NHUANGYou have a really interesting profile and there's a lot to like here. I would say That you focus on dual degree programs that are similar to Wharton Lauder, Which is a joint degree program in international affairs and an MBA. Yale has the MA in Global Studies joint degree and if you dig around there are many others. HBS/Kennedy is the ultimate if you can pull up test scores.
With a 700, look at Duke and Darden MPP/MBA joint degree programs. MPA/MBA at NYU.
The joint degree approach will definitely give you a competitive advantage because you will essentially be applying towards a program that will have a quota.. it will help set you apart as an Asian applicant and you can probably skate by with a lesser GMAT than other Asians, however I definitely would like to see that come up.
Have you been doing all the things? Are you involved with on line or in person study groups, have you hired a tutor? I would do those things and also take a look at what you can score on a mock GRE. I've worked with a lot of people who have put a lot of time sweat and tears into the GMAT for like a year and then take the GRE an get a better score , it might work out better for you.
I love the diversity that you bring as an LGBTQ+ applicant and the work experience you have is obviously very interesting but I would love to know more about your overall narrative-what is your story, what is your passion, and what do they need to know about you?
Right now it sort of feels like we're getting pieces of the information – all great stuff - but I'd like to get more of a qualitative sense. What should we come away thinking about you? In one sentence how could you describe yourself?
They take 30 to 45 minutes to read your entire application and so it's important to really think about the communication objective and how they can view all of these different impressive things as part of a bigger value proposition. Again, love your profile, there is a LOT of potential here.
NHUANG wrote:
Hello Admission Experts!
Could you please evaluate my current profile to see if my target schools are realistic? Also, I would appreciate some advice on how to proceed. I’m struggling with a low GMAT score after 4 takes (current 670 but could possibly hit 700 on 5th take but definitely nothing higher) and also nervous about being an Asian American applicant. What would I need to achieve to get my foot in the door for an interview?
Asian/White Male
American (Midwest)
GMAT: 670 (43 Q, 39 V, 7 IR, 6 AWA)
GPA: 3.9 (Summa Cum Laude)
Major: Finance (1st); Marketing (2nd)
Undergrad: Top Regional Private University (Midwest)
Work Experience:
[*]Top tech company early-in-career leadership program (non-technical, marketing & intl focused)
[*]Fulbright scholarship (teaching university students in Asia)
[*]6 internships in undergrad (insurance, government, healthcare & consulting)
2 Fortune 500 companies
U.S. Senate
1 intl internship (China)
E.C.:
[*]Extensive involvement in LGBTQ+ organizations (youth focus)
[*]Student government leadership in uni (oversaw large budget & ran in prez campaign)
[*]Heavy service involvement in uni (leadership in alternative breaks)
[*]Studied abroad in Southern Africa (political science focus)[/list]
Honors:
[*]Fulbright scholar
[*]Thesis publication on K-12 teacher tenure in U.S. public schools
[*]Top 15 student award in uni (2 years in a row)
[*]Guest speaker at undergrad’s state of university address, intl LGBT conference, etc.
[*]Pell-grant recipient & paid my own way through uni via merit & need-based scholarships
Recs:
[*]Confident I can obtain 2 quality recs from supervisors and possibly alums of a Top 10 program
Desire for MBA:
[*]Short-term: to obtain qualifications and skills needed teach business and/or leadership classes to undergraduate students as an adjunct prof.
[*]Long-term: desire to run for public office and/or work in public policy/government, focusing on education and intl relations
Target Schools:
[*]Dream: Yale SOM
[*]Next Preferences: Haas, Kellogg
[*]Others: NYU, LSE, Georgetown
***I’m seeking programs that are more international and government/public policy focused. Are there any others you think I should consider?
Thanks in advance for your help!
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