kamkam wrote:
Age: 27
Sex: Male
Undergrad: Business from small but reputable university in Canada-3.6 gpa overall (3.45gpa last two years)
Completed CFA levels 1-3 but don't have necessary work experience.
GMAT: ??? I haven't taken it yet but I always do very well on examinations and I plan on scoring in the 690-710 range based on my research and the sample examinations I have taken.
Volunteer: Board member in a charity and tutoring.
Work experience: 2.5 years (Big 4 audit, then government budget analyst, then corporate analyst) Not management.
Unique life experience: Not sure if this counts but my life story is rather unique. Escaped civil war in Africa, then lived a few years as a kid in 3 different countries (all different languages and two different continents) and then ended up in Canada for high school. I missed out on education for the better half of my childhood so I had to basically learn everything in high school but was able to graduate with tremendous marks and get into a good university (but took me two years longer). Anywho, I only mention this because I was two years behind my classmates but my life journey was rather unique.
I have the following questions;
1. Will my life journey and my age help or hinder me?
2. Can I get into a top 10 american school? I also have an eye on INSEAD and IESE. I just don't even have a clue as to what my chances are in terms of these schools.
3. Do I have to score 700+ on the GMAT based on my profile to have a shot or will the 680-690 be sufficient?
Thank you very much for your help
Thanks for your inquiry. To answer your questions:
1. Your life journey will help you. Your age is very typical for full-time MBA programs. Your experience is on the low side, but quality is more important than quantity.
2. If your GMAT ends up in the indicated range, you have a chance in the top 10, but I can't say for sure. Same with INSEAD and IESE.
3. 700 is not a must or a line in the sand. Just the higher the better.
Best,
Linda