Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions

Hi tz15! Thanks for reaching out to us. Three years is sufficient to apply for an MBA, especially if you've had a promotion. Are you still involved with the non-profit? If not, can you restart that or join something similar? Would be great to show leadership in an activity like that. Your GPA will be on the low end for MBA business schools">M7 schools, so definitely focus on getting that high GMAT! The CFA, and upward trend, helps too. If you can get a 730 or higher then I would give some MBA business schools">M7 schools a shot. Outside the MBA business schools">M7, look at schools like Cornell or Stern if you want to pursue banking. Most schools have strong consulting placements but check out ones like Ross for its action based program that is great prep for consulting. Best of luck!

Hi mrburn451! I agree overall you have a strong profile. GPA is not stellar but pretty solid, and the extra classes help. Definitely consider the GRE! Most schools are very accepting of it, especially if you are not planning to recruit for banking or consulting. Your work experience + promotion sound great too. Your recommenders don't need to have ties to b-schools. What's most important is that they know you well, have specific examples showing you standing out against your peers, and are really enthusiastic about you. I think depending on how testing goes, you've got a shot at MBA business schools">M7 programs given your background. Kellogg MMM sounds like a great fit with your goals! Best of luck!

Hey Wsup! Excellent academic background, and curious what your unique skill is! A higher GMAT never hurts, but I also don't think you need to retake. 2 years is a little light experience wise, though often consulting is a field that draws early career applicants. Have you been promoted in that time? Have project leadership accomplishments? It's ideal to have one recommender be a current supervisor, or for consultants, be a manager / director level who has supervised your work on a project. Any mentors you have at the firm would work too. Most applicants are able to secure these even though applying means they would leave their position, so it's not usually an issue. Try to avoid using co-workers who are at the same level for both letters unless you have to. Overall, you've got a really strong profile. Definitely can be aiming for H/S/W assuming your execution is strong and essays extremely well written. H/S/W only strategy is risky for pretty much any applicant though, so just be aware that you're aiming really high. Feel free to reach out to us for a free consult, or with any other questions!

Hi 5 million,

Thanks for the specific questions!

GPA is important for all applicants. GMAT is easier to compare across both applicants, but both are really important indicators of your academic abilities.

I believe the rankings only include GPAs on a 4.0 scale.

Interesting theory on the earnings, but I don't think that holds true -- so many students change their minds once they get into school so I doubt that's a factor in admissions, certainly not something we looked at when I reviewed admissions files at Booth.

Yes, high GMAT is definitely a factor in scholarships.

B-schools view entrepreneurs equally, you don't need to be in tech. They will want to see that you've got high potential and made an impact, regardless of the industry.

Hope this helps!

Hi Gerry_Garner, You're at a point now where a full-time MBA makes sense, and many EMBA programs look for closer to 10 years experience (though I do know some applicants who've gotten in to programs like Columbia with less than that). The main difference is in the career resources, with full-time you have the opportunity to do an internship and you have companies hiring on campus and plenty of time for job networking. EMBA students are more set in their career industry/function, and usually look to advance level-wise. Given your target industry, I understand why you're targeting those top programs. For those schools, your GPA could be slightly challenging, but your excellent GMAT and leadership will hopefully make up for that (since they are more recent).

I would give it a shot with the full-time programs this year, and if you get into a top one that you love, great! If not, then you've got the EMBA option in your back pocket. I would also add MIT Sloan Fellows program to your list, similar experience level to EMBAs but it's a one year full-time program. And maybe Cornell? I know it's not NE and top 10, but I hear quite strong for real estate.

Best of luck! Kate

Hi Peter Bread!

I'm glad you've narrowed in on Columbia and the Value Investing program. Are you planning to apply Early Decision? I would, and I would also aim to apply ahead of the deadline (like in the summer). Visit campus before then too (if you haven't already) and talk to students/alums who have been a part of the program.

Your profile is strong -- great GMAT / GPA stats. Your demographic pool is tough though so you'll need every bit of edge. Try to boost your community service and leadership. On the job, can you volunteer for new initiatives/committees? Training or recruiting? Those can "count" as leadership too. Outside work, you have interesting hobbies! Can you do any community work related to those? Like music-related community programs? Or teaching jiu-jitsu to kids? If not, you could explore opportunities via your undergrad alumni organization, or there are lots of outlets to do tutoring or pro-bono consulting (though these are more common volunteer activities). Anything is better than nothing but ideally choose an activity that you are passionate about, and one that allows you to take a leadership role.

Oh, and 3-4 years experience is definitely in line with what schools are looking for. Good luck! Kate

Hi castlehill! Unless you have an identical twin, I am pretty sure I just reviewed your profile over on our GMAT Club board. To summarize, focus on GMAT and possibly boosting your leadership / extracurriculars. Top schools are not out of reach for you, but might be tough depending on those two areas. Keep me posted if you have any more questions! Good luck, Kate

Hi gorlossis! Thanks for posting. The low GPA is unfortunate but from a top school + the athletics experience, I think it will be less concerning. GMAT will still be very important for you - that is the best way to counteract a low GPA. So keep up the practice and I hope you score in that 720+ range.

Aside from GMAT, I would try to get involved in the community outside work -- that's important for a lot of the schools on your list to see a track record of leadership in different activities.

Otherwise, the multi-lingual and immigrant experience should give you a nice boost, and your goals are in line with your experience. By the way, if returning to your firm is something you'd consider, would your current firm sponsor you for your MBA? If so, that would look good from an admissions standpoint too.

Best of luck! Kate

Hi Gonrod!

You have an impressive profile! Great GPA and internship experience, with a mix of start-up and consulting work. Make sure you can tie that experience in to your post-MBA goals. Your community service should help you stand out too.

Don't worry about your Recs not being from HBS alums, what's most important is that they know you well, provide specific examples of you standing out compared to your peers, and are really enthusiastic about your potential as a leader.

Given how competitive the 2+2 program is, it's hard to predict your chances, even with such a strong profile. Focus on GMAT, with a score below 700 your chances will be pretty slim.

Hope this helps! Kate

Hi again 5 million--

1. Showing recent high performance in a masters degree is great, but remember that not every applicant has a masters so to compare applicants (and for ranking purposes) they will consider your UG GPA. So you can't escape it, unfortunately!
2. Yes, use the optional essay to briefly explain circumstances that impacted your GPA. And sometimes it makes sense to include a letter of support for your UG institution, depends on the circumstances and whether one is available.
3. Network, network, network! Visit, talk to students/alums, try to meet admissions officers. Really get to know them and show your excitement for the school. Show your knowledge of all the school has to offer in your essays too. I don't see how that would impact scholarships, but I'm not certain as every school is different.
4. Sometimes it can help, but negotiating is tricky, and some schools are not open to it at all.

Best of luck! Kate

Hi Sparhapt153!

Thanks for posting. To answer your questions...

1) No I don't think that looks bad. If anything it shows work ethic and determination, so I think it's a positive. Your overall GPA is great! If that Calc class is the only quant course on your transcript, then yes, I would take at least one more (another advanced math, stats, econ, maybe finance or accounting). Adcoms do look in depth at your transcript, in particular at the quant courses you've taken.

2) Your recs should come from people you know well and have interacted with recently. B-schools also typically have a bias towards professional recommendations instead of academic ones, so if you're applying now, I would try not to have both recommendations come from professors (an internship supervisor is a good option, if you have one). So then if you applied in 2-3 years, you would likely want different recommenders, because you'd want someone who has worked with you in the prior 2-3 years. Plus, b-school recommenders must fill out an online form / skills rating grid, and upload their letters directly to the schools, so it's not something you can submit on their behalf.

3) Yes, definitely highlight on campus leadership and any work experience you have. You don't need to highlight courses taken since those will be represented on your transcript. But you can include academic awards/honors. For examples of effective MBA resumes, you might want to check out our Resume Guide our our website, see the link in my signature and go to Resources > Free Guides > Admissions Guides.

Best of luck! Kate

Hi tz15, I have positive views of it. I've heard some admissions officers (not from HBS) say they think highly of the program and that it's a great way to boost your academic profile. I have also had some past clients complete the program (most of them without much business coursework in their background) and find it to be good preparation. So I definitely think it's worth considering. Of course having a high GMAT is another great way (and arguably better way) to address any academic concerns. Good luck! Kate

Hi THEBLUECHEESE, thanks for posting! I think you're mostly right, those schools accept GRE and don't state a preference, but they're not the same test. I don't think they heavily discount the GRE though; in fact for some applicants struggling with GMAT, we recommend the GRE because as of now GRE scores don't factor into rankings, so schools may be willing to accept an otherwise rock star applicant with a lower GRE. The GRE is increasing in popularity but still pretty low at the schools you mention (7% of applicants to CBS and 10% to Cornell). I think you should consider whether you would perform significantly better on one test over the other. The other main factor for you is that you are in and want to stay in banking, where recruiters heavily favor the GMAT. So if your potential scores on both tests are similar, I would opt for the GMAT. For more info on this, check this out: https://www.mbamission.com/blog/2018/01/09/mbamission-and-manhattan-pre… Thanks! Kate

Hi trippycannon!

Your experience in the FLDP is great -- well regarded by b-schools due to broad exposure, leadership opportunities, and selectivity. Plus the promotion and exposure in Europe is great. No, you don't need to make manager before you apply - though multiple promotions do always look good. Will you have much leadership experience before making manager? If you think that's an area that's light, then waiting til you have some more experience under your belt may make sense. But most applicants have about 3-5 years experience by the time they matriculate, so you're in range already.

The GPA is unfortunate and could be a challenge at very top schools so I would focus on the 10-25 range. In addition to the schools you mentioned, perhaps check out Darden, Texas, Cornell, Ross (all are strong in finance/consulting). Anyway, in regards to the GPA -- a high GMAT is your best strategy! I would aim to be above the median for your target schools (so that means above a 720 for NYU, above 708 for LBS). Having retaken the courses will help, and a well crafted optional essay explaining how you've matured since college will help too, but ultimately you can't change it, so need to focus on highlighting all the other strong aspects of your profile.

Any activities / volunteer roles outside work? If not, that may be an additional area to strengthen and round out your profile.

Feel free to post back with other questions, or sign up for a free phone consult on our website: https://www.mbamission.com/consult/

Good luck! Kate

Hey bogahoga If I am not mistaken, I just responded to you over on Manhattan Prep. Hope that helps!! Let us know if you have other questions. Krista

Hi VivianR! Happy to help. It sounds like you are on a great track!

Your academics background is really strong. Focus on complementing that with a 720 or higher GMAT score if you want to target MBA business schools">M7.

I think your operational PE experience is great -- opportunity to have a lot of impact and learn a lot quickly. It also sounds like great preparation for consulting. Top schools will definitely consider, and value, that background. Is there opportunity for promotion/progression? Significant leadership roles? International experience? Those would be great to add. Also make sure you've got supervisors/mentors who will eventually be able to write standout recommendation letters for you (when it comes time).

I also really like your ECs, especially starting your own business, that's great. Does that tie to your long-term/post-MBA goals? Make sure when it comes time, you can tell a cohesive/compelling story about your long-term career path.

Mostly I would keep up the good work, rock the GMAT, and once you're closer to applying (like a year out), start to do more research/networking with your target schools (visiting, etc.).

Best of luck! Kate

Hi 2trickpony (love the username!) - I'm Nisha, one of Kate's colleagues. Regarding whether to go with an EMBA or FT MBA - that's a personal decision that depends on how long you are willing to stay at your current company (you seem quite open to it) and whether you want an immersive experience or whether you prefer working while you're studying. I think your target GMAT score is right for the programs you've listed in either case. Definitely do highlight your community/church involvement (frame it in terms of the leadership and impact you demonstrated). I hope that this helps - do let me know of any specific questions/concerns you have. Thanks!

2trickpony:

Hi Kate,

To begin, I'm evaluating if an MBA is the right route for me. My target job is corporate development at mid-large cap company (>$1B). I'm fairly confident I can lateral into an analyst/associate role now and then check EMBA off in a few years time, so I'll give you target schools for both.

Profile: White, Male, Midwest

Academics: Top 50 undergrad, Finance degree with minor in music performance. 3.7 GPA. Extensive ECs in music both in school and metro area.

Work Experience: 4 years at F50. FLDP graduate with on time promotion to Sr. Analyst and top bucket reviews. Currently working for highly strategic platform doing market/financial modeling with some senior leadership exposure.

EC: actively involved in my community through church but very hesitant on how to frame that / even at all

GMAT: not taken, confident I can target 720 with a stretch goal of 740

Full Time Targets: Wharton, Booth, Fuqua, Ross, Tuck

EMBA Targets: Wharton, Fuqua, Ross, Columbia

Thank you very much!

Hello, The Love Doctor! Thanks for reaching out. You have a strong academic profile (GMAT, GPA, CFA). By the way, you can use WES (https://applications.wes.org/igpa-calculator/) to convert your GPA (though you don't need to convert it when you submit your application, just for your own information). Work experience sounds good too and will prepare you well for your post MBA goals. Re. your questions...

1. What impact does being an Eurasian Australian have on my application? **This should give you a bit of a helpful edge. Schools value experiences you've had living/studying in different cultures. **
2. Would it be better to apply in the early decision round or should I just wait until March 2019 to give myself more time to beef up my ECs? **I would apply early decision. As long as you have some EC experience, I think the benefit of early decision outweighs that lack of leadership. **
3. Any ideas for community service and leadership? How would a 2 week overseas volunteer program be viewed? Would it help compensate for my lack of ECs? **Offer to take on any new roles/committees at the charity that may involve some leadership. If that's not possible, can you get involved with your undergrad alumni organization? Are there non-required roles you can take on at work, like mentoring/recruiting/organizing events? Are there other personal interests you pursue or personal accomplishments you can accelerate? (These can count too!). I think an overseas program would be viewed positively, sounds like a great idea. Is there a way to stay involved with the program after the 2 weeks? That would be even better. **
4. Would a 760+ GMAT make a significant difference on my application? Was consistently scoring in the 750-770 range in practice exams so was pretty disappointed with my mark and am considering retaking the exam.** Yes, that would make a significant difference, and may even open up more opportunity for scholarships. You don't need to retake, 740 is a great score, but it sounds like you can score higher, so I would give it another shot. Columbia will accept your highest score. **
5. Any additional advice to strengthen my candidacy? **Especially if you are going to apply early decision, I recommend visiting Columbia, or if that's not possible at least trying to attend an admissions info session in your home city and speaking to alums/students. I think this kind of networking is important to do to demonstrate your interest. **

Hi Macron,

Thanks for reaching out. Your academic background seems really strong with a good GPA, CFA 1 under your belt already, and you were balancing athletics on top of that. Hopefully you can complement all that with a strong GMAT too. Yes, if you've just graduated in 2017, then I would wait at least until you have completed 2 years full-time to apply. Hopefully you can land a promotion before then too.

What about activities outside work? Be sure to have some activities by the time you apply, ideally ones that involve leadership.

GMAT is a big and important unknown, so it's hard to predict your chances at specific schools without knowing that. But given what you've shared, I don't think MBA business schools">M7 schools are out of reach for you, if you continue along this strong trajectory. I would plan to target a range of schools, perhaps one or two in the MBA business schools">M7 (like Booth or Columbia if you want to focus on finance), one or two in Europe (like HEC Paris or INSEAD if you want to return to France), and then one or two safer options in the top 20.

Hope this helps, and good luck! Kate

Yes, @Macron, I see your point, but I also see plenty of accepted applicants to M7 schools from "non-target" schools. In fact, you might find this list interesting: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/class-profile/Pages/undergraduate-in…

Hi CalgaryFinance - thanks for writing! You have very progressive work experience at an international bank, so that's a real strength. Bankers don't have to have experience in one of the BBs (I assume you're referring to GS and the like) - what is important is your career progression and the impact you've made on the organization, both of which seem strong for you based on the info you've provided. It'll also be important to secure recommendations that are full of specific examples that attest to your exceptional performance nad strong potential.

Regarding your GPA - you can address your first-year performance in the Optional Essay (in a way that is candid and assumes responsibility). Your strong GMAT will definitely assuage any concerns the AdCom has about your academic abilities/competitiveness in this area.

It's good that you have had solid extracurricular involvement since college as well - be sure to highlight your youth basketball coaching experience on your resume, mentioning any notable results you've achieved (games won, # of players developed, etc.).

Give your profile, if you put together a high-quality application that covers the areas I mentioned, I think you're a viable candidate for Harvard and Wharton. I recommend creating a list of programs that involves a couple of reach schools (these two are a reach for everyone), a few that are more in your "strike zone" and a couple which you're even more confident about getting into, just to make sure you have some options.

I hope that helps - feel free to reach out with any other questions.

CalgaryFinance:

I am looking for some advice on if there was any chance of an MBA at Harvard or Wharton, and if not, what business schools are possible?

Work Experience: - Summer Analyst Corporate Banking at international bank (think HSBC), earned the highest performance rating out of all summer analysts, and was the only one to be offered a full time position. - Worked 1 in year in their corporate banking rotational program until promoted early (normally the program is two years) - Spent 2 years as an analyst working with their distressed portfolio (working with restructuring, insolvency, and refinancing) - Promoted again, which I have currently been doing for 4 months.

GMAT: 770

Education: - Tier 2 University in Canada (think University of Alberta) - Major GPA 3.62 - Cumulative GPA: 3.2 (poor first year performance) - Student athlete and involved in numerous clubs

Volunteer work: - Coaching youth basketball for years.

Does my GPA/poor uni and lack of a BB brand name bank hurt? Or can my promotions and GMAT change that?

Hello SecretAgentMan! Today is my day to do the boards so no Kate today! My gut reaction is GREAT GPA which schools will love. We often say that GPA is the marathon and GMAT the sprint. B-schools want to know that you are the type of person that will perform in their program and your 3.9 says that perfectly. Re: the GMAT, you may want to circle back once you have an actual score -- the exam is a mental trial and we often find that clients score 20+ points lower on the actual exam than they do on the practices. If you're already at 750 to 770, my recommendation is to book an actual exam ASAP and take it!! Then you will know. And if you need to rejigger your strategy, you still have time to do so before apps open in June and things get crazy. Your gut is right though and we'd want to see 740+ for an American banker/PE candidate.

Current extracurriculars -- sounds like there's not much you can change in the short-term but maybe talk to HR at your firm and see if there's any CSR initiatives you can help with. Also look back at activities you have done in the past and see if you can reconnect. Right now, I worry that you don't have the leadership profile to crack HBS but perhaps that can be mitigated by industry expertise through PE and rockstar recommendations. (One thing to look at -- at your PE firm, when people have left to pursue their MBAs, where have they gone? That's a good signal to help you understand what's possible. If your firm has never sent anyone to H/W/S, it will be tougher than if they have.

3 years in PE is hard to comment on just now -- would want to know more about your industry and deal exposure. With 4 years of experience now, you're in a good place so you don't have to delay.

You seem like the type of person who would get a lot out of a free consultation with us, but to really get the most of out that, I think you should wait til you have an official GMAT score in the bag. Then, sign up.

Hope that helps! Krista

Hi - thanks for writing! I'm Nisha, one of Krista's colleagues :)

The HBS 2+2/GSB deferred programs are extremely competitive. Even though 730 is a great GMAT score, you're wise to aim higher since GMAT is heavily weighted for these types of programs (since candidates don't have as much work experience). A few things to focus on:

• Clarify WHY you want an MBA at this time, for your essays - what are your ST and LT goals, and how will an early career MBA help? Even though these programs are aimed towards liberal arts/STEM majors, you can still try to make a case by discussing sincerely in your apps why you want an MBA in a couple of years - what drives you? What type of skills do you want to gain, and what is your ultimate ambition at this point?

• On your resume/application, fully highlight the impact you've made within that collegiate extracurricular organization (and elsewhere within college) - what are some key accomplishments you've had in your time there? AdComs are looking for exceptional extracurricular impact from 2+2/Deferred candidates (since they indicate leadership ability/potential in the absence of full-time work experience) so the more robust involvement candidates have, the better -Recommendations: the most important thing is that the recommenders KNOW YOU EXTREMELY WELL (not their title). Much better to choose your immediate supervisor (in your case, likely an associate), vs. a CEO/VP who hasn't worked with you as closely. The recommenders need to give specific examples that speak to your career performance and potential.

I hope that those tips give you a good start! If you want to discuss your profile in more detail, please sign up for a 30-min free consultation here: https://www.mbamission.com/consult/?display=mba-admissions

UWO838:

Thanks for doing this mbaMissionKrista !

I’m planning on applying to HBS 2+2 and GSB deferred admission — could you please give me your opinion / tips / chances?

Education State school (50-60 US News range) Applied mathematics / economics major 3.9 GPA

GMAT: 720 (51q, 39v) on first practice exam with minimal studying. Hoping for a 760+ by application time

Work XP: Freshmen internship: Boutique IB Soph internship: IB summer analyst at mid-tier BB (CS/BAML/Citi) + return offer Junior internship: IB summer analyst at top tier BB (GS/MS) + return offer (will be joining full time this summer) Additionally, I’ve taken only 3 classes my senior year and have worked full time as an investment analyst at a well-known university endowment. By application time I’ll have been here 7 months

Ethnicity: Hispanic male (dual citizen) — bilingual

Extra-curriculars: I think this is my weak spot. Meaningful leadership in 1 college organization, have been involved in a few others. Also have musical/sports hobbies that I’ve performed/competed in, but nothing at a notably high level.

Story: Not sure where to go here. Although I’m not a business major, my work experience is heavily finance focused so I don’t think I can play up the “STEM” angle. Long-term career goal is investing in some capacity, although I’m not sure in what capacity (could be PE, emerging markets, world bank/IMF, etc).

Additionally, regarding recommendation letters, how senior should recommenders be? I know that I can get great rec letters from analysts/associates who I worked for as an intern, but I’m not as confident in the recommendations I could get from VP+ (given that I didn’t work as closely with them).

Thanks for your help!

biggest reasons why I have not had the confidence to consider graduate school until now'

Hi there - thanks for writing! Regarding your GPA, the best way to offset this is with a high GMAT, so I'm glad you're aiming high! Additionally, I would address your GPA in an optional essay, where you'll explain what led to your low academic performance (making sure you take responsibility for it), and what you feel are more accurate indicators of your academic potential (hopefully your GMAT, along with strong work performance). Regarding schools to target, this will depend on what your post-MBA goals are, which geography you're targeting, and what type of culture you're seeking in a program. Also, you'll have a better idea of which schools are a reach or target once you have your GMAT score. Hope that helps for now!

Waffles21:

Hello,

Thanks for doing this. Reading the discussion has been super useful. I was hoping to get your input on what type of business schools to target. A little about me:

Professional experience 1) 2 years of consulting with a Tier 2 management consulting company (equivalent to Deloitte and Accenture) 2) 3 years of corporate strategy experience with 2 of the biggest financial services firms in the world 3) Graduated from a top 20 school - University of Toronto 4) 2 years of entrepreneurship and international volunteering experiences 5) Will be joining the strategy consulting group of a Big 4 consulting company as an Engagement Manager

What I am really worried about is that my GPA in university was really low. I graduated with a 2.1 due to immaturity and a lot of family problems. This has been one of the biggest reasons why I have not had the confidence to take to consider graduate school until now. I am hoping to take the GMAT this year and get a high score (as close to 750 as possible). By the time I apply for MBA schools I should have 6 years of experience.

Any advice on what type of schools to target and what other actions I can do to position myself better for when I apply?

Thanks!

Hey Askarn Thanks for getting in touch! Today is my day for WSO so you get me today instead of Nisha. Now firstly, your GMAT score is fab. We rarely see 780. It should be a nice boon to your candidacy but it really depends on the rest of your profile. I'm also impressed with your extracurriculars and encourage you to keep them up The nonprofit is especially interesting. It seems like you have some international interests so one program I'd really like you to look at is Wharton Lauder. (However, this requires language skills and it's not clear if you've got those. Also note that Wharton tends to be picky about GPAs.) Another program that might jive with your international interests in Yale. They seem to be doing a lot here. (I assume H/S are already on your list.) In general, I think you'll be a stronger candidate next year with another year of WE under your belt, but there's certainly nothing from stopping you applying this year. You strike me as the type of person who would get a lot out of a free consultation with us so please do set one up at your convenience! Krista

redpills84th:

Hi Team,

Thank you for your invaluable advice and comments on this board. Because of my age (33) and work experience (7 years), I’ve been only applying to one year programs (Kellogg; Goizueta; Mendoza), but I wonder whether I should be applying to 2 year programs (M7 and select top 15 schools) given that I am an international applicant (no green card) and therefore summer internship would be very important for me. I want to work in LevFin/Credit/HY research/debt fund in the U.S. after graduation, but any $100K-200K paying F500 jobs in the U.S. is fine as well. Also, I am retaking GMAT next week to better my chances at top schools. I have a feeling that it would be around 700-720.

The questions are: 1) should I apply to 2 year programs; 2) what are my chances for MBA business schools">M7 or top 15 programs; 3) other advice on how I should apply or boost my candidacy.

• Profile: South Korean; 34 at matriculation; male
• Academics: Top 15 undergraduate school in Korea. Majored in business administration and GPA is 3.82/4.5 or 3.40 under a 4.0 scale. Was included in a Dean's Honor List for one semester. Was an active member of an IT-related club during college.
• Compulsory military service (2 years) during college: Was awarded the Battalion Commander’s Commendation Medal for Excellence in weapons inspection.
• Professional Experience: 1) U.S. BB in Seoul (current; 1.5 years) – 3rd year associate (Corporate credit officer – likely to be promoted to VP next year, but will apply for 3R now so not relevant); 2) European BB and worked in Germany (1.5 years) – corporate credit ratings; 3) national development/policy bank (prestigious government bank here) in Korea (4 years) – corporate debt restructuring/credit/ARM; 4) U.S. MM/cross-border boutique in Seoul (6 months; M&A analyst as an intern during school).
• Extracurricular: Currently none
• Test scores: TOEFL 114/120; GMAT 670 (Q 47, V 36)
• Certifications: Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
• Other: Lived as a permanent resident in the U.S. for 7 years (2-9 years old)

Hi, Thanks for posting. So it's true that you'd be quite a bit older than most 2 year full-time MBA students. But as long as you are ok with that... the admissions committee will not focus on age. They will look at # of years of experience, but with 7 years that is not crazy high given the average is often 5 years. So I would say 2 year full time is not out of the question, but that 1 year options (or part time etc) may have more experienced, slightly older classmates as more the norm, so food for thought. I think it’s important that you try to decide for yourself if you prefer 1 or 2 year… with considerations such as that internship; overall quantity of classes you desire to take; time out of the work force at this point in your career; costs; desired timeframe to be fully immersed in this experience, etc. It may help to try to speak with students doing each option asap at some of your target programs as well. In terms of pure admissions, that GMAT re-take will play a large role… not that it would get you IN but right now it may easily keep you out given the level of competition among MBA business schools">M7 and top 15 schools etc. So…perhaps reach out again with a higher GMAT for better overall assessment too, or sign up for one of our free consultations. Your work experience, progression, and international experience is all solid, but your grades are not stellar and having no ECs (as you say) are not helping the situation… I would think MBA business schools">M7 may be a bit of a reach no matter what. I think you could include a few schools in the top 15-20 outside MBA business schools">M7 with a 720 GMAT yes….. anyway keep us posted with more thoughts and test scores, and good luck!

Hi Asymmetric.,

Your GPA and GMAT stats are great. I think with 3 years of work experience you're at a good point in your career to apply. If you applied in this upcoming Round 1 2018, and matriculated in Fall 2019, you'd have pretty close to the average amount of work experience for MBA candidates. The average age for most schools is 27-28.

As for your career question, I think it's reasonable to make that kind of switch via the MBA given your current experience. You might want to check out some of our career primers here: https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/career-primers. You should also look into post-MBA salary data on the employment reports for some of the schools you might target. That will give you a better idea of what the typical post MBA starting salaries are.

Good luck! Kate

Hi pandapandapanda,

Sure thing, happy to help! PE experience is certainly valuable, and entrepreneurial experience can be a plus... there's a slight risk of your story thus far feeling a bit scattered, but likely depends most on how long you've been at your current role, and would be easier to assess with a full resume (feel free to sign up for a free 30 minute consultation if ever desired fyi). Of course a top GMAT is vital, so work hard on that prep!! But with a strong score yes I think you can likely aim for a top 10 school if you've been in your current role for ideally 2-3 years??? Good luck!

pandapandapanda:

Thanks for this!

• Profile: Asian, 26
• Academics: Top 10 undergrad in U.S., 3.7 GPA, was pre-med, completed all 3 levels of CFA
• Professional: Started own small business out of college, then joined a biotech startup, now work on buy-side at a multi-billion dollar family office doing PE (the family/boss are all very connected and well-known in the industry)
• GMAT: aiming for 760+
• Goal of MBA: PE or IB (if needed), but may apply with healthcare/biotech focus
• Aim for Top 10 MBA realistic?

Hi HFbrazillian,

Thanks for posting. Your involvement and activities sound very like a strength of yours; I particularly appreciate that you have co-founded several new groups and initiatives. Good luck on the CFA, that is a small plus as well. Obviously your GMAT is solid. I would just recommend you have 3-4+ years of work experience by the time you matriculate for best chances. I do think you could aim for M7; Wharton comes to mind certainly as does Columbia. Keep in touch with any q's in the coming years and best wishes.

HFbrazillian:

Hi!

I was hoping to get your opinion on what business schools to target.

• Brazillian, Studied Economics in a well known university in Brazil, GPA 3.0 , since my GPA is a conversion I think it is fair to say 3.0 is around Top 5% ~ 10%. GMAT 740.

• Founded the University Investment League, co-founded the Alumni Club and was one of the co-founders of a big movement to end the biggest strike in the history of university (coordinated more than 400 teachers and 3000 students).

• Captain of handball team in university, and played on youth teams (3rd place on state championship, invited to play on big teams in other cities, but did not want to become professional player.)

• First person to get a higher education degree on my family (my grandmother actually was before, but she was already 50 years old, and did it more because was her dream).

• 1.5 years of WE, 1 year in PE, half year in a Family Office Fund of Hedge Funds. The Founder of FoHF was the founder of the biggest Investment Bank in Latin America, which actively hires from Harvard/Wharton. We are very well conected and invest with some of the most famous and well-known HFs in world. We have been among the best performing FoHF in the world sicne inception in eraly 90`s. I supposed his letter should be pretty strong.). 1 promotion.

• Sitting for CFA level 1 this year, expect to be at least level 2 until admissions.

• Post MBA goal to move to HF as investment analysis, since already have connections and perform similar activities on my current job. On the long term I want to launch my own HF.

Would probably apply in 2019.

My dream would be Harvard because it`s a pretty traditional place for Hedge Funds Managers, but knowing the high bar to enter, i would be happy in any MBA business schools">M7.