Profile Thoughts

[CompBanker]

Hello!

I'm applying in Round 2 to Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton/Lauder. I'm contemplating adding a 4th (Chicago or MIT) as a "safety" of sorts, but I'm not sure it is worth the incremental effort. My job contract ends next summer, so if I don't get in at any of these schools, I can't just try again next year. I'd love to hear your thoughts regarding if you think it is worthwhile or if I should proceed with just these three.

Profile:

White, U.S. Guy
GMAT: 760
Undergrad Institution: Mediocre Northeast Private School
Undergrad GPA: 3.7
Undergrad Major: Computer Information Systems
Undergrad Activities: Resident Assistant (3 years); Math/Statistics Tutor (3 years); Intramural Sports (4 years); Student Government (1 year); Study Abroad.

Work Experience:
2 Years Middle Market Investment Banking (M&A)
2 Years Middle Market Private Equity (Leveraged Buyouts)

Athletics:
Current player on an Amateur soccer team in State league
Played for two years on various, miscellaneous indoor soccer teams

Community Service:
One of a small handful of event coordinators/leaders for 400+ person, annual community-based service event
More than 50 hours of miscellaneous community service programs

Other:
Intermediate/Advanced proficiency in the Spanish Language (primary learned through self study)
Relative at Stanford GSB
Relative graduated from HBS

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

[Eliot]

CompBanker,

Thanks for your post. Given your strong academics (3.7 gpa/760 gmat) and solid banking work experience, you have the raw materials to be competitive at top 5 - top 10 MBA programs. Of course, since there are many qualified bankers who apply to these programs, you will need to stand out. For example, you will want to demonstrate your leadership and impact both at work and in your activities, pick interesting career goals that build on your experiences to date, and show that you would be a good fit at each of your target schools.

While you are likely to be competitive at top schools like HBS, Stanford and Wharton/Lauder, I do encourage you to add 1-2 more schools to your list - particularly since you really need to gain admission this year. In order to determine if Chicago or MIT is the right school, I would need to know more about your career goals. Do you want to stay in banking or do something else?

By the way, I would be happy to schedule a free 30 minute initial phone session with you if you would like to review your profile in more detail.

Sincerely,

Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit LLC