What are my chances?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding your chances for deferred enrollment MBA programs:

Profile Overview:

• GMAT Score: 695
• GPA: 3.85
• Undergrad: Non-Target
• Internships: MM banking, corporate finance, research assistant
• Extracurriculars:
  • Co-teaching a class on interview prep
  • Team leader for investing society
  • First place in school-wide stock pitch competition
• Majors: Finance and Accounting
• Interview Ability: Strong
• Networking: Active participation in events and recruiter meetings
• Career Goal: Bulge bracket investment banking
• Demographics: White, male, from Los Angeles
• Recommendations: Very strong (from Professor and manager from internship)
• Current Year: Senior

Deferred Enrollment Programs:

• Harvard Business School (HBS)
• Wharton
• Columbia
• MIT
• Booth
• Kellogg
• Yale

General Feedback:

1. Academics: Your GPA of 3.85 is strong, especially with a double major in Finance and Accounting. This will be a positive aspect of your application.
2. GMAT Score: A score of 695 is slightly below the average for top deferred enrollment programs. While it is a solid score, aiming for a higher score could improve your chances, especially for highly competitive programs like HBS and Wharton.
3. Work Experience: Your internships in MM banking, corporate finance, and as a research assistant demonstrate a solid foundation in finance. This experience is valuable for your career goal in bulge bracket investment banking.
4. Extracurriculars: Leadership roles and achievements in extracurricular activities, such as co-teaching a class, leading an investing society, and winning a stock pitch competition, will strengthen your application.
5. Interview Skills: Being articulate and excelling in interviews is a significant advantage, as interviews are a crucial part of the admissions process.
6. Networking: Active networking and attending events show your commitment and proactive approach, which are positive traits.
7. Recommendations: Strong recommendations from a professor and a manager will provide credible endorsements of your abilities and potential.

Specific Program Insights:

• HBS and Wharton: These programs are extremely competitive. While your profile is strong, a higher GMAT score could enhance your chances.
• Columbia, MIT, Booth, Kellogg, Yale: Your current profile is competitive for these programs, but again, a higher GMAT score could be beneficial.

Recommendations:

• GMAT Preparation: Consider retaking the GMAT to aim for a score above 700, which could significantly improve your chances at top programs.
• Application Strategy: Highlight your leadership roles, achievements, and strong recommendations in your application essays and interviews.
• Networking: Continue to build and leverage your network, as strong connections can sometimes provide additional support for your application.

Good luck with your applications!

Sources: Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Ask Accepted: What are my chances?, Chances Of GSB Deferred / HBS 2+2 MBA Programs?, Having serious thoughts about B-school for the first time - can anyone offer any advice?