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karishma100
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MBA journey to Columbia/NYU/Wharton/Rutgers (hopefully) 10 Jul 2018, 12:00
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Hi everyone! I am new to the GMAT club and am looking to gain some advice :)

I am planning to go back for my MBA for the Jan 2019 semester (either PT or FT depending with what school I get into). I have NOT yet taken my gmat, and am just looking to gain perspective:

GMAT: Not taken, beginning Manhattan GMAT prep course today (8 weeks and will take at the end).

Undergrad: Small state school known as Kean University. Graduated in Finance with a 3.33 GPA

Work experience: Post college, I landed my first job (contract role) at Bloomberg worked within Fixed Income securities. After a year, i interviewed at some firms and got an offer with JP Morgan within their FADP program (financial analyst dev program; 2 rotations). My first rotation was within investment banking supporting Emerging Markets for Derivatives. Second rotation got placed into payment strategy.
6 months into my second rotation I got a offer from Verizon as a Senior FP&A Analyst to join their payment strategy group. Figured i want to be closer up to the NJ/NY area as i would like to pursue my MBA eventually.

ECs: Honestly little to none, freshman year i was President for the South Asian Student Association. I worked full time hours during undergrad as a Teller/Customer Service Rep at TD for 2.5 years. I had some personal/family situations going on all at once where I had to work full time and pay for college all at once.

As I begin this new journey, I would like to know where my expectations are realistic. I would obviosuly love to attend a big school like Columbia/Wharton and am aiming to get high scores on my GMAT. Realistically-- I'd keep Rutgers in my back pocket since it's right around my house and seems more practical to attend. But i am really trying to think BIG with this whole picture.

Can anyone provide thoughts on my post? I have heard my work experience is great and I could definetly try to aim for big schools during my application process (contingent on my GMAT score). Nonetheless, trying to gain perspective from all :) Thank you!!
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MBA journey to Columbia/NYU/Wharton/Rutgers (hopefully) 10 Jul 2018, 15:02
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Hi karishma100,

Thank you for your post, and welcome to the GMAT Club. You have an interesting professional background. I am interested to learn more about your requirement to work while in school. That should be something you should talk about in your application where appropriate. As you think about your professional development, also consider the reason you need an MBA and why now. Having a clear idea of your reasons will be instrumental to your success- think about why these schools, not because they are "big schools."

It is difficult to ascertain your candidacy without your GMAT score. However, PT programs are not as competitive and you might find easier admission, relatively speaking. The application for FT program begins this fall (round 1 deadlines are around September/October) for Fall 2019 intake. If you are considering an FT program, keep these deadlines in mind as well.

I am happy to continue the conversation over a free 30-minute consultation. If interested, please feel free to reach out and coordinate (contact details in signature).

Good luck!


karishma100
Hi everyone! I am new to the GMAT club and am looking to gain some advice :)

I am planning to go back for my MBA for the Jan 2019 semester (either PT or FT depending with what school I get into). I have NOT yet taken my gmat, and am just looking to gain perspective:

GMAT: Not taken, beginning Manhattan GMAT prep course today (8 weeks and will take at the end).

Undergrad: Small state school known as Kean University. Graduated in Finance with a 3.33 GPA

Work experience: Post college, I landed my first job (contract role) at Bloomberg worked within Fixed Income securities. After a year, i interviewed at some firms and got an offer with JP Morgan within their FADP program (financial analyst dev program; 2 rotations). My first rotation was within investment banking supporting Emerging Markets for Derivatives. Second rotation got placed into payment strategy.
6 months into my second rotation I got a offer from Verizon as a Senior FP&A Analyst to join their payment strategy group. Figured i want to be closer up to the NJ/NY area as i would like to pursue my MBA eventually.

ECs: Honestly little to none, freshman year i was President for the South Asian Student Association. I worked full time hours during undergrad as a Teller/Customer Service Rep at TD for 2.5 years. I had some personal/family situations going on all at once where I had to work full time and pay for college all at once.

As I begin this new journey, I would like to know where my expectations are realistic. I would obviosuly love to attend a big school like Columbia/Wharton and am aiming to get high scores on my GMAT. Realistically-- I'd keep Rutgers in my back pocket since it's right around my house and seems more practical to attend. But i am really trying to think BIG with this whole picture.

Can anyone provide thoughts on my post? I have heard my work experience is great and I could definetly try to aim for big schools during my application process (contingent on my GMAT score). Nonetheless, trying to gain perspective from all :) Thank you!!
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MBA journey to Columbia/NYU/Wharton/Rutgers (hopefully) 08 Oct 2018, 08:57
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Goodluck for your GMAT. I guess you must also consider community service as that will be a nice add on