Seeking feedback on profile
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04 Aug 2013, 20:13
Hi! Thank you for providing this valuable service.
Applying to: R1-2014 Harvard, Stanford (considering MA-Eduation/MBA), Wharton-Lauder MBA/MA-Global
Age: 26.
Nationality: USA (9 y/o - college graduation), Taiwan (birth - 9 y/o)
GPA: 3.81 from Stony Brook University in 2009. Double-major in Biochemistry, Psychology, minor in Philosophy
GMAT: 750 (98%ile) - 47V (99%ile) 47Q (70%ile)
Languages: Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Taiwanese, Japanese
Experience (reverse chronological order), with greatest achievement:
1. English Teacher at private English school in Taiwan - In addition to regular duties, self-initiated and created a 4-hour workshop to educate staff and sales on English education and advise them from teacher’s perspective on new ways to appeal to prospective clients.
2. Private/Corporal in Taiwanese Army (mandatory 1-year draft) - Volunteered as Class Representative during Corporal training at Army Artillery and Missile School, leadership acknowledged by unit Captain with 21 out of 22 class members finishing the training that had a history of 40-50% completion rate.
3. Assistant Language Teacher of JET Program in Japan - Throughout the year, partnered with 8 different teachers at 2 public middle schools to develop lessons and team-teach English. Later took on responsibility of writing and grading tests.
Extracurricular (in no particular order):
University Orientation Leader, University Student Ambassador, University Student Blogger, Taiwanese Students Association President, Volunteer at Hospitals, Volunteer English teacher
Why MBA:
Through my teaching experiences in Japan and Taiwan I've observed that Asian students are much more grade-conscious than those from other areas of the world. This leads to a shift of focus away from actual learning and application of learned material, resulting in college/graduate degree-holders lacking self-initiation and creativity in a world that demands these skills more and more. I love Asia, and as someone raised from that culture I am prepared to do what I can to help improve the situation. I remain open-minded to the specific company and job function, but envision myself returning to Asia upon MBA completion to apply social entrepreneurship and general management skills to either work in, or build an education-focused social enterprise that shares my ideals.
One last additional twist:
Was accepted to Stony Brook Medical School class of 2013, but decided to decline offer to go to Japan for JET Program. (Hopefully putting this on the application will dispel any notion that I'm in it for the money, and will pop up in the interview as a question I can prepare for)
How I plan on presenting myself through the application:
Focus on 3 themes:
1. Diversity - multicultural and multidisciplinary experiences shows adaptability and a consistent desire to push myself out of comfort zones.
2. Service - from leadership to volunteering, always trying to make the world within my reach a little better.
3. Education - a universally-relatable theme driving my pursuit of MBA degree shown through my work records and essay.
Thanks again for feedback/comments/advice.