Profile Evaluation Request for Elite MBAs

[skiboyne]

Hi,

Just wanted to see what the experts say regarding my profile for applying to elite MBA programs. (Note: I would be applying in 2014).

Stats:

Gender: Male
Race: White (IRISH)
School: UCLA/UNC/UMICH
GPA: 3.9/4.0
GMAT: 770 (50Q/45V)
Age: 23 (Will be 24 when applying)

Work Experience:

-Will have 2 years when applying, in the middle of an Investment Banking Analyst stint at a top Investment Bank (GS/MS) in a top group for the bank. Have received great performance reviews and done meaningful work on IPO's and Sell-side engagements.

-In College, worked at Boutique Investment Bank and large Private Wealth Management firm.

Extracurriculars:

-Fraternity President of 100+ brothers
(Also VP of same fraternity in year prior)

-Spearheaded an annual Bone Marrow Registration drive. (Registered multiple thousands of individuals for the national bone marrow registry).

-President of Accounting Club in College.

-D1-Athlete - Lacrosse (only Freshman year)

Purpose:
Although I've been blessed with a great start to my career, I really want to fast track it as much as possible. I'm exceptionally hungry to keep climbing in my career, and am looking for an avenue to not only to best further my career trajectory but also to build a professional network. I'm looking to move from M&A/Sell-side work to working my way up to be a Portfolio Manager type at an Asset Manager or Private Equity fund.

Questions:

What are some good matches based on my profile? (Basic research on these forums and Businessweek have pointed me to Columbia, HBS, Wharton)

Is my profile competitive for the elite schools?

Also, As I don't have a compelling life story or any amazing achievements, what should I look to do to boost my chances (I feel like just starting a non-profit now, or the like, would be window dressing that the adcoms would see right through. Also it wouldn't be authentically "me").

Thanks so much.

[mbaMissionJenK]

Hi,

It's good that you are doing your research and seeking advice as you look to the future, and that you are honest about your motivation and desire to 'fast track' your career so to speak. Congratulations by the way on the outstanding GMAT score, it is rare to see a score that high, so that will help you stand out first of all. So you're saying you would not be applying this fall to start in 2014, but applying IN 2014 to begin in 2015, is that correct? And when you apply you'll have 2 years of work experience, or 3 when the program begins?

Overall I would say your strengths are:

-outstanding GMAT score, high enough above the averages that it will get the attention of the admissions committee
-supporting high academics/GPA
-solid work experience and quantitative and analytical skills demonstrated
-extracurricular involvements

Weaknesses would be:

-fewer than average years of work experience, though that can be overcome with strong essays pointing out why you need the MBA NOW versus in a couple of years
-could have more community involvement, particularly in something you are passionate about
-you come from a common background of investment banking-- means you do need to stand out in several ways at the very top-ranked schools.
-goals could be flushed out more, in terms of short and long term etc

Unknown factors:

-essays
-recommendations
-interview
-more about why you need the MBA, why at this point in time, and why particular schools are right for you (all needed to gain acceptance at top programs)

(Don't forget that the above 'unknowns' can play a large factor in the admissions decision, especially if the committee is on the fence about a given candidate.)

In terms of schools, you may have a chance at the top-ranked programs you mention, especially with the GMAT, but it will still be difficult in a competitive environment, with less work experience and a common background, and you will need to knock it out of the park with a really compelling set of essays. Wharton is considered to many the top program for Finance, and certainly Harvard and Columbia are right up there and have extremely prestigious brands. Chicago Booth may be another to consider. NYU and UCLA would be slightly less competitive than the others on your list if you wanted to round out your list in that way. But you should spend some time researching the programs and specifics like class size and profile, teaching style, what the school is known for and what the environment is like. Read blogs and messageboards and get in touch with current students and alum. Visit programs if at all possible.

Otherwise from here on out, strive at work for any opportunities to display leadership, teamwork, people and project management skills. If there are any activities you'd be passionate about outside of work that you are considering getting involved in, that could help you stand out, and if you are not applying until next year there is still time. And start brainstorming for your essays-- about what makes you unique; what you'll bring to the class; examples from your experiences on where you've demonstrated leadership and teamwork; what your goals are, etc.

Let us know if you have additional questions at any point, good luck to you!