Would love to get thoughts on my chances at the top 3 programs. I understand that my verbal score is light, but I'm hoping that my high GPA, work experience, and other accomplishments can overcome that and make me a competitive candidate. Also would be great to get your thoughts on my hearing loss and if that is something I should highlight in my apps.
Profile Evaluation:
Target: Top 3 (Stanford, Harvard, Wharton)
Application Plan: First round, October 2014
Background: Middle Eastern male, 25 (born in US)
Education:
- GPA: 3.95 (Highest Honors)
- Major: BS, UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business, 2010
- Additional Achievements: Engineering Entrepreneurship Sequence Certificate, 2010 Haas Undergraduate Achievement Award, Dean's List, Received A+ in a number of courses including Intro to Business (highly competitive class), Statistics, Finance, Game Theory, two other electives. Lowest letter grade was B+.
GMAT: 680 85% (Q49 81%, V34 70%, IR7 82%, AWA 6 91%)
Experience:
- 2 years investment banking analyst at boutique investment bank (2010-2012). Worked on 14 transactions in very lean deal teams. Solely published 48 editions of Internet newsletter that was distributed to over 3,000 industry and VC professionals. Initiated firm's on campus recruiting efforts that did not previously exist (recruiting was done via referrals only). Offered promotion to associate role after second year (offered to select analysts after third year). Turned offer down to join top-tier late-stage venture capital firm.
- 1.5 years venture capital associate at top-tier late stage firm (2012-Present). Have worked on 6 different transactions during my time at the firm. Five months into the role, sourced investment in mobile gaming company. Investment was the 2nd largest in the firm's 34 year history. Five months after investment, majority of company was acquired at valuation 4x higher than our investment (one of the top returns ever for the firm). Received additional bonus for performance after second year and was assured third year promotion early. Will have 3 years of experience in this role by the time I enroll.
Extracurriculars / Leadership:
- 1 year on board of non-profit that provides soccer and literacy after-school programs to under-resourced public school communities. Currently co-chair of a large fundraiser (corporate soccer tournament). Help with new team recruitment and manage team of 8 staff / board members. Looking to raise over $200K through this event.
- Held a number of leadership positions at UC Berkeley. VP and Alumni chair of fraternity. Senior Research Assistant for MBA professor (promoted after just one year). 2 years as mentor for youth entrepreneurs from local high schools.
Recommendations
- Planning to receive recommendations from two Partners at my current firm. I expect them to be strong given the feedback I received recently as part of my annual reviews.
Other:
- Unilateral hearing loss (left ear) that has been getting worse each year since I was born. Now "moderately severe" at mid to high frequencies making it difficult to hear others when they stand to my left, when they whisper, or when I'm in a noisy environment. I have done a good job of overcoming this challenge during my life and have made a number of sacrifices (never attending concerts/events, giving up violin after 15 years due to doctor recommendation). Just last week the doctor recommended I get a hearing aid. While nervous, I'm excited about the how this can improve my quality of life. Having a job in VC requires me to be social and to communicate effectively.
Profile Evaluation:
Target: Top 3 (Stanford, Harvard, Wharton)
Application Plan: First round, October 2014
Background: Middle Eastern male, 25 (born in US)
Education:
- GPA: 3.95 (Highest Honors)
- Major: BS, UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business, 2010
- Additional Achievements: Engineering Entrepreneurship Sequence Certificate, 2010 Haas Undergraduate Achievement Award, Dean's List, Received A+ in a number of courses including Intro to Business (highly competitive class), Statistics, Finance, Game Theory, two other electives. Lowest letter grade was B+.
GMAT: 680 85% (Q49 81%, V34 70%, IR7 82%, AWA 6 91%)
Experience:
- 2 years investment banking analyst at boutique investment bank (2010-2012). Worked on 14 transactions in very lean deal teams. Solely published 48 editions of Internet newsletter that was distributed to over 3,000 industry and VC professionals. Initiated firm's on campus recruiting efforts that did not previously exist (recruiting was done via referrals only). Offered promotion to associate role after second year (offered to select analysts after third year). Turned offer down to join top-tier late-stage venture capital firm.
- 1.5 years venture capital associate at top-tier late stage firm (2012-Present). Have worked on 6 different transactions during my time at the firm. Five months into the role, sourced investment in mobile gaming company. Investment was the 2nd largest in the firm's 34 year history. Five months after investment, majority of company was acquired at valuation 4x higher than our investment (one of the top returns ever for the firm). Received additional bonus for performance after second year and was assured third year promotion early. Will have 3 years of experience in this role by the time I enroll.
Extracurriculars / Leadership:
- 1 year on board of non-profit that provides soccer and literacy after-school programs to under-resourced public school communities. Currently co-chair of a large fundraiser (corporate soccer tournament). Help with new team recruitment and manage team of 8 staff / board members. Looking to raise over $200K through this event.
- Held a number of leadership positions at UC Berkeley. VP and Alumni chair of fraternity. Senior Research Assistant for MBA professor (promoted after just one year). 2 years as mentor for youth entrepreneurs from local high schools.
Recommendations
- Planning to receive recommendations from two Partners at my current firm. I expect them to be strong given the feedback I received recently as part of my annual reviews.
Other:
- Unilateral hearing loss (left ear) that has been getting worse each year since I was born. Now "moderately severe" at mid to high frequencies making it difficult to hear others when they stand to my left, when they whisper, or when I'm in a noisy environment. I have done a good job of overcoming this challenge during my life and have made a number of sacrifices (never attending concerts/events, giving up violin after 15 years due to doctor recommendation). Just last week the doctor recommended I get a hearing aid. While nervous, I'm excited about the how this can improve my quality of life. Having a job in VC requires me to be social and to communicate effectively.
