Bdevil25 wrote:
Hi,
First of all, thank you for providing this invaluable service to all of us! I would greatly appreciate some honest feedback about my chances of admission.
25, white, male
Undergrad: Oregon State University, Mechanical Engr., 3.68 GPA, studied a semester abroad at Denmark Technical University
GMAT: 730 (Q47,V44)
Work exp: 36 months at matriculation, R&D process engineer for Xerox Corp., Six Sigma Green Belt, co-manage daily tasks of 3 technicians, one patent pending, on-track for job promotion to single point accountability for new project in Dec., plus two 6-month internships while in school (not counted towards work exp)
Extracurriculars: Played drums in semi-professional band for ~2 years, managed the band and a $5k CD recording project, including recording, CD pressing, album art creation, marketing, etc. (I'm discussing this in my essay about a unique life experience)
- Managed every aspect (10-15 contractors) of our $120k house gut and remodel, putting in 20-30 hours per week for 6 months.
- Also, multiple positions in college in Society of mechanical engineers and fraternity.
- Recently, homework tutor/mentor for disadvantaged youth, will co-lead a Lego robotics team (for the same non-profit). Also worked to obtain Xerox sponsorship for team uniforms.
Good news/bad news: My wife was just accepted to Duke's nurse anesthesia program and we're moving to NC in one month! We're very excited, but unfortunately I'll be leaving my job just before my promotion - I will discuss this in my optional essay.
Why MBA? Over the past 2 years, I've been job-shadowing an entrepreneur in real estate finance and development. He led me through the planning and financial modeling phases of a multi-million dollar Alzheimer's care facility development project, which I'm now a small part-owner of. I'm fascinated by his work--it speaks to my craving for an inherently riskier career in a more entrepreneurial setting. In combination with my growing knowledge of real estate, a finance MBA will give me the toolset I need to succeed in this career path.
Why now? Engineering does not provide the career progression opportunities that I strongly desire. I would like to have as many years as possible in my post-MBA career, first as a financial analyst for a real estate development firm in Portland, OR, then as an independent land developer in the Northwest.
Schools: Duke and UNC - Even if my wife hadn't chosen Duke, it would be my top choice. I visited Fuqua in August and felt more at home there than any other school so far. I'm also applying to UNC because of their high quality real estate program.
Because progression opportunities were very limited at Xerox, I'm crafting my essays to highlight my leadership development through band management (both from home and abroad in Denmark) and my first internship, where I worked under the tutelage of an MBA (he had a major effect on my mentality and goals).
Please let me know your honest opinion about my odds at Duke and UNC.
Thank you so much!
Bdevil25,
I think your odds at Duke and UNC are very good. My only concern is that career break on your part. I hope you have something lined up in NC to move into. Even if you didn't a short career interruption would not seriously impaire your chances at those schools. You look to be in good shape from my perspective.
Good luck,