Evaluation for Top 5 Program

[tr123]

I was wondering if you could evaluate my profile for admission to a top 5 program. Any input would be much appreciated. I plan to apply for fall 2009 start.

2004 Princeton AB in Politics 3.65 GPA overall, 3.75 major

Will have 5 years of total work experience by fall 2009.
3 years investment banking - 2 years middle market M&A in New York - left with two partners to start a new more focused group (1 year). Experience was very focused on financing entrepreneurs and gaining an understanding of the elements for successful entrepreneurship. After that experience I decided that I wanted to get some experience on the principal investing side, and went to a middle market private equity firm and will have 2 years at a firm with top quartile returns among our peers.

GMAT: 700+
Extracurricular: involvement with a number of volunteer organizations but not at a management level, just as a volunteer.

Let me know if you think there are any major deficiencies or what you think I could do to improve my profile. By the way, I am a white male if that figures into the equation.

Thanks.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear tr123:

From all that you mentioned, I would say you have a strong profile for a top 10 program. You will want to put together a solid application and find ways to distinguish your application with your background and experiences. The only other advice I have, in terms of improving your application, is to consider taking on a leadership role in your community actitivities and find opportunities at work that will add to your leadership experience.

Best of luck!
Lisa