jeepbilly wrote:
I just registered to the site and it looks like this is the thread for me!
I am a 2003 graduate of Virginia Tech's Mechanical Engineering program w/ 3.0GPA.
Like everyone I'm sure that I am "different" and that my experiences make me stand out from a field of bean counters and associate something-or-others.
Since graduating I have had a number of security-cleared positions and am cleared up to the TS/SCI w/ CI polygraph level. My first job was as a satellite systems engineer (ie satellite command/controller) for Lockheed Martin. I was then a Mechanical Design engineer at BAE Systems involved in the research, development, and testing of DoD/military innovations. More recently I have been working the Counter-IED (improvised explosive device.. ie "roadside bomb") issue for a third company.
My most recent position is the one I am most pround of. I have traveled the world (Asia and the ME), at times with a "cover story", to examine the consumer electronics marketplace to determine what consumer electronics reveal potential IED vulnerabilities. In my office I interact with active duty military personnel as well as representatives of academia and industry. I wear a tie to work but at times find myself in "the field". I spent 10 nights in an immersive terrorist training camp run by ex-EOD and Special Forces operators where I learned the fundamentals (and then some) of IEDs, Islam, and overall terrorist ideologies. I am currently leading an inniative in which I will enlist the help of wounded vetrans from Walter Reed to assist me in the construction of IEDs for the purpose of testing new US counter measures.
I currently make $100k/yr.
My initial "baseline" GMAT test, as provided by Kaplan, was a 610. My goal is 700.
I've heavily involved in volunteerism and community service including working on 1-800-SUICIDE.
If I can't get Teir 1 I'm not going. I am aiming for UVA, UNC-CH, UT-Austin, G-Town.
Jeepbilly,
I apologize for the late reply. The first round deadlines are nigh. You are one of those people whose profile really *is* distinctive. It's a big asset and I recommend leveraging it fully. The 10 nights in a terrorist camp will be a killer essay. If you get a 700 GMAT you can aim higher than the schools you mentioned. If you get a 660 or thereabouts you should have a decent shot at admission to most of them. If you get a 630 or thereabouts Georgetown or UNC might admit you but it would be a longshot.
Hope this helps,