Hello integraldx, thanks for your question.

As you probably already know, you come from a highly competitive demographic in the MBA applicant pool. Your 720 GMAT score is solid, but it would not move the needle as much as it would otherwise, for this reason.

I think those programs are reaches – with Stern being slightly easier – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth applying!

Your competitiveness will ultimately come down to the quality of your leadership experience in and out of work. Can you draw upon “moments” when you truly led: influenced individuals and organizations, drove results, took initiative? The fact that you have sell-side and engineering experience could work in your favor by giving you a unique range stories that your demographic peers might not have.

In terms of extracurricular activities, what you’ve done more recently has more weight than what you did in university/school. I know working a lot of hours makes it hard to engage in activities outside of work, but at these schools you will be competing against folks who work that much and also have found a way to engage outside of work, as well.

In summary, I think you might reach for those schools but also mitigate the risk by applying to some programs a tier lower.

Best of luck,
Brian
_________________

Brian Eng
Senior Consultant
mbaMission

646-485-8844

Website: http://www.mbamission.com
Blog: http://www.mbamission.com/blog
mbaMission Insiders Guides: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders
Free Consultation: http://www.mbamission.com/consult.php