Hey There Nicholas,
I'm really glad that you're interested in SOM! I wanted to shoot you some of my thoughts about applying this year - and the bottom line is that I believe you should.
Your profile looks solid - realize that standardized test scores, GPA, recommendations, &c. are all separate variables in the total equation that is the calculus of admissions. More than any one thing, SOM looks for how you are able to craft your narrative and answer questions like why an MBA, why specifically SOM, and why now?
Insofar as quant courses, it's helpful to bring it up and show your well-roundedness, but in the meanwhile, I'd focus mostly on your application. I went into SOM without any Calc, and did fine - there's a Math Camp in the week leading up to first year orientation, so you can get caught up to speed during then and professors and classmates have been very generous to help students one-on-one with any other math-related challenges. For example, Professor Levinsohn, who was teaching Micro taught me one-on-one how to take a derivative for our problem set.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions!
Best,
Dan '16
nicholasbentham wrote:
Should I even bother applying?
Undergrad: Second Tier Ivy (Cornell, Brown, Upenn). Graduation date: 2013
BA: Political Science (International Politics focus); GPA: 3.67, Cumulative GPA: 3.60
GMAT: 720
Econ/Math/Finance: Just Principles of Econ in undergrad, and three "political economy" like classes (3As, 1 B. I was actually a quant guy before undergrad, so I am currently refreshing my math with the hope of taking Micro,Macro, and Multivariable Calc before I apply in November. Is the Calc necessary?
Work Experience: excluding undergrad internships: 1.75 at public sector consulting (doing a great deal of international disarmament/pandemic relief work; (think Deloitte, Accenture, Booz Allen). Prior internship at Bulge Bracket IB.
Leadership: coach to youth development program, pro-bono nonprofit consultant.
Recommendations: 1 professor, 2 supervisors/bosses
Language: Proficient in Spanish, Beginner in French
Ethnicity: Black Male (A did not check this box when I applied to undergrad. But considering the competitiveness of this program, I am considering doing so if it will improve my application by a discernible degree).