wolfparade wrote:
Hi Linda,
I was hoping to get your thoughts on my application process.
My profile:
-25-year old Canadian
-Graduated with a BBA (GPA ~3.75)
-Spent the last 2.5 years working in corporate and investment banking for a major Canadian bank
- Considered a strong performer within the Bank (won the CEO's award for performance in 2005)
- GMAT: 710 (v41, q45)
- My goal is to attend a top-tier U.S. school with hopes of getting into either private equity or consulting
One of the areas which I feel is lacking is my extracurricular. I consider myself a very balanced individual, having been able to work 75+ hours per week in addition to maintaining an active social life and keeping physically active. However, I have found little time for community involvement and was not particularly active in clubs during my undergraduate degree. How do you feel this will affect my competitiveness in the application process?
As well, I was hoping for some feedback on my odds of success, given my profile, at the following schools: Stern, Yale, Harvard, Haas, Columbia and Stanford.
Thanks in advance for any input you can offer.
The schools you are aiming at really value
community service. They know that investment bankers don't have a lot of time for it, but those applicants who do carve time for something (or at least can point to involvement as an undergrad) have an edge.
My strong advice for you is to combine either your social or exercise activities with some form of community service. You don't have to work in a soup kitchen or a hospital, although both activities qualify, but do something of interest to you. It will help whoever benefits and you.
Good luck!