Looking for some advice on bschool applications. My stats: 3.75 GPA from top 30 730 Gmat (80%Q, 95%V) 1.5 years S&T in small-midsize Canadian bank Current – 2.5 years (at time of matriculation) at large well known AM firm in portfolio management Good ECs and very involved with charity work
Goal: continue to move up the ranks of Portfolio Management either at an AM firm or HF or S&T at a BB
Dilemma- Due to certain circumstances, staying in NY would be very ideal for me (wife and child). Given that and the fact that it’s a great school for what I want to do, Columbia seems like a great choice. I was even thinking of applying ED. While I understand I’m not a lock anywhere, would I be foolish to pass up chances at H/Ch/Wh. My thought process is basically Harvard is the only one I would move out of NY for being that I don’t think Chicago and Wharton are better enough for what I want to do that it would be worth relocating my family. And as for Harvard, I don’t think ide have a good enough shot that its worth passing up whatever benefit I get from applying early to Columbia. Looking for people’s opinions of if you think im making the right choice or possibly selling myself short. thanks a lot
Based on what you wrote, you may not be blue chip enough with strong enough leadership for HBS. I don't necessarily think HBS is "harder" per se to get into than everywhere else, but they do seem to look for people with a certain fit for their program, and your profile isn't jumping out for that. IMO, just do Columbia ED and go there. It's not worse than Chicago or Wharton and you will be in good shape for recruiting if you want to stay in NYC. I'm not an expert on the b-school application process (nor is anyone else here), but that's what I would do. I'm sure some prestige whore will make the opposite case, but really, if you want to stay in finance, Columbia is good enough.
Given your background and future goals Columbia is obviously a great fit. If you were single and mobility wasnt an issue I would say that you should apply to H/S/W/Chi/ and C regular decision but in your case I do not think it is worthwhile. Will you be applying to NYU or anywhere else as a back-up?
Yes, i figured ide do Columbia ED and then do H/S/W/Chi/Nyu also 1st round. If those all fail, possibly one or two easier schools for round 2 but well see. Thanks for the advice. I think i was leaning that way anyway
Columbia seems to fit your goals quite well (e.g., focus on value investing and other AM/portfolio management disciplines). If I were you I would absolutley apply ED to CBS. You should have a very good shot. That said, b-school admissions is always a crapshoot. Good luck.
Double post
Defo do CBS ED - the only downside is that if you get in you will have to put down a pretty sizable deposit ($6,000 last year) and then if you end up getting into HBS or W then you have a tough decision to make if finances are a factor. CBS is a great school and a great network, especially in New York so you wouldn't go wrong there.
Definitely have backups in mind as some of the other posters said - admissions is a crapshoot so you want to be downside protected in any event.
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