Linda,

I’ve submitted first round applications to HBS and Sloan. I’m currently working on first round applications to Johnson and Tuck. I’m beginning to wonder whether I should consider applying to another school or 2, as each of these schools are VERY competitive!

About me:

Age 26

Undergrad degree: Information Technology Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
GPA: 3.82

GMAT: 730 (99% verbal, 79%quantitive) 6 AWA

Recommendations: Previous Supervisor, Previous Client, and Professor of MBA class I took as an undergrad at RPI. (I’ve written an essay indicating that because of the size of my company I don’t feel comfortable letting them know I’m applying to business school, I’ve been with this company less than 8 months)

Work experience: 3 years as of now, 4 before matriculation. 2 entrepreneurial companies, acting as developer, applications consultant, senior consultant, my title is now Project Manager. I have extensive leadership roles and client interaction experiences to write about.

Extra: I volunteer coach 12-15 year old ski racers in a local program

Why MBA: I want to move away from specific client projects, and get more involved in general organizational management. My ultimate goals are entrepreneurial, I need to develop my understanding of marketing, organizational theory, and leadership strategies to be a more effective entrepreneurial leader.

Let me know if you think I’m taking a big risk by only applying to Harvard, MIT, Dartmouth, and Cornell. If I wait to see if I get into one of these schools first round, it will be too late for second round at most schools. Any suggestions for other programs I should consider?

Thanks for your time!

CJ