Profile Evaluation - JD
[#permalink]
12 Jul 2009, 12:45
Facts:
W/M 26.5, 27.5 at matriculation (2010)
GMAT: 750 (AWA 6)
Undergrad: 2.9, 3.4 (major) political science
JD: 3.2
Extra (MBA) classes: 4.0
I took the following MBA classes while in law school, but did not enroll in JD/MBA program:
1. Corporate Finance, A (2nd Year, 2nd semester)
2. Advanced Finance, A (3rd Year, 1st semester)
3. Valuation, A (3rd year, 2nd semester)
4. Derivatives, A (3rd Year, 2nd semester)
5. Financial Statement Analysis, A (3rd Year, 1st semester)
Note: The MBA program at my law school was not top 15 which is why I chose to avoid the joint degree.
Story: I went into law school without much direction or maturity and after the first year I began taking business law classes (e.g. corporate tax, M&A, reorganizations). Worked for a summer as an analyst at boutique IB and summer at NY law firm. At the beginning of my third year I interviewed for associate positions with a number of IBanks; however, no offers. The reason I was given related to my less than compelling story and that, at the time, I had a weak finance background (I was only through one-half of one semester of Adv. Finance and FS Analysis). Currently, I am working for a boutique NY law firm focused almost exclusively on capital markets practice and, although I am only completing my first year, have been involved in our largest transactions in varying degrees, including drafting substantial documents and leading due diligence teams of three to five associates. Leadership opportunities are not abundant for first year law associates (within office confines).
Extracurricular Activities: Nothing of note, some pro bono legal work and I am trying to become involved in local government. In college, I was active (leader) in fraternity, a student interviewer for the university and a member of a select group of seniors chosen for an advisory committee. Unfortunately, I was involved in very little during law school because I hated being there and tried to quit twice.
Post-MBA: Financial services, particularly M&A advisory, capital markets or restructuring with no specific industry in mind
What are my chances at each of HBS and Columbia? Should I be applying for August 2010 or August 2011? My concern with 2011 is that I will be on the older side for HBS; however, I would be about average at CBS. Are there any other schools I should consider (e.g. Wharton, Booth, Tuck)? I know the focus will be on my "story" do you have any advice on how to approach my apparent indecisiveness?