Please evaluate my profile for the Carlson School -Minnesota

[thisisbrianly]

Hi Lisa,

I was hoping you could give me some feedback about how my profile looks for getting into the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School Part-Time MBA program for Fall 2008. Here is what my application looks like:

Undergrad: University of MN – Carlson School, Majoring in Finance and Risk Management
GPA: 3.6
GMAT: 670 (45Q, 37V)
Work Experience: 1.5 yrs (1 year in Commercial Banking + 2 summer internships in Financial roles at Fortune 500 companies)
Extracirricular: Eagle Scout Award, was an RA in college, various volunteer roles through my church

I know that my work experience is a little light, and I would be right at 2 years when I start school. Any advice/feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear thisisbrianly:

I think your profile is competitive (above average on the academic profile) for the part-time program. Yes, your work experience will be on the low end of the range, but your strong academic profile will help to balance that. Just be sure to present a strong rationale for "why a MBA now" in your application.

I also think you could be a competitive applicant for many good full-time programs for fall 2009 entry if you have any interest in going full-time.

Good luck!
Lisa

[thisisbrianly]

Thanks Lisa. That helps a lot. I just had one more question -

On my application, I have a choice to write an optional essay. I know that most people write these to address a negative piece of their application....I don't really have a negative piece, besides the fact that I don't have much work experieince.

Do you recommend using this essay to address that at all, or would that just sound whiny?

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear thisisbrianly:

If you have something you want to tell the Admissions Committee about yourself, then write the essay. It could be addressing what you perceive as the weakness of your application if you feel you have not adequately addressed it elsewhere in your application. Or you can write on an experience you have had or an organization you are involved with that you believe adds to your application package. It is not necessary to write the essay, but it is there for you if you feel you need it.

Good luck,
Lisa