Profile evaluation

[macwiz]

Hello,

I have applied to Stanford's MBA program for the past 2 years, and I refuse to take the hint. In my first attempt I received an interview, but did not this year. I believe likely because of the increased competitiveness and / or one of my essays likely missed the mark.

Stanford has been my dream school and I participated in their Summer Institute during my undergraduate term. I am researching other schools and my initial picks are MIT and Kellogg. Could you please advise?

Some quick notes:

• I graduated with a 3.58 GPA from UCSD with honors with highest distinction in Economics (Top 10 public Economics program).
  My GMAT score is 720 with a 44/44 breakdown, 6 for AWA.

Resume highlights:

• I have been with my company for nearly 3 years, it is my only full time experience. I was recently promoted to Senior Business Analyst. It is a small (~150 employees) private company in a unique sector of financial services / consumer credit. I work directly with C-level executives on all project tasks and am considered one of a small number of experts on consumer credit, risk, financial modeling etc.

Extracurricular involvements:

• During college I was heavily involved in my Fraternity holding three executive positions including a two-year term as President. I organized several major events, philanthropies etc. I also founded another student organization and joined two honor societies.
  
  After college - I continued to be involved in my fraternity at a national level on committees and appointments.
  
  Other involvements - yes yes.... this is a weak spot.

Awards etc:

• Eagle scout
  Third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do
  SAM, UCSD Distinguished Service Award

Thank you for the advice, Steve.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Steve,

My hunch is your essays and resume are not presenting you effectively. You are on the right path to apply to other schools. MIT and Kellogg are great programs, but are just as competitive for admission as Stanford. While I do think you have a chance with these programs (assuming you overhaul your essays and resume, prepare for the interviews, etc.), I think it would be in your best interest to identify a school outside the top 10 as a great "plan B" option. Many programs in the 10-30 range are outstanding, offer you what you seek in terms of a program, and will be interested in your profile. Lastly, I would encourage you to seek assistance on your essays, resume and interview preparation. Perhaps you have some trusted friends or colleagues that are MBAs? If not, then there are plenty of consulting services out there at different price points.

Best of luck,
Lisa