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kastino
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Please advise me on where to apply? African Applicant Updated on: 16 Mar 2019, 06:48
Originally posted by kastino on 14 Jan 2015, 13:27.
Last edited by kastino on 16 Mar 2019, 06:48, edited 1 time in total.
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Please advise me on where to apply? African Applicant 15 Jan 2015, 02:44
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kastino
Please find below my details. As stated in the topic, I'm an African:

GPA: 3.24 from top US LAC (Williams, Amherst, Wesleyan, Vassar)
Major: Mathematics
GMAT: 740 (48M, 42V)
Work experience: All in Africa
Currently working in a Private Equity (PE) firm focused on agriculture. It is the first fund in my country that is focused on agribusiness(2 months - present). I source for deals and built a business plan (going forward strategy) for a portfolio company. Also evaluating other potential investment opportunities. Exciting work!!! I plan to be here till I start school, hopefully, in 2016.
Past WE with the most recent on top:
Investment Banking at top non-banking firm in my country that has executed some of the most high profile deals in my country (1 year)
Big 4 Audit (1 year)
Central Bank of my country (10 months)
Extracurricular:February 2014-Present. Currently involved in the fund raising and development activity of an NGO that helps teens from disadvantaged areas acquire entrepreneurial skills and sets up a business for the most promising ones. Led a fund raising of $6,000 and was involved in other activities. During my Senior year in college, I was a college ambassador and interviewer. I interviewed hundreds of applicants, and this helped me learn a lot about the American educational system. I was once an Orientation Leader. I also tutor the GMAT occasionally (paid).
Post MBA goal: Join an African or emerging focused PE firm or development finance institution. I'm interested in firms such as Actis, Emerging Capital Partners, Abraaj, IFC, AFC, etc. I eventually want to be an investor in the agricultural and consumer goods sector of my country. If PE does not work out, I can also do IB or a finance-related career. Will have about 4.5 years WE on matriculation, and have about 3 years right now.

I plan to apply this year to resume Fall 2016. Please tell me schools that I can realistically consider. I'm particularly interested in those that offer no-cosigner loans and/or good funding to internationals. But for now, I want to have an idea of how high I can reach. Hope this post wasn't too long :) . Not to forget, I dropped out of a PhD program after a year in 2011. Thanks in advance.
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How high can you reach?
The Sky is the limit, my friend, especially with a fantastic GMAT like that, and PE work. Besides the fact that it's good to apply as an African candidate because the schools don't get that many, I really really like your story "The First PE Fund focused on Agribusiness". If you can show the right goals and the right passion, and have a bit of decent extras on the side (volunteer work, etc.) you are totally Top 10 materiel, and I wouldn't even hesitate to advice you applying to H/S/W.

Pretty good, eh?
:)

Best,
Jon
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Please advise me on where to apply? African Applicant 16 Jan 2015, 14:37
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It isn't often I get to post replies like this but...you're GOLDEN. Top 10 easy and probably with money. We've had clients with similar stats but slightly less significant work experience pull in some serious fellowships at the top 10 so with what you bring to the table, the odds are definitely in your favor! And given your goals of PE / high finance - you need to stay in the top 10 anyway.

You, my friend, are in a great spot. Congratulations on setting yourself up for a great run!

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Please advise me on where to apply? African Applicant 19 Jan 2015, 15:43
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Hi kastino,

Totally agree with the above comments posted. You have a remarkable profile and GMAT Score. With this profile you can easily get admitted to top 10 B-Schools. Your extracurricular, academics and work experience are really good and competitive enough to get into top 10 business schools. I would definitely suggest you to apply to B-Schools like Harvard, Stanford and Wharton.

You may also gauge your chances of getting admission to top business school by trying this amazing tool https://bit.ly/1C9o2Md

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
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Please advise me on where to apply? African Applicant 27 Jan 2015, 12:12
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Africa, PE, Agriculture background looks interesting to adcom.

Strong GMAT nos but low GPA would be your biggest weakness.

You can't do much to overcome the low GPA so don't sweat it too much.

Focus on a tight story that shows a brand of leadership through your commitments in college and beyond.

Then make it clear what your vision is for how you intend to impact/shape Africa post-MBA.

This can make or break your application if you can show great track record already that leads you to want to do more/bigger with the MBA.

You'll need to be a bit more specific and not simply list firms you wish to work for but what you wish to achieve through PE and HOW you intend to do so.

The Ph.D. stint could raise questions of focus - so be ready to explain your thinking, departure.

Happy to speak with you further about your profile.

Cheers,

Chioma Isiadinso and EXPARTUS Team

PS - Check out our blog for scholarship info for African MBA applicants
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Please advise me on where to apply? African Applicant 02 Feb 2015, 12:41
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​Hi, I'm Zooey from Aringo.
You have a very interesting profile. Indeed, top schools are looking to increase their numbers of African participants.
Please feel free to contact us at Aringo for a free review of your profile and an assessment of your chances. You can email our CEO, Chaya, at [email protected] and she should be able to give you an idea of which schools you are best suited for. Of course, you can also try our 'chances calculator' at https://www.aringo.com/mba_admission_cha ... ulator.htm.

Best of luck,
Zooey