My admit chances @ HBS, Stanford, Stern, Columbia, Wharton
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24 Feb 2006, 08:43
Hello,
I am very much considering undertaking the MSc Management at the LSE, which differs greatly from an MBA in that it is a very intellectual course based on scientific analysis of management problems. Having spoken to people, including a phd student at HBS and a few other alumni of top schools, the common piece of advice I get is that I should just apply for an MBA right off the bat. My long-term goal is to enter VC with a focus on games and technology, while the short term focus involves a good strategy consultancy such as McK/Bain where I can further my skills.
I was wondering if you, as an independent third party, would be willing to assess my chances of entering the aforementioned schools. The work experience is a snippet from my CV, and although I realise you probably dont have the time to read through the whole thing, I have added it here just in case you want to reference it.
About to graduate with First Class Honours, BSc Business Studies @ Lancaster University Management School with Majors in: Accounting & Finance, Management Science and Economics
GPA 2nd year extremely high (top 1%), 3rd year will be lower due to other priorities and very difficult course choices (taking advanced finance courses with BSc Finance students etc.) but I will graduate with a First for sure. GMAT score 750 (V45, Q48), AWA 5.0 - first attempt
Extracurricular activities;
• GMAT score of 750 (99th percentile)
• Launched the universities official Management Consultancy Society in 2005 and hold the role of President.
• Diploma from the European Business School Leadership Course
Work Experience;
EU CENTRAL BANK, Stockholm – Research Analyst 2004-2005
• Held two consecutive summer internships between June and October. Worked on two large projects regarding the governance structure of central banks and exchange rate fluctuations between banks and their customers, creating and managing databases for both.
• Conducted research into various companies, private banks, and central banks.
• By putting my own ideas and experience to use, I was able to contribute outside of my main duty areas; this ranged from improvements to reports the team was creating to suggestions regarding other potential areas of research and analysis.
VC FIRM, Stockholm, Sweden – Intern 2003
• Created reports and conducted due diligence for senior management & partners regarding existing and potential ventures such as Skype and --.
• Analysed the investor packages and business plans of companies seeking both startup and late stage financing and attended investor pitches.
• Independently sought after and helped create awareness within the firm regarding new investment opportunities & rapidly growing markets.
• Regularly took the initiative to make recommendations regarding potential strategic improvement that could be made by the various companies I was analysing and was often commended for my initiative and ideas.
-- Ltd., London, U.K. – Co-founder & Director 1999-2002
• -- is a web design company as well as a consultancy firm for companies within the gaming industry such as Microsoft, Logitech, Razer, and Everglide. This includes running events and tournaments and helping with the research and development of gaming products.
• Founded and ran the company together with two partners parallel to my high school studies. Sold in late 2002 and used the proceeds to fund myself through higher education.
• Successfully launched our flagship website, --, and created market awareness which lead to buy-out offers from three different companies.
• Negotiated numerous strategic partnership agreements with senior members of target organisations. Secured contracts and endorsement deals.
--
As you can see I ran started my own company during high school and sold it to a partner to commence my education and funded my studies through the proceeds. Furthermore, I speak 4 languages fluently due to having moved around a lot in the past.
Thank you so much for your help.