mixpanda wrote:
Hi there,
I'd love it if you could evaluate my profile. I took my GMAT over 4 years ago, and the upcoming application cycle is the last time this score will be valid. I just don't know if I have the profile Harvard is looking for.
1) I work in advertising as a creative. I used to be a strategist and transitioned to writing. Basically, my career is all about building brands.
2) 690. I don't remember what I scored on quant and verbal specifically, but I did get a 6 on the writing section. I only took the test once.
3) Undergrad: UC Berkeley, 3.2 GPA, B.A. Mass Communications, class of '09 but graduated a semester early. Grad school: VCU Brandcenter, 3.6 GPA, M.S. Mass Communications / Advertising, class of '11.
4) College: VP of a major Indian cultural organization with an annual operating budget of over $100,000. Ran national dance competitions, performance showcases, and parties. Interned at a public relations firm and at Dreamworks Animation. Designed and showed a student fashion collection. Post-college: I currently moonlight as a drag queen named Sheila Dubaii. I've performed in Virginia, LA, New York City, and Boston. My drag 'hobby' was featured at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this past year. I was also invited to speak at a professional advertising conference about drag and creativity. I plan to continue speaking at these types of events.
5) None.
6) I want to go to Harvard. I was wait-listed when applying to colleges years ago. Now might be my time!
7) I plan on applying during Round 2 in this year's application (to attend Fall 2014). This is the last time my GMAT score will be valid.
8) I want to move from agency-side to client-side brand management. My goal is to help an organization build their brand by getting the best advertising / marketing communication from their agency partners. I'll be able to blend creativity and good business sense in a way that most advertising managers cannot. Eventually, I'd like to work my way up to CMO.
Thank you for reading.
Cheers,
-A
A,
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I got behind.
You are hard to evaluate. Your undergrad grades are a bit low as is your GMAT for Harvard. Your work experience and grad grades are good. Your extra-curricular career is unusual and that can be a plus and a minus, but in your case I suspect it's much more of the former.
I advise you to apply to Harvard, but it's a long shot. Also apply to other programs that support your goals and that may be easier to get into. Consider Duke, Haas (also a stretch), UCLA, Ross, USC, Rotman, and Cornell Johnson.
Best,
Linda
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16 Oct 2013, 08:24
