Candidacy Evaluation

[Tuck2012]

Hello,

I'm about to apply for a few top MBA programs (Tuck, Yale, Johnson, HAAS, & NYU) and would like to know my changes of getting in.

Here is a quick glimse of my candidacy:
GPA: 3.3 MS in Atmos. Chemistry; 3.2 in Chemistry Bachelors
GMAT: 700
Hispanic/Male/28 at Matriculation
Exp.: 3 yrs. in a state Environmental Agency as a environmental scientist/air pollution specialist where I currently lead a group of scientist & engineers in a 3 year $5 million project to monitor statewide ambient air quality levels.
Post-MBA Goals: Consulting or Finance
Extra-Curriculars: Somewhat active in a hispanic outreach organization, Member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, PenPal to underrepresented minority school children, and take part in local cancer awareness events.

To show my ability to succeed in a top MBA program since I have no finance background, I've taken 3 MBA level courses at Drexel University's MBA program and obtained a 3.67 GPA.

Additionally, as part of my MS education, I applied and receieved a full ride fellowship though a Mexican-American Scholarship Organization, and I have also received funds to cover the 3 course that I took at Drexel from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs University Partner program.

Do I stand a good chance of getting in? Is there anything else can I do to improve my application in the four months leading to the application deadlines?

Thanks,

Alex

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

Hi Alex,

This is Alex. I had a client last season, a scientist at Pfizer, who was admitted to Tuck (his first choice, and also got into NYU and Cornell).

Tuck is a lot about fit, and so the essays and interviews are critical for showing how exactly you will enrich their small community.

In terms of your profile, I would want to know your GMAT split, and might advise retaking the exam if you feel you can materially move the needle.

Your extracurriculars and ancillary course work will help.

With a higher GMAT and strong essays that show your managerial/project skills in addition to your individual analytical skills, you will be in good shape.

If you want a more in depth look at your profile, please email me your resume to [email protected]

Suerte.

[FutureWorks]

Hi Alex


When aiming for top institutes abroad a score above 700 is advisable. Although it is not just the academics but also beyond academics and your work experience that plays an important role. Since you are coming from environmental science background this would help you in differentiating your profile from other candidates.

Generally most of the applicants have good 4-5 years of work experience. Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So if you can show that in 3 years you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for you could still put in a strong set of essays.

Make sure you follow the 'show rather than tell' principle so that the admissions committee could really understand your strengths and differentiating factors."

Do add the 3 mba level part to your application as it exhibits your zeal to learn.

For any further details feel free to mail me at [email protected]