cpw wrote:
Hi all, I am really interested to hear feedback on my chances at Stanford (as well as general application advice). I shared this same information in a 'chances at Harvard' thread as well as these are my two ideal schools. Providing a lot of info to give a full-ish picture. Truly appreciate anyone that takes the time to read through the information and provide feedback.
Background and nationality: 24 y/o white male from midwest (not aiming for B-School until 25), Economics B.A from the University of Minnesota, first-generation college student, youngest of 3 siblings & the only to graduate High School, there's slightly more information that portrays a clearer adversity story.
(Interested to hear feedback if I should use this angle, I personally am not a giant fan as I feel like it comes off as 'poor me', but I do know schools like the adversity stories...)
GPA: 3.62/4.00
GMAT: 720 (48Q/41V/7IR) (do I bother retaking.. I hit 740+ a couple times on practice test. I personally feel it's not worth it, I'd like my profile to compelling enough as to not rely on an arbitrary 20 points on GMAT.)
Work experience and leadership: Strategy consultant at a smaller 100-150 practice within a much larger, well-known professional services company (similar to Big 4). It is fast growing. Received early promotion. Lots of project experience with top 50 tech companies.
At my company, I primarily led the charge to establish a partnership with a local non-profit that supports individuals related to my possible adversity story noted up above (mental illness/homelessness of members in my family). I continue to participate in this monthly program/volunteering opportunity.
Prior to this, I had college internships with the U.S. International Trade Administration (domestically and internationally) where I supported the export growth of small U.S. businesses.
Additionally, in college, I was the president of a social-fraternity of 100+ members. Is this experience worth sharing? I personally found it to be an incredibly valuable experience, but I understand the stigma that exists with fraternities.
Extra-Curricular: As mentioned above, I volunteer at a local non-profit. For this same non-profit, I have participated in a pro-bono consulting project to analyze & improve their long-term sustainability.
Outside of this, I am looking to get more involved in the community around me over the next two years. Currently considering Rotary club and other non-profits, but as I haven't done this yet, don't add weight to it.
Other:
Career goal/reason for MBA - since I started taking my career seriously, I have been very interested in venture capital/private equity (w/tech focus). I want an MBA to acquire finance skills, but more importantly to open doors to this incredibly difficult industry. Alternatively but still related, I am interested in corporate development/strategy at the major tech firms.
One of my recommendations will come from a current manager who fought hard to get me promoted early and will write a glowing rec. She is a very experienced consultant with experience from big name consulting firms and an MBA from top 25. I am unsure of 2nd rec.
I am curious to hear thoughts on how adcom's would view a job change at this stage of my career. I have been reached out to by other management consulting companies for offers $120k+, which is a significant bump from my current salary. These jobs are also located in a major city that is both closer to my parents and more desirable to live. The project work is also more diverse. Would a career change look bad or is it irrelevant?
Cheers!
Your profile definitely stands out and you have a lot of material to work with. Your disadvantage, however, is your age and therefore, your lack of work related achievements and promotions etc. So I am not sure you should apply to the top schools just yet. Why are you thinking of applying now already?
I think changing jobs to a job that will give you the opportunity to boost your CV for MBA application purposes would be wise now, rather than applying now. So rather than looking at other aspects of job opportunities that come your way, have that in mind when making a choice.
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Updated on: 18 Feb 2018, 15:08
