Director
Joined: 02 Nov 2009
Affiliations: Columbia, Wharton, LBS
Posts: 591
Schools:Harvard, Stanford, LBS, Columbia, Wharton, HEC Paris
Re: Profile evaluation request
[#permalink]
14 Apr 2013, 14:58
Based on what you present here, you are a very strong candidate on many fronts -- especially your grades. I wish your GMAT score cracked the 700 level, but 690 is adequate given your high GPA and academic accomplishments. Obviously your biggest weakness is your lack of full-time work experience -- which for some schools is a deal breaker.
Since you seem determined to apply soon and start your graduate studies, I would recommend that you tailor your list a bit as some of the schools you are targeting have a strong preference (some an outright requirement) for full-time work experience. Those top programs that you should look at include Johnson, Ross, Kellogg, Fuqua and Booth. Schools like Darden, Tuck and Insead strongly prefer experienced applicants as much of the learning leverages prior professional experiences.
At this stage you have to submit extremely strong applications - with compelling essays, recommendations, resume and interview. In all of these, you will have to demonstrate your focus, motivations and maturity. It can be done, but it is not an easy task and requires that you really show these and other necessary characteristics.
Good luck.
Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant
Manhattan Review
Call for a free candidacy assessment.