sofalee wrote:
Hi there,
So I'm kind of in a sticky situation. I applied to 5 schools round 1 and got dinged from 4 of them already (H/S/W/CBS). I want to go to bschool next fall, but I've taken the GMAT 4 times already and have no surpassed that score...(i bring shame to the Asians-are-good-test-taker reputation) I'm planning to take the GMAT again in a about a month, but I'm not sure if I will surpass that score.
Age: 26
Nationality: Chinese-American
GMAT: 660 (Q45 V36)
Undergraduate: Double major in Economics and International Studies at an UC school (GPA 3.37/4.0)
Work Experience: I was born in Beijing but grew up in California, came back to Beijing after graduation, fluent in English and Mandarin.
(1) 2 years Investment banking in a well-known local ibank mainland Chinese market (only American in our office)
(2) 2 years buy-side cross-border M&A at a large Chinese bank (basically buying banks overseas), was involved in debt capital market projects as well. (only American in our Headquarters)
I want to change field after graduation, doing more e-commerce/tech related things, or join a PE or VC
Others: Involved in multiple organizations in Beijing organizing community based events; provided mentoring to underprivileged children; was on the founding board of rotary club on my school campus.
I'm planning to apply to following programs in round2 (based on priority):
1. CMU Tepper
2. UNC Kenan Flagler
3. Cornell Johnson
4. Duke Fuqua
Do you think this list is realistic? I will do my best to increase my GMAT score in a month, but after 4 tries, at this point, I'm not very optimistic
Thank you in advance for your advice. Really appreciate it.
Hey,
Well, it's too bad you didn't come see us BEFORE dude. I could have told you that with a 660 those four schools are basically an impossible list. And saved you lots of time and trouble.
Basically, you are aiming too high, and your school list is not very realistic. Even the list of four schools above is not realistic. I mean, every single one of those schools has an average GMAT that is 30-40 points higher than what you have!
On the other hand your industry is quite good, and that should boost your profile somewhat... but your goals... I'd suggest you change them for future applications. It's very very challenging to move into PE/VC as you know, and your industry is a good one, so why not just present goals in your own industry rather than proposing a change? Play it a bit safe.
So, I hope I'm not being tooooo direct here, but it looks to me like you could use some good help with your applications and strategy. Drop us a line and we will help you straighten things out:
https://bit.ly/mbafcGCBest,
Jon