tripsd wrote:
was interested in thoughts on my profile because I have a bit of a odd background. I applied to a couple schools for fall 2012 admission. Received interviews at Duke and Darden but was rejected from both. With some more work experience (I had no full time first time around) I would like some thoughts on whether it is realistic to be aiming at top tier schools.
28 white US male.
1) 29 months at matriculation (fall 2014). Cofounded an educational start up currently around $3mil rev and 100 employees. Company selected and participated in Y-Combinator (summer 2012 batch). VP of academic affairs working with local colleges to provide services to their students. Some investor fundraising.
2) GMAT 760 - 99% verbal, 82% quant, 6 AWA
3) Undergrad - small liberal arts school (Lake Forest College) 3.7 (3.9 major) GPA in economics. Cum Laude. Graduated 2007
Grad School - MA economics 3.7 GPA from University of Florida
4) captain of college swim team. 3 years academic all conference. Numerous volunteer/fundraising positions concerning cancer awareness. Volunteer work at local animal shelter. Spent a great deal of time as a swim coach for local club teams as head age group coach.
5) N/A
6) as mentioned top 10 is where my sights are currently. Looking specifically at Stanford due to geography (want to return to the west where I grew up) and due to its strength in non profits. Also Kellogg and Harvard would be high on the list (obviously who doesn't have them high on their list).
7) R1 for entry fall of 2014
8) would be interested in returning to consulting (interned throughout undergrad) and eventually leverage some of the analytical skills learned in the econ grad program as well as entrepreneur experience with current start up to potentially start a boutique consulting firm. Also some interest in non profits.
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
Your chances this time around should be much improved thanks to the additional work experience. At the same time, before you interview, get some
interview coaching or prep. It's possible something went wrong when you interviewed last time, and it's possible you didn't interview well; if you get to that stage this time, you certainly don't want to make the same mistake.
It makes sense for you to apply to Stanford, HBS, and Kellogg given your goals an qualifications. Obviously those are real tough schools. Also consider Haas, Darden, Duke, and Ross.
Best,
Linda