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Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Status:Darden Class of 2013
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Schools:University of Virginia
Re: Planning on applying Fall 2011, which schools can I target?
[#permalink]
14 Feb 2011, 10:33
hi there, chaoswithin
You're more or less a traditional applicant. Asian, engineering, wanting to head into ibanking.
When you retake your GMAT, study hard and try your best to get a 720+ score.
If you have that score, I'd recommend Wharton, Booth, and UCLA. Wharton and Booth have, undoubtedly, the best access into investment banking. UCLA is more known for its finance field. There are a lot of other schools that will fit the criteria and basically all to 8 schools (H/S/W, Tuck, Booth, Kellogg, Columbia, and Sloan) will get you to where you want go, as long as you're willing to do the legwork. Schools beyond the top 8 but within the top 16 will give you the opportunity as well, but just a tad bit slimmer chance. Reading from what you've posted, you will really need to try to standout and convince the AdComs why you're deserving to enter their class. Another post-undergrad certificate won't really help you here (but if it's your passion to take it, go for it!). There are a few things that are going against you - your GPA, no EC, and sub-700 GMAT score. Since your GPA is set, the only variable factor here is your GMAT. And to compensate for a lower GPA, try your best to get as high of a GMAT score as possible. If you're gearing for round 3, you're too late for EC now. If you're gearing up for next year, look for some things outside of work that you can be involved in. There are a lot of EC opportunities, but I'd just look at one and give it your best effort. Remember - you don't want to come across as a person who's just trying to beef up your resume/experience by going out to do ECs. Find something that you genuinely care about and sign up for it. This way, you'll enjoy what you're doing and you can better convey that in your essays and interviews.