Nontraditional background- chances?

Question

Hi all.

23, male, latino. Plan on applying next year (25 at entry)

elite liberal arts college, Media Studies, Architectural studies major
3.6 GPA cum laude, but low quant grades 
Post-grad: Started a graduate program in architecture at Harvard, but left to pursue a non-design career.

Now: Working at small architecture firm, but really well known name, founder who I work with directly is incredibly successful entrepreneur. 
I am the sole employee in charge of marketing, sourcing leads,business development and my efforts should help the firm nearly double in size. I want to continue to work in marketing in entrepreneurial setting but break out of architecture field. Perhaps move to design strategy or business design/consulting given my background. School I am looking at should be strong in A. Marketing and B. Design Thinking.

Based on practice tests, GMAT 670, I plan realistically to crack 700 with studying.

What are my chances (HONESTLY!!) for:

Wharton, Yale, Tuck, Darden, Kellogg, Stern?

I just want to make sure I am not kidding myself thinking that I can get in to a good MBA program. If yes, I will plan my next year accordingly.

youn110a · Answer

get official score first. Most of top schools expect the applicant have about five years of job experience.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hey there - let's worry about your profile second. There's a big difference between a 670 and a 710. It's unfortunate that it's the way it is, but assessing chances or picking programs is impossible without an actual score in hand. And the reason for that is every year there are hundreds of applicants confident they can score X or improve Y and until the dust settles, you simply don't know. So get that GMAT out of the way, and then post here about your crazy awesome score and we'll chat!

Bhavik

Bhavik

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Thanks for sharing your profile. I think you have an interesting background and with a diverse background that should play strongly at these schools. You're going to need to be very clear with what you accomplished and how you developed your interpersonal skills like leadership/teamwork in a very small organization.

Finally I agree with the comments above it's really tough to give a profile reveal when there is still so much uncertainty particularly with your GMAT a 670 and breaking 700 are big differences, The GMAT is tough so don't downplay how challenging it is to break 700. I've worked with similar candidates who I've got in to school with your practice score but that is more the exception and not the rule. Nice profile so handle your business on the GMAT and you should be in good shape.

Hope this helps!

Nontraditional background- chances?

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