pat90p wrote:
I am planning to matriculate in Fall 2011 and was hoping you could give me a quick evaluation:
- 24/M American (25 at matriculation)
- Undergraduate: 3.6 GPA, History Major from a top non-ivy school; abroad semester in Beijing
- I took my GMAT recently without studying much and got a 700, which is a little disappointing especially on the quant section(44Q, 41V), but didn’t get too much time to review since I took the second level of the CFA in June. I am planning to retake the test in a month and am hoping for a 740 or higher.
- Work Experience: 2 years (3 years at matriculation) in Investment Management
- I currently work for a large investment manager in the global department; researcher/analyst for a global macro portfolio that invests in all asset classes, so I have experience in everything from fx, swaps, options to bonds, equities, commodities; research area focused on Asia; develop investment ideas/recommendations and help manage the Asia portfolio of the fund; take investment trips through the region meeting with a variety of policy makers, economists, academics, etc
- I passed Level I and Level II of the CFA the past two years (both on my first attempt), so I should be finished the exams next June before I begin school (assuming I pass the third).
- Have taken a bunch of classes at Harvard’s Extension School (international business, monetary policy, etc)
- Schools: Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, Chicago, Columbia, MIT, NYU
- Goals: want to remain on the buy-side (though possibly work at a big bank for a few years)
- Concerns: youth, low GMAT (hopefully not for long), lack of extracurriculars
Thanks for taking the time; any help/advice would be much appreciated
Patrick
Retaking the GMAT is a good idea. Assuming you score as anticipated, you are applying appropriate. Your age will not be an issue at the schools you are targeting since you can show impact and responsibility.
Lack of extra-curriculars is an issue. Make the most of whatever you did in college. If you can, start doing something now in case you need to reapply or are waitlisted.
Best,
Linda