Thank you in advance!
Stats: Will be 24 when applying for B-School.
Graduated with honors (3.7) from Berkeley business program (Haas), Asian female. GMAT - 730, AWA 6.0
Work experience: 2 years of work in finance and marketing at a very large, well known Silicon Valley technology firm. Have had early promotions, when I apply will be at the same level in the company as entering MBAs with experience. Several investment banking internships at bulge bracket firms in undergrad.
I volunteer part time teaching economics at the local community college.
2 questions (very obvious ones)-
1. Should I retake the GMAT? It was my first attempt and I think that I can do better if I cram.
2. Where do I need the most improvement? I'm aiming for top 10 tier schools so I know it is an uphill climb.
Thank you!!
No need to retake the GMAT. A 730 is good enough, and raising it won't address the issues that may hold you back: first, you didn't mention whether you manage people at work, though your rapid career progress is a promising sign that you have a top-10 profile. Showing leadership will be important for you. The volunteer teaching has the virtue of being unusual but it's not jaw-droppingly impressive in terms of leadership or impact. Not sure you can do anything about that in the time you have left. Perhaps you have other community and/or extracurricular involvements you can supplement that with. Your accomplishments relative to your age put you in the driver's seat: even if you get dinged by top 10 schools this year you can reapply next year knowing that you have school feedback to work with and knowing your profile will be one year stronger and that you're still younger than the B-school average. You may want to read
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