burke wrote:
Hi, I'd be extremely appreciative if you could evaluate my chances at the following schools: Stern, Columbia, Wharton. Thanks in advance!
GRE: Quant 164 (90 percentile); Verbal: 165 (95%), Written 4.5 (73%)
School: Queen's University (Canada's Dartmouth), 3.4/4.3 GPA
Volunteering: 2005 - youth mentoring program (Cape Town, South Africa townships); 2009 - member of local charity campaign; 2012 - created voluntary cross-entity research group at work
Work: 5 years experience at major Canadian financial firm; no promotions (flat organizational structure), but steady salary raises; I've been afforded a lot of responsibility/privilege and breadth of experience for someone my age; strong recommendations (however neither is from a director or managing director).
Essays: Should be strong - I have a unique and (very biased, but I believe) compelling story why I want to get my MBA.
Other: CFA; well-rounded extracurriculars; I'm a white Canadian guy that works in finance - this doesn't help!
Burke,
I am less familiar with the grading system you mention above, but it does seem like your grades are a little low for your target programs. Your GRE is competitive. Community service seems a little thin. For your work experience, be sure to show increases in responsibility. They are more important than fancier titles.
You have a competitive profile for these programs. Obviously all 3 are tough to get into and there are no safeties there.
Best,
Linda
If you would like
help with your MBA applications, please let em know.
Best,
Linda