Trying to decide if it's worth applying to the top schools?

Ethnicity?

White male. No help there...

Okay, you say you are not sure you want to be a hedge fund analyst for the rest of your life... what do you want to do?

Is an MBA requisite for the career you are pursuing?

I don't see how, with those stats, it wouldn't be worth even APPLYING...

I agree with BigBucks. But at the same time, having an additional network may be helpful down the line to tap into just in case you need help transitioning to another area of Finance or a new job in general. Sounds like your stats are outstanding. I'd apply early. Gets harder the later you wait.

One strategy since you're undecided on what you want to do permanently is to apply to top MSF programs and use an MSF to explore something new for two years, then if apply for MBA programs after two years of working post-MSF. That way, you're not immediately exhausting your MBA and your post MBA opportunities without having the chance to explore all of your options.

I'm not 100% sure what I want to do, I think either do something entrepreneurial or maybe go back to a different hedge fund (it's quite hard to change funds once you're at a place). Also I've always wanted to travel more and this would be a great opportunity to do that. So all-in-all I don't really have the 'best' reasons to apply to b-scbool. I'll clearly have to work on that. I've been working really hard since graduation and don't want to regret working so much during my 20s. Does that make sense or is that a selfish view point?

Bump - anyone else?

You have a strong gpa from a good college, which will help for HBS since they are obsessed with ug gpa. Your gmat is fine, provided that you got at least 80% on both sections. I suppose re-taking to try to get 740+ won't hurt, but don't do it at the expense of working on other areas of the application.

Top BB+hedge fund is a pretty good path, and people with your profile do pretty well at wharton/booth/kellogg. With HBS and Stanford it will be tougher since you're not at a top hedge fund, and your extracurriculars/leadership is a bit thin. But with the other top schools you have a pretty good shot. It will boil down to execution on your part.

i think your gmat and grades are fine, focus on your leadership roles from now til then -- definitely a much better way to make a bigger impact on your application from the holistic approach. all the time you can spend -- what was your quant/verbal split on that 710 btw? if you have a weak quant and a high verbal might want to be retaking but still think youre fine

i think HS youre nothing fancy for but it never hurts to try i guess, the others should have decent chances at to get into at least one :)

A GMAT score of 700 plus is advisable if you are aiming for top institutes. However it is not just the academics but beyond the academics that will help you in determining your candidature. Generally most of the applicants have a good 4-5 years of full time work experience apart from part time work exp or internships. Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So if you can show that in your years you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for you can put in a strong set of essays. Make sure you follow the ‘show rather than tell’ principle so that the admissions committee could really understand your strengths and differentiating factors.” So if you can showcase the above aspects you will have a stellar profile and good chance at the top schools.

Thanks - helpful stuff!