Need help in selecting the right schools to apply

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your background. Your GMAT in general is going to be below the median at Kellogg, Cornell, Ross, and UCLA for your applicant pool. Further, your GPA is on the low side as well putting your overall academic profile below average for these programs. Sounds like you experienced some good career progression in HR over your 4 years at your firm, however this is likely par for the course unless you have accelerated beyond your peers. You talk about some impressive projects - how impressive are we talking? What initiatives have you led and what did you accomplish? As far as your involvement goes, we'll need to know a bit more about your role as an animal activist. What did you do in this role?

Your short-term goal makes sense, but I struggle a bit in understanding how consulting serves as a stepping stone to your long-term goal. Further, I'm unclear as to what your long term vision truly is. A long-term goal of starting your own venture is risky in that your background and experience needs to lead the AdComm to believe that your vision is a truly viable opportunity. Based on the factors above and your strong desire for earning a scholarship of some sort, Emory and USC are going to be your best bets. The other schools you mentioned will be a stretch with UCLA being the most attainable. A diversified application strategy that focuses on Emory, USC, UCLA, and one other program in the stretch bucket should serve you well this upcoming season. And definitely aim to submit in R1 to be considered for any and all scholarship opportunities. Hope this helps, and best of luck!