Hi Scott,

I was hoping to get your analysis on my chances of entering my schools of choice (i.e. will I be competitive/in good standing during applications, should I be applying to different schools, etc.) and any other advice you have to offer.

Profile

GMAT: 700 (48Q, 86%, 38V, 85%)
GPA: 3.39 (BS in Business Administration from UC Berkeley, minor in Education and having taken numerous technically difficult computer science courses)
Awards: 4 year winner of California Alumni Leadership Scholarship
Age: 25, Male
Nationality: Chinese American (born and raised in the US)
Languages: English, Mandarin, basic Spanish

Work experience:

I have spent the past 3 years working full time at one of the Big 4 Public Accounting firms (will be 4 years by the time I wish to enroll in Fall 2006). I've spent 2.5 years auditing firms of different industries, including those with publicly traded stock, and spent 0.5 years performing tax work. In addition, I have obtained my CPA license.

Prior to this, I had spent my preceding three summers working as a Marketing Intern at an Investment bank, Forensics Accounting Intern at a small CPA firm, and at a bookstore.

Extra Curricular:

During school I volunteered tutoring elementary and high school kids in the Urban areas around UC Berkeley, as well as served as an officer for a couple of semesters in my Business fraternity. I also helped prepare income taxes for low income families utilizing my Chinese for those who did not speak English as their first language.

After graduation, I have served as a mentor for students in my same fraternity, and have volunteered through a work-sponsored volunteer program. Through this program, I was able to head up and organize a couple of bowl-a-thons for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, as well as participate in the March of Dimes Heart Walk that occurs each year. In addition, I have helped my company organize a recreational sports team for its employees.

After B-school plans:

Through my work experience, I have developed a fondness for the real estate industry, and would like to get into real estate finance and/or asset management for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Schools:

Most of my family is in California, and I wish to remain in-state. As such, my list of schools include (in order from reach to safety school):

Stanford
Berkeley
UCLA
USC
UC Irvine

Thank you very much, Scott. I appreciate any time you spend on this.