Profile Evaluation Please

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Profile Evaluation Please

by vbhalla1187 » Mon Jan 03, 2011 5:38 am
Hello!

Can you please evaluate my MBA profile when you have a moment?

I am 25 years old and graduated from Bernard Baruch College (Zicklin School of Business) with a 3.5 GPA, majoring in Finance (minor Economics).

I have worked as a Hedge Fund research analyst at a Hedge Fund Research and Advisory Firm. Currently, I am working in a similar capacity at a large, renowned asset management firm on their Fund of Hedge Funds team. I also interned for a year at one of the largest public pension funds in the country in their hedge funds group. Helped me get a good perspective on how things work in the public sector as well.

I also started my own party entertainment/event planning business in my freshman year of college. We provided music, entertainment, photography, videography, etc services to our clients for weddings, sweet 16s, corporate events and such. It gave me some valuable experience in running a business and interacting with clients.

GMAT: 710

Extracurricular activities: In 2008, I was featured on the Indian version of American idol. Almost 10,000 singers auditioned in 4 cities across the US and 20 were chosen to be on a TV show that was telecast in the US, Canada, Europe and India. I was fortunate enough to be on that list of 20 and ended up placing 5th in the competition before being eliminated. Since then, I regularly perform at shows and concerts all across the country. I am trained in both vocal Indian classical music and western classical music.

I have been involved with a charity called AWB Food Bank, that feeds nearly 2000 hungry and malnourished kids in India every single day. The food bank was founded by my parents in 1991 and I have recently taken on more of a leadership role. Specifically, I have tried to use my talents in music to help the cause of hunger relief. In 2009, I organized a fundraising concert that featured 5 others who were on the Indian Idol show, along with myself to raise funds for the hunger relief cause. It's something I'm passionate about and proud to be a part of.

I have also been an active member of the New York State Democratic Party for many years. I first developed an interest in politics at age 12 and volunteered on several campaigns at the local, state, and federal level. I was recognized by my local Democratic Party and given their first Youth Leadership Award.

Target schools: Harvard, Cornell, Yale, Booth, Wharton, Haas, Dartmouth

Apologies for the length of the post, but I hope you can offer me some advice when you have a chance. Many thanks!
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by Stacey Oyler » Mon Jan 03, 2011 3:04 pm
Hi,

Thanks for your post. Your solid professional experience will serve you well in the application process, however your diverse personal interests will be the key to distinguishing yourself in the applicant pool. Your experience running your own business (you don't mention if it still exists), as well as your own personal accomplishments will make for memorable essay topics. I strongly suggest you find a way to incorporate these personal experiences into your application. Extracurricular activities are often a weak point for those in finance - your list of activities will serve to diversify you in this aspect.

My only concern about you profile is your GMAT score. The overall score is below average for the schools on your list and also falls below average as compared to others with backgrounds in finance. I suggest you consider retaking the GMAT if at all possible.

Best,

Stacey
Sign up for my MBA admissions course, featuring me and other Clear Admit experts, by visiting: https://www.udemy.com/business-school

Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

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