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hello313
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Peer review - early career applicant Updated on: 20 Oct 2009, 08:37
Originally posted by hello313 on 18 Oct 2009, 23:05.
Last edited by hello313 on 20 Oct 2009, 08:37, edited 1 time in total.
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What are my chances with the profile below?.

I'm an early career applicant (will have 2 years of experience when I start):
3.5 undergrad GPA in Chemistry, minor in Econ from Dartmouth
760 GMAT (50Q/45V)
US Citizen, 24, Vietnamese-American
Will have 2 years of work experience in operations research consulting (analyst/jr. associate level) by the time I start next fall:
-managed large portions of projects
-helped create new offerings for projects
-participated in sales work (presentations/conference calls)
-presented to executives/C-levels on engagements
-did some consulting gigs internationally

My list:
HBS
Stanford
Wharton
Kellogg
Booth
Sloan
Columbia
Tuck
Stern
Cornell
Yale

I know it's an uphill climb with only 2 years of experience. Any thoughts on my chances as I stand now, in terms of safety/target/reach? As an aside, do you have any thoughts on my chances if I apply w/ 3 years of experience (by waiting an extra year)? I may be up for a promotion to senior analyst if I stay an extra year. Do you think that would matter?
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Class2012
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Peer review - early career applicant 19 Oct 2009, 07:37
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You have good acads and GMAT score.Your work experience too seems impressive.

Since schools such as Harvard and Stanford are trending younger,you can try your luck this year.Also you did not mention any ECs.Just narrow your schools based on what you want to do post MBA.
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11MBA
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Peer review - early career applicant 20 Oct 2009, 12:31
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Hey hello313,

I agree with Class2012 that a lot of the top bschools are trending younger and younger. However, getting into a top bschool will still be difficult with only 1+ years of work under your belt. My suggestion would be to apply to a couple this year, but be too upset if you don't get in. Although you are a stong applicant there are plenty of people out there with 2 years of more impressive work experience. If it doesn't work out you can always reapply as schools are often more lenient with reapplicants.
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Peer review - early career applicant 20 Oct 2009, 12:41
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I think you should apply. Are you female by any chance? You minority profile will be very attractive to HBS. :) Write good essays and I think you have a shot.

Good luck.
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shadow
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Peer review - early career applicant 21 Oct 2009, 09:39
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hi,

i have a similar profile as you (2 years WE, science/eng background). when you write your essays, make sure to focus on why you would contribute to the school and to the classes despite your age. also talk about what specifically you want to do post-mba, even if you're not 100% sure. make sure it relates to the work you had been doing in school and in your job. if it doesn't relate, then think of a really good reason why you want to switch (although since youre so young, that may raise some red flags - IMO it would be better to just stay with the same path you've been on).

i've only done one app so far (HBS), but i used all of the above elements in my applications and was able to get an invite, despite my age (im 23 now, will be 24 next year @ matriculation). HBS is unique in the top 10 schools that they are definitely trending younger. i think you'd have a good shot there if you can make a convincing argument as to why you belong there.

looking at your top 10 list, i'd venture to say you haven't yet put in a lot of effort as to what specific schools/programs you want to apply for :P . this is fine now, but for your essays , it's crucial that you have already done your homework about the specific schools and what programs they offer, so that you can write about SPECIFICS. just applying blindly to the top 10 programs in the country is a bad idea IMO. besides a waste of time/money in apps, you could have instead picked 3-4 schools that you know you like and concentrated your efforts on those.

finally, one big question that i've read was asked is "why get an MBA now?". it sounds like you don't have a really good reason for that (especially if you can get a promotion by staying an extra year). just something to think about. remember that your GMAT scores get saved for up to 5 years, so there's not necessarily a rush to get your app in this time around. good luck with whatever you choose
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Peer review - early career applicant 21 Oct 2009, 10:45
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You're going to have a good shot just about anywhere (including H/S/W). However, I would not apply to that whole list. These applications are very draining if you put in the requisite time/effort needed to put together a quality one.

You should be fine if you target only the M7 -- but split them up over 2 rounds. 4 schools in R1, 3 in R2 (if needed).