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?

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your post. Given the information you've shared, I think you've compiled a robust list of schools. I agree that your academics are solid/on par for the schools on your list. I also agree that while you are lacking in extracurricular activities, you do have a solid reason for this.

Joint degree applicants are often looked upon quite favorably by most MBA programs as many wish to expand the number of students seeking joint degrees. However, your goals will be a major component of your application. While solid goals are important for anyone seeking an MBA, you have the tougher job of convincing the adcom that BOTH degrees are necessary (and in particular the MBA) to achieve your goals. It sounds to me like you are on the right track - just be sure to back up your interest in non-profit consulting - perhaps with a personal example/story and necessitate which skills you are lacking that you can only get from an MBA.

Regards,

Stacey