Intern
Joined: 04 Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Given Kudos: 0
Concentration: Strategy, General Management
GPA: 3.45
WE:Corporate Finance (Computer Software)
Profile Evaluation Requested
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04 Aug 2011, 14:04
Dear Stacy,
I'd very much appreciate a brief profile overview. At this point I'm debating whether or not to retake the GMAT to break the 700 barrier. I think that I realistically could add 40-50 points to my score, but not more. Were I to do this, I'd apply for Round 2, whereas if I don't retake I'll apply Round 1.
GMAT: 680 (Q41, V41, AWA 6.0)
Undergrad: Top 20 school, 3.45 GPA, Economics. May 2008 graduation.
Math courses: Calculus II/III (received a "B" in each)
Experience: First job out of school was as a field staffer for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Spent the next year with an international political/public affairs consultancy, working on regulatory policy for the pharma industry focusing on the French market. Left this company after we lost several clients and downsized in early 2010, also looking to transition away from political work. Have worked for the past 16 months with a small/entrepreneurial technology services firm specializing in predictive analytics. In this role, I've had a broad set of responsibilities, ranging from marketing, finance and services delivery. Rising star in a small company. High points included financial modeling and valuation of the company's business units for potential spin-off, and providing key strategic analysis in the form of reports and presentations to the CEO, CFO and Board of Directors.
During the MBA, I'd look to focus on either finance or general management. Post-MBA, I'd like to eventually go management track in a Fortune 500 company. My primary area of interest builds on the type of strategy analysis that I've done at this smaller, entrepreneurial firm, but to do the same type of work in a much larger organization.
Target schools: I'd love to go to HBS, however realistically I'm looking to build an application that will put me in play at the US top 15 programs. Also considering international programs, primarily LBS, HEC and INSEAD.
What programs do you realistically think I have a chance with? Would I be better re-taking the GMAT to break 700, or should I just focus on essays and applications at this point?
Thanks for your help,
Chris