Dear NJackson40,
Thanks for your message. I sincerely apologize for the delayed response as we were slightly bombarded the past few months with candidate requests. However, other MAC team members and I want to help every applicant we can and we really appreciate your patience.
Thank you for sharing your background as I enjoyed reading it, similar to other candidates' profiles when I worked as part of a US top tier MBA admissions committee.
Although it is difficult to recommend schools without knowing any personal preferences that you may have - school size, geographical area (city or campus town), climate, concentrations offered, faculty-to-student ratio, etc, I will try my best to guide you accurately based on your academic background (BBA double major in Finance & Management) and professional experience in Global Institutional Consulting and Private Banking.
In my experience, with your background, I would recommend looking at more top tier US programs in addition to Duke, UT Austin, Michigan. I find that 90% of top-tier candidates I work with tend to "opt-out" of the application process as they feel that they do not stand a chance with top tier programs. Regardless of where you fall with your competition, let the top-tier school make the ultimate decision on your candidacy. Most candidates share with me how they are pleasantly surprised when they are accepted and never thought they stood a chance in top tier programs. Regardless of the opinions you receive from forums, please apply to the programs which attract you the most and do not underestimate the professional and academic background that you possess. For example, you have an outstanding undergraduate GPA. The MAC team and I truly congratulate you on the 4.0/4.0 GPA as this is no small endeavor in college, especially when you are the first generation to attend college in your family lineage. It is truly remarkable.
Lastly, I sincerely request that you choose schools which you feel passionately for and not settle on "safety schools". This is a phrase that was not developed by the institutions but by an admissions consultant at some point as this industry evolved. This is a phrase we at MAC have never used and nor will be used in the way of our candidates’ aspirations and dreams. We do not believe that you will need any “stretch” or “safety” schools
.
Regardless of the opinions you receive from forums, please apply to the programs which attract you the most and do not underestimate the professional and academic background that you possess. The worst thing that you can do as a candidate is underestimate your background. I feel that this is worse than receiving a rejection from any program. The best thing you can do is take your "best foot forward" and leave the decision to the schools. Please do not "opt-out" of your dream schools because you think you may not stand a chance.
I hope this helps you. If you would like to further speak directly with our consultants who are former admissions committee members or our recent admits at any point, please visit
https://macapproved.com/free-evaluation/Best wishes,
Sue and the MAC Team
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