IHateTheGMAT wrote:
Wow that's great news! I'm so happy with that I'd like to turn this into an "Evaluate my profile" type post for the 4 schools I listed above if that's ok.
At the time of my apps I will have 3.5 years of work experience and be 25 years old. When I start school I will have 4 years of work experience and be 26.
Work Experience: 3.5 years at a small business valuation firm (financial consulting). I have progressed very fast here. I started as an analyst that just researched and input numbers. Now I manage projects from start to finish which includes: visiting companies to interview senior managemnt and tour facilities, interact regularly with clients, conclude on values and write reports. I also have a few minor marketing successes. As far as additional impact, I have fought (and succeded) to revise some of our valuation practices to be in line with some of the more innovative and modern industry practices (including working to develop a methodology to value early-stage companies that is among the most innovative in the industry), I have been referred to as the "go to guy" on time sensitive projects and have succesfully gotten out important reports when pushed up against tight deadlines.
Academics: Top 30 school. Undergrad business major with a finance concentration. 3.6 major gpa but only 3.24 overall due to a poor start. I also held 5 internships, tutored underprivelaged children, participated as a mentee in our career mentoring program and served on student govt. GMAT (see above).
ECs: I am a mentor to current undergraduates (even though there is suppose to be a 5-yr experience requirement to mentor), I serve on my alumni associations event planning committee (and will have run my own event before I send in apps), I am an accredited member of the ASA (business valuation profesional org) and I have passed one level of the CFA.
Why an MBA? To get into investment management. Business valuation does basically the same stuff (determine the value of companies) and uses the same skills as investment management just for different purposes. During my years in BV I have learned as much as there is to learn from this industry (due to my rapid career progression). This will be valuabe to me as an investment management analyst. However, investment management requires an even higher level of sophistication when valuing companies. This is why its time for me to take my knowledge to the next step with an MBA. Also, the MBA/CFA combo is highly valued by investment management firms.
How competitive can I be at the Cornell, Yale, Columbia, Harvard. Thanks a ton!
IHateTheGMAT,
Not sure you're quite at the HBS level, but I wouldn't try to convince you not to apply since you do have a strong leadership profile, good GMAT, and some impact stories you can tell. HBS will be a longshot though.
You can be optimistic about Cornell and Yale. You are competitive at Columbia, though they are more selective than Cornell and Yale so your odds are somewhat smaller there. Still, I would not be surprised if they admitted you. Emphasize your leadership.
Good luck,
close
16 Jul 2006, 12:49
