Profile and LoRs (family business applicant)

[triple5soul]

Hi MBA Consultant,

I've had the opportunity to work within a family business (privately owned by my family) for the past two years (currently, 24 years old). I am an international buyer and marketing director for a national Canadian retail company (est. for 30 years) with over 150 employees. I've had the opportunity to work in South East Asia (China, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore) extensively and speak four languages (perfectly bilingual in English and French; intermediate in Mandarin (Chinese) and Spanish).

I hold a bachelor's in finance from HEC School of Management (Montreal) with a overall GPA of 3.1 (last two years, 3.4-3.5). My GMAT has yet to be taken.

I've been a keynote speaker (on four occasions) for the Wilfred Laurier School of Management for undergraduate and MBA classes on the subject of "International Affairs in China" and "Negotiations in China". I hold honorary certificates from the dean of the school thanking me for my implication at the school.

I would like to have an idea on my candidacy for the following schools as well as some advice on the letters of recommendation:

1) School short list: Harvard, MIT, Chicago GSB, Columbia, Stern
2) Do schools positively view LoRs from non-family colleagues (other departments)? Can letters be sent from Chinese suppliers in the foreign language (including official translation)? Can two letters be sent from the the same supplier but two different individuals?
3) What is my overall chance (given a good GMAT score)?

With many thanks and kind regards.

[Linda Abraham]

Hi MBA Consultant,

I've had the opportunity to work within a family business (privately owned by my family) for the past two years (currently, 24 years old). I am an international buyer and marketing director for a national Canadian retail company (est. for 30 years) with over 150 employees. I've had the opportunity to work in South East Asia (China, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore) extensively and speak four languages (perfectly bilingual in English and French; intermediate in Mandarin (Chinese) and Spanish).

I hold a bachelor's in finance from HEC School of Management (Montreal) with a overall GPA of 3.1 (last two years, 3.4-3.5). My GMAT has yet to be taken.

I've been a keynote speaker (on four occasions) for the Wilfred Laurier School of Management for undergraduate and MBA classes on the subject of "International Affairs in China" and "Negotiations in China". I hold honorary certificates from the dean of the school thanking me for my implication at the school.

I would like to have an idea on my candidacy for the following schools as well as some advice on the letters of recommendation:

1) School short list: Harvard, MIT, Chicago GSB, Columbia, Stern
2) Do schools positively view LoRs from non-family colleagues (other departments)? Can letters be sent from Chinese suppliers in the foreign language (including official translation)? Can two letters be sent from the the same supplier but two different individuals?
3) What is my overall chance (given a good GMAT score)?

With many thanks and kind regards.

To answer your questions:
1) You have a chance but a lot depends on your GMAT since your GPA is a little low for these programs.
2) Non-family colleagues are OK, but I think non-family suppliers and professionals (i.e. non-employees of your firm) would be better. Yes, letters from Chinese suppliers that have been translated are a good way to go. There is no rule against two individuals at the same supplier, but I think it would be more effective to have two people with a different perspective, for example a supplier and an accountant or lawyer.

3) A lot depends on your GMAT and I would prefer to reply to this question when you know what it is.

Best,
Linda