Profile Eval/Ding Analysis

Question

Hi There,

I had a very rough application season this past R2. Got rejected by 9 top 15 schools and got admitted to USC Marshall. I am currently 22 years old working for an innovative vertically integrated retail company with large brand recognition within sustainability and high quality products (~1B in revenue). When I applied this past round I was in an entry level position in the accounting department and have since been promoted to Finance Admin working directly under the CFO preparing all presentations for the executive board and implementing ERP systems. I started working for the company part-time during my junior year at school and once I graduated in May 2015 I was hired full time. I have had 4 promotions in the ~2.5 years I have worked at this company.

Part time experience (same company as full-time experience)- 18 months
Full Time Experience - 11 months to date

Post MBA I am looking to get into For-Profit Social entrepreneurship. I plan to reside in California.

Leadership Experience is very strong from my undergrad. I was the president of a sports team for 3 years, founded an athletic honor society, was the treasurer for four other honor societies, and sat on numerous fee committees on campus. Strong volunteer work as well. Graduated as valedictorian of my business school (California state school) with a 3.98 GPA. BS in Business, minor in Econ.

GMAT is a 720. Q47 V42 IR 8

White (middle eastern) Male
US Born citizen

What do you think my odds are of getting in as a re-applicant to the schools listed below if I apply for the class of 2019 vs 2020? Am I right in assuming my main weakness was my Age/WE or am I completely missing something.

Duke
Yale
Ross
MIT
Berkeley
Tuck
GSB

I really appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Hi there-
Yes, I would definitely reapply, especially to any schools where you got an interview.

I think waiting another year would help a lot. 22 is very young for MBA programs, and most applicants have 3-5 years of full-time work experience. The # of promotions you've had is great though!

I wonder if your goals was an area of question too? Depends on how you framed it up but going from accounting / finance to social entrepreneurship seems like a big jump. Also a field that a lot of applicants are interested in so they may not have seen enough "proof" that you could make that switch compared to other applicants. Something else for you to consider as you plan out your strategy for the next time around.

Good luck!
Kate

riceman · Answer

Hi Kate,

Thanks for the quick response here. My argument was always that I got into Finance/Accounting to learn that side of business as it is crucial for a business owner to have a rounded understanding in that field. However, my intentions have always been to run a business that helps better coastal regions around the developing world from pollution. Convincing?

Also, in your experience, do you think I am looking at the appropriate range of schools or am I shooting too high?

mbaMissionKate · Answer

That could make sense...assuming you've had some experience in that area? Do you have a track record of activism / involvement in environmental groups and activities? If not, then that's an area to improve. If yes, then definitely keep it up and consider even trying to get some experience outside of finance / accounting to show a more well-rounded view.

With your stats, I think you can aim for schools in the top 15-20, but have a range within that (which it sounds like you did if you applied to USC), and make sure you are not sacrificing quality over quantity. Doing 9 applications is a lot of work! So that could have been an issue too. Be focused in your search so you can do your research on each school, ideally visit each campus, and show how the program is a good fit for you.

Kate

Hi Kate,

Thanks for the quick response here. My argument was always that I got into Finance/Accounting to learn that side of business as it is crucial for a business owner to have a rounded understanding in that field. However, my intentions have always been to run a business that helps better coastal regions around the developing world from pollution. Convincing?

Also, in your experience, do you think I am looking at the appropriate range of schools or am I shooting too high?

riceman · Answer

I guess the extra detail is that the company I work for is Patagonia. Very environmental activism based. They're sending me to Panama to do research on water quality and tuna. So I try to stay versed in that arena.

It seems like some of my schools are top 5 and top 10. Is that an issue? I did get an interview at Sloan this past season at 22 so I can't be that far off right?

And definitely won't do 10 apps ever again.

mbaMissionKate · Answer

Got it, I'm familiar with the company

so that makes sense. Your research sounds really interesting - keep me posted on that! That international experience should look great on your resume too! I agree, if you got an interview at Sloan then you are in the right range of schools, just be more focused next time around. Kate I guess the extra detail is that the company I work for is Patagonia. Very environmental activism based. They're sending me to Panama to do research on water quality and tuna. So I try to stay versed in that arena. It seems like some of my schools are top 5 and top 10. Is that an issue? I did get an interview at Sloan this past season at 22 so I can't be that far off right? And definitely won't do 10 apps ever again.

riceman · Answer

More focused as in career goals or with the schools I am applying to?

mbaMissionKate · Answer

I meant schools

thanks for clarifying

riceman · Answer

Got it, thanks for all of the help Kate. Much appreciated!

mbaMissionKate · Answer

You're welcome- good luck!

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