Stratus Admissions Consultant
Joined: 31 May 2016
Posts: 1544
Given Kudos: 88
Location: United States
Concentration: Marketing, Organizational Behavior
GPA: 3.67
Re: Target schools for 24 y/o white male / 760 / FS Internal Consulting?
[#permalink]
19 Feb 2021, 14:25
Sending a few more thoughts on your profile below
Work experience (since starting work June 2019):
Tech Rotational LDP at Major Bank in NYC
-1 year internal consulting
-8 months Program Management on Regulatory Programs related to Markets / Lending / Collateral Valuation
I am due for a promotion at the end of this coming year as a result of my rotational program.
Extracurriculars and other experience
Part of a multi-year community service program in which I mentor an URM at a high school school in Manhattan / Brooklynn. Will require upwards of 10 hours a month dedicated to supporting the high schooler, guiding him through the college process, and just generally providing an ear and adult perspective on his issues / goals / etc.
Significantly involved in the bank's mentorship analyst programs and recruiting strategy.
Part of the LGBTQ Allies (not LGBTQ myself) Group within the bank.
Undergrad school/major: Top-50 U.S. News School (think Northeastern, Lehigh, Bucknell). Part of honors program that offers an interdisciplinary mix of Engineering and Finance.
Other education/coursework: Planning on looking into some coding courses. Would love to learn Python or something of that nature in the next year. Considering CFA.
Age: 24
Race/nationality: White (Irish heritage)
Sex: Male
Stats
GMAT Score: 760 (50Q, 44V, 7IR, 6 AWA)
Undergrad GPA: 3.4 - Finance and Industrial Engineering Major (very quant heavy major; took Calc I, II, III, Linear Algebra, etc.)
What kind of schools should I be targeting if I'm aiming to apply in the next few years? Harvard / Wharton out of the picture? Here is what I was thinking:
Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg, Booth, Columbia, Haas, Darden
With your 760 GMAT you certainly can get the attention of any program, but to break through at the top programs you need more of a story-- what is it that you have loved about your work in FS consulting? Is there a particular area you want to deep dive into further with your MBA? Fintech? AI? Digital transformation? I'd think about what area excites you going forward and then research these top program with an eye towards how well they can help you fill the gaps. Was there a time when you observed someone with an MBA who approached a problem in a way that you admired? Tell that story. Or tell a story about a time when you felt tension or the need for more information about X and then expand on how this particular MBA program helps you add this skill. Also spend time understanding the MBA culture-- where will you enjoy being? Do you want to go camping on your MBA orientation? Then you might enjoy a place like Tuck-- if you want to go on a trip (let's hope pre-covid days return soon....) then maybe a KWEST trip would be best for you. If you like a more structured case environment then HBS or Darden may be the best fit. These may seem like small things-- but don't forget that you should try to enjoy your MBA experience as much as possible and finding a place where you "fit" with the people and enjoy the culture and clubs is also very important too! If you are applying in a few years-- get started now by signing up for the webinars for schools of interest and doing a little research over a long period of time so that you have a pretty good idea of your dream school (not just for the ranking but for the fit) by the time you are ready to apply! Best wishes and it sounds like you have a bright future ahead!
Thanks so much![/quote]