Profile evaluation

Question

Hello,

I'd love to gain any insights you might have:

White male 27 years old.

GMAT: 680/6.0

Undergrad Degree in Int'l Relations/Econ from a liberal arts school. GPA 3.93/4.0; graduated summa cum laude and class valedictorian.

Grad degree in Int'l Relations from a top 10 school. GPA 3.8/4; graduated with highest honors

EC: Co-founded a 200-student mentoring program in college
 Founded a chapter of an anti-poverty non-profit after college
 Co-chair of local young professionals organization after college
 Member of my undergrad institution's steering committee for university strategic growth and planning
 Participated in three two-week volunteer aid missions in Ethiopia after college
 Volunteer basketball coach
 
Work Exp: 2 yrs in marketing at a large retailer (managed $300 million of company inventory and created/managed product 
 assortments)
 1 yr in corporate strategy at same retailer (worked on growth projects domestically and abroad)
 1 yr leading a team that managerially restructured and 'turned-around' a failing urban high school as part of AmeriCorps

LOR: Think I can secure strong letters from Booth/ Kellogg alums

Post-MBA: I would love to take my experience in a consumer-facing retail role and marry it with the consultative background I built in strategy to launch my own retail-specific consultancy after b-school.

Target: Kellogg is my top choice and Booth is close behind. I really like both schools but find myself gravitating toward Kellogg's 'team-based' culture a bit more.

Essays: Have written the essays and asked alums for revision/ insights.

My perspective: I know my work experience is a bit diverse, which can cut both ways when it comes to my broader application. I would love to get your perspective on my push for a top 5 school. Not totally certain if a top 5 is a reach for me (based on my profile) or not.

Thank you for all the help!

Accepted.com · Answer

How were your quant grades in school and your quant score on the  GMAT ?

Best,
Linda

Kyle518 · Answer

Hi Linda,

Quant score on the GMAT was a little low (46/75%); GPA in quant college courses is ~3.8/4.

Also, for what it's worth, I've enrolled in an MBA quant skills refresher course (covers accounting, stats, etc) beginning in January.

Thanks again!

Accepted.com · Answer

Everything about your profile is impressive and competitive for  Chicago ,  Kellogg , and the  top business schools  -- except your  GMAT . The quant isn't horrible, just a little low, and your grades are excellent, so you may be able to get through despite the GMAT, but it is below average for these schools. I'm assuming your don't want to retake because nobody does and because you don't have the time to do so before the R2 deadline. Apply and see what happens. Worst case: you retake and reapply next year.

I don't see your work history as a weakness. You had responsible positions. The two professional relate to each other and to your post  MBA goal , and you spent a year serving in Americorps, which is valued experience even if not in business.

You may also want to consider  Duke ,  Ross ,  Haas , and  Tuck , which are not necessarily easier to get into, but very much in line with your goals.

Best,
Linda

Kyle518 · Answer

Thanks for the wonderful feedback, Linda!

Accepted.com · Answer

You're welcome, Kyle.

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