BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Profile Assessment: concern = generic candidate

Launched April 26, 2006
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 33
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:48 pm
Thanked: 1 times
GMAT Score:730

Profile Assessment: concern = generic candidate

by chet steadman » Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:51 pm
Hi,

I'd like to apply to a few schools for 2009 admission. My top 5 targets are Stanford, Harvard, Penn, Berkeley, and Columbia (probably in that order, though I admittedly haven't done a heap of research yet).

Age: 25
Experience: 3 years at GS
Undergrad: 3.7 (magna cum), Finance/MIS
GMAT: First practice today = 600, hope to get over 700 (not unreasonable as I blew through the questions in about half the allotted time and wasn't familiar with the question types and scoring format)
Extras: Completed LI CFA, taking LII in June. Not sure what else...

My main concerns are that I don't stand out in any particular way (generic finance type), and that I didn't attend a top school--according to US News, it's ranked around #70 overall.
Top
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:34 am
Dear Chet,

For the programs you mention, your profile will be common but by no means a majority in the applicant pool. For any MBA applicant, you have to distinguish yourself in the eyes of the committee. Figure out what makes you unique, what you will bring to the program, and how each program is a good fit for you. If you effectively communicate those things in your application, when combined with a strong GMAT/GPA/work experience/recommendations, you will have a compelling case for top MBA programs.

Good luck!
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 33
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:48 pm
Thanked: 1 times
GMAT Score:730

by chet steadman » Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:41 pm
Lisa,

As an update, I've since received a 730 on my GMAT and a passing grade on my Lvl 2 CFA. My other concerns still remain, but do you think, given the information you have, that I have a solid chance at Stanford (i.e. does the average 3.7, 730, 3 years of exp candidate have a good shot)?

Also, will admissions officers recognize the difficulty of the CFA curriculum, and that studying a few hundred hours a year probably limited my ability to partake in other extracurriculars, volunteer work, etc.?

Thanks
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:26 pm
Dear Chet,

Congratulations! That is an awesome score! You do have a competitive, interesting profile and a good shot at the top programs. As I wrote in April, it comes down to how you present yourself in your applications. Schools are familiar with the CFA and the demands of studying to pass. However, it is true that some schools really value the community involvement and want to see it, so it might affect your chances at those programs. At the end of the day, I think you should apply to any school you feel is a good match for your career goals and you.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1