestyle

Social work:
Occasionally visiting the Institute of Mental Health hospital to spend time and interact with patients; involved in activities organized by company to spend time with under privileged children

As you can see, in most of the areas I'm finding it very hard to hold up against the usual applicants to top schools like Stanford, Wharton, Haas, Stern, Oxford and LBS (my target schools). But I would just like to know how competitive I would be, if at all and if not, what would be some other schools I should be considering. Would also really appreciate any tips and areas of concern to address in my application. Thanks so much!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear meimei0408,

From the profile you posted, I think you could be competitive at top programs like Stanford, Wharton, Haas, Stern, Oxford and LBS. Where do you feel you are coming up short? Your GMAT is above average, your transcript is competitive, and you have some interesting, global work experience. The one area where I think you need to ensure you are conveying your background accurately is your career path to date. It is important to show how each move you made had sound reasoning behind it and led you to gain the skills/experience you need to continue to move your career on its intended path. Likewise, you need to communicate a solid rationale for why you need an MBA, why now is the right time, and how your past experiences plus an MBA will help you achieve your future career goals. If your priority is to be in business school next fall, then I do think you should apply to the appropriate mix of schools--not just the top programs. You want to have some reasonable and safety options on your list as well.

Good luck,
Lisa