hakunamatata3 wrote:
Hi Jon,
I am looking to apply to grad schools this year and in the process of writing my app essays. I wanted to share with you my profile and get your opinion on big questions or concerns that adcoms will have when they see my profile (any suggestions on addressing those questions?). I am taking on the risky strategy of only applying to HBS and Stanford, so am trying to be extra meticulous.
Thanks a lot in advance!
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Target schools
Applying to HBS and Stanford only in R1
Also applying HKS for a joint/dual degree
Academics
GMAT: 770 (Q51, V45)
GPA: 3.9+ in engineering from HYP (received a number of academic awards throughout college)
1 publication (senior thesis)
Demographical info
25 yo at matriculation (3 years out of undergrad), Asian male, foreign national (have lived in 4 countries to date)
Professional experience
Recently started working in an int'l dev NGO in Africa as an externship of my consulting firm
Worked 2 years at MBB US office (including an international engagement)
Fellowship at a US youth development nonprofit
College internship at BB IBD in NYC
Child acting on TV growing up in Asia
Extracurricular activities
Post college
Founder & leadership committee member of a youth development nonprofit (the same one I did a fellowship at)
Founder of a grant (at my old HS) aimed at helping students pursue their passion
Volunteer at a secondary school in the developing country I am currently working at (teach math classes for local students, revamp lesson plans, train teachers on various teaching methods)
Regional rep for undergrad alumni
During college
Membership & leadership positions at a number of different clubs (e.g., ethnic group, dance, student government)
Post-MBA goal
Starting a foundation for global youth development (after going back to my consulting firm for a couple years to gain more international/leadership experiences); I am focusing my essays on tying my long-term vision to my life experiences to date
Hey there Hakuna Matata,
You have a fantastic profile with all everything you need to get into a school like HBS or Stanford. Amazing GMAT, wonderful grades, MBB, Real strong volunteer work, and DREAMS!
So I see no obstacle or weakness to your profile. Still, even with a totally fantastic profile such as yours, HBS and Stanford is still not easy. But I think the schools will also like your goals a great deal - and your success in getting accepted will probably depend heavily on just how real, passionate, interesting and logical you can make those goals seem. The 'trick' to these goals is on the one hand for them to be once-in-a-lifetime VISIONARY goals (I will change the world), but at the same time to be sooo concrete and sooo based in reality that they will get the feeling that these goals will really happen.
I wish you luck!