Profile Eval./Reality Check

[joeschmoe28]

White, Male, 25
GPA: 3.57 at top ranked small liberal arts college, Political Science major, took stats/econometrics/multivariable calc.
GMAT/GRE: 750 (49/44); 1520 (Q790/V730)
Work Experience: 2 years in private sector economic consulting for a fairly well known firm, 1 year in international development work living in West Africa doing research and monitoring/evaluation work for a social enterprise NGO. Internships during college were with academic research program and policy research for a large city council.
Extra Curricular: active involvement and leadership in extracurriculars during college, but not much leadership experience in this regard since college due to working long hours in consulting and then living abroad for the last year.

I'd like to do a dual degree program of MBA and Masters in International Affairs or Public Policy with the goal being to get into either non-profit or social enterprise consulting post-grad school, with a specific focus on international development.

Currently I'm thinking:
-Stanford (MBA/MPP)
-Columbia (MBA/MIA)
-Yale (MBA/MIA)
-Wharton/Johns Hopkins SAIS (MBA/MIA)
-MIT Sloan/Harvard HKS (MBA/MPP)

I think that my work experience is pretty solid and that having spent a year living and working abroad will be something that makes me stand out. My test scores/grades are solid but basically on profile (especially given the demographic I'm in). One thing I'm worried about my lack of extracurricular leadership experience since my undergrad. Are the programs that I'm targeting within the realm of possibility or am I setting myself up for disappointment by being unrealistic?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear joeschmoe28,

I don't think your target schools are out of reach for you based on the profile you posted. While these are highly competitive programs, your profile is in the competitive range. It is imperative though that you use the interview, essays and recommendations to strengthen your application, distinguish you from similar applicants, and make your compelling case for a seat. I think you have a shot at one of these 5, but it would be prudent to cover your bases by applying to a couple of back up schools. It would be worthwhile to identify at least 1-2 safety options for R2 applications as an insurance plan. While you don't have much extracurricular leadership since college, you do have some time in the coming months to be involved and your time in West Africa will be viewed by some as both professional and community work.

Good luck,
Lisa