jaschen27 wrote:
Thanks a lot for the positive feedback. It's reassuring to hear that my GPA won't be a significant detriment to my application profile. As you mentioned, I want to enter a top 10 in a few years (CBS is probably my top choice at this point, although I'll likely apply to HSW as reaches). I still have a long way to go as far as building a professional profile, which includes committing more time to community service (maybe big brothers big sisters--I thoroughly enjoyed tutoring and mentoring when I was in college). Did you go to Darden? I'll probably look into some of the southern schools--Darden, Duke--although I don't want to inappropriately bracket them together. Can you provide any feedback on your pre-MBA application and MBA experience?
bakfed wrote:
Your 3.56 cumulative will come off extremely strong. I wouldn't even worry too much about your freshman year (even if it's sub-3). AdComs read thousands of these applications and will spot the trendline pretty much instantaneously as they pick up your application. The fact that you finished with a 3.56 will allow them to realize that your freshman year was just a fluke.
And couple that with a 750? You've got a killer academic history.
I know it's still a year or two away, but if I were you, I'd aim high in the ranking system. Top 10 should be doable, and top 10-20 could be your backups.
I think you have a very decent shot at getting into CBS. As you probably know, there's really no guarantees anymore for any of the top b-schools in the nation, simply because of the number of applicants. Columbia sees thousands and thousands of applications every year, and without some luck on the side, it's going to be hard for anyone. However, in looking at what you've written, and what you propose to do before you apply, I think you'll have a good professional background as well as a strong extracurricular to back you up.
I will be attending Darden starting August (so no MBA experience just yet), but will more than happy to discuss the life of an MBA after I experience it for a few weeks.
I think most people would agree that Duke Fuqua and Virginia Darden are really 'bracketed' within the same place. In fact, while we're at it, Michigan Ross can be seen in the same light. All three schools are excellent (obviously, more love for virginia from me but it's a biased opinion) and can get you to where you want to be career-wise. My MBA application really focused on the type of work that I did and how it affected my professional career as a whole. I come from a non-traditional background (graduated with a biology degree and worked in pharma [non-research-oriented]). So my application package really focused on how I can bring my skills to school and ultimately, to the job I want. I think in anyone's application, just try to stand out among the vast majority. For me, it was easier because I can't imagine there are too many folks with my degree and my work experience gunning for a spot in top b-schools. For you, it'll be a bit harder only because it's more of the traditional route for you (graduated probably with a business-related degree(?) and work at a BB). Do as much as you can to separate yourself out with the hundreds, if not thousand, of other applicants with similar profile. In this case, extracurricular activities will definitely help. Good thing for you is, you have the numbers to support you (your high GPA and high GMAT score). And the fact that you work at a BB also help solidify the fact that you can do the work. I think you would sit at the higher end of the spectrum when compared to other BB applicants. But anyway, sorry, I just kept on typing and typing. I truly think you have a good shot at getting into a top 10 b-school. All the best, buddy!