Fuqua Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi Jen,

Its true. I got a MBA from a not-well-known university. In comparison, that MBA is more similar to MSc Management. That MBA does not require work experience and has the curriculum that focuses on the major we chose only, not courses covering other aspects.

Looking at class profile of MQM at Fuqua, I see my fit. However, the stats is quite limited in terms of range of information. Hence, it is hard to know my chance to get into.

Anyway, thanks a lot for your advice.

Sure thing. Given that the program is likely smaller and admissions even a touch more personalized, you can always attempt to meet with admissions and talk about overall profile and chances and any advice. Other than that, if your stats seem to stack up you might as well give it a shot if you are confident it will benefit your career. Be sure you can speak to how and why it will do so. Speaking to students/alum of the specific program is always a good idea too! Good luck!

agree that it is rare to have MBA then get MQM-- but if you have some compelling reason why you like the MQM curriculum I would say this maybe could work. I would call Fuqua and discuss with someone in their admissions team as having the conversation upfront on how they would view you could save you time if there is an issue-- and talking with them will give you more insight about program and allow you to sell your case! Good luck!!! And if you find you want help with the application- we have some great expertise for Fuqua-- so here is our link for a free consult if you do apply and want to discuss with us further: https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com ... b-visitor/

White / San Francisco, CA USA

University of California, Santa Barbara - Sociology Major, 3.43 GPA

GMAT 1: 640 Q37 V39 AWR 6
GMAT 2: 670 Q46/V37 AWR 6

Work experience and leadership:
Program Manager google for 3 years, managed 2 directly and supervised 150 (customer support team)
Product Manager @ China-based startup 8 months, no direct reports

Career goals: International product management at a fintech company providing consumer products & solutions

Hi skrall,

Thanks for your post; the info you shared is fairly limited so tougher to do a strong assessment, but GMAT-wise you're obviously a bit below average at Fuqua; work experience as Program Manager at Google with management experience sounds respectable... the more specific accomplishments and leadership examples you have during that time the better fyi. I don't know if you have any/many community activities.

Do you feel you've exhausted your GMAT attempts? Had you ever done much better on a practice test? When are you aiming to apply? Feel free to circle back with more info.

Please evaluate my profile.

10th - 88
12th - 82
Btech Marine Engineering - 8.44 (BITS, Pilani)

Work experience - 3 years with 2 promotions
Presently sailing as 4th Engineer ( Merchant Navy)
Maersk Line study scholarship for good performance during internship

Extra Curricular :
1. TMISAT all India topper
2. Scholarship in all semesters spent in my Institute
3. Cultural Head for various events
4. INMUN, Delhi
5. Committee Member for All India Level festival
Various certification courses

Post MBA Goals : To work in Shipping company / Oil gas major with specialisation in Strategy Management.


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Hi Prashant13,

Thanks for your post. Your grades look strong and you could potentially emphasize your experience as an engineer in the Navy and the exposures you've gained that would be different from those in a more traditional engineering role. Your involvements/extra curriculars sound respectable as well. What is your test score or are you still waiting to get that under your belt? Given the high scores of Indian applicants, it will still be important to nail the GMAT to be considered at Fuqua. Additionally check out some of our essay tips here from last year; we shall see if the essays remain the same when this year's app goes live soon.
https://www.mbamission.com/blog/2017/06 ... 2017-2018/

Hi All,

Could you please kindly help review my profile?

- Master in Finance in UK (University of Birmingham)
- 3.5/4 GPA
- 700 GMAT
- One recommendation letter from a renown Duke faculty, one from UOB graduate professor, one from work supervisor
- 4 years work experience, 3 years work as an University administrative manager, 1 year in a pharmaceuticals company as internal consultant

Do I have a chance to apply to Duke Fuqua? Now I plan to apply Duke Fuqua, UNC, Stern, McCombs for PhD in Management.

Thanks a lot,
Carol

Hi Carolzzzzz,

Before giving more detail... to clarify, are you applying for PhD programs everywhere, not MBA programs?

Are you from the UK or US? And have you been working in the US or UK or elsewhere? Just trying to get a feel for your background/international experience etc which could be appealing to Fuqua. What sort of work have you been doing, and what is your ultimate aim?
Thanks!

Hi Jen,

Thanks a lot. Yes, I am applying for the PhD program. I am a Chinese citizen. I haven't worked overseas. I worked in Roland and Berger as an consultant, a Duke affiliated University as the administrator and also an US pharmaceutical company as a process improvement initiator. And these work experiences are all in China.

I wanna study comparative economics or management. And maybe study in academia or go to consulting companies after that.

Hi,

I am going to apply in the Early Action Round 2018 at Fuqua. It would be great if someone could review my profile and comment on my chances of making it to Fuqua.

Nationality: Indian

GMAT Score: 760 ( Q:50,V:41,IR: 8,AWA:4.5 )

Academic Background: B.Tech in Electrical Engg. (IIT-BHU,Varanasi) , CGPA: 7.81/10

Work Ex:
--4 years in total in Analytics Consulting across multiple industry verticals(Financial Services, Retail and Healthcare) and markets(US/India).
--Currently working as a Consultant for the Strategy team of a top US bank, helping on the customer acquisition strategies and recommending product portfolio changes.
--Leading a team of 2.
--Ex-Amazon.

Extra Curricular:
--Member of the Electrical Dance and the Theatre groups: Organised and participated in Department level Skits and Dance competitions.
--Participated in College level Skit Competitions.
--Part of a Non Profit Organisation which takes care of homeless people with mental disorders.
--Head of the Hospitality team for a College festival.

Post MBA Goals: Strategy Consulting at a top tier Consulting firm (preferably MBB).

Hi IvyLeagueAspirant,

A few thoughts on the different dynamics of your application:

Nationality: Indian

As you know, you are competing in a very competitive demographic cohort, so execution across your application is vital.

GMAT Score: 760 (Q:50, V:41, IR:8 , AWA: 4.5)

Nice score! This broadly is a plus. In an ideal world, V and AWA would be a little higher, but this is nice.

Academic Background: B.Tech in Electrical Engg. (IIT-BHU,Varanasi) , CGPA: 7.81/10

Not a huge differientiator here, but obviously a good education. Your personal color here (through essays, etc.) will matter here.

Work Ex:
--4 years in total in Analytics Consulting across multiple industry verticals(Financial Services, Retail and Healthcare) and markets(US/India).
--Currently working as a Consultant for the Strategy team of a top US bank, helping on the customer acquisition strategies and recommending product portfolio changes.
--Leading a team of 2.
--Ex-Amazon.

I think your background could lend to a really interesting narrative. Can you add further color on your professional experience? Are you independent now?

Extra Curricular:
--Member of the Electrical Dance and the Theatre groups: Organised and participated in Department level Skits and Dance competitions.
--Participated in College level Skit Competitions.
--Part of a Non Profit Organisation which takes care of homeless people with mental disorders.
--Head of the Hospitality team for a College festival.

Which of these personally matters to you? Do any tie into personal history or goals?

Post MBA Goals: Strategy Consulting at a top tier Consulting firm (preferably MBB)

Is this your immediate post-school goal? Do you have longer-term goals? This is fairly boilerplate, so understanding WHY and how it ties to your broader story is really important. Also - why Fuqua? What makes it THE school for you?

Overall, you're certainly in range, although it's important to see the pieces of your application tied together more cohesively.

Hello All,
I would like to have my profile evaluated. I just took the GMAT in June and am ready to apply for business school in Fall 2019. Here is my information:
GMAT: 710 (50Q/34V/6 IR) Have not received my AWA score yet
GPA: ~ 3.37 (over a 3.5 my last year)
Degree: BA Economics, UCLA. Transfer GPA - 3.8
Experience: 2 years as an analyst at a real estate investment company(1 year at current firm). Work in both acquisitions (acquired 3 hotels for $150mm since I started) and asset management (6 of our current hotels, and 135 hotels for a third party). Had previous internship experience in PWM.
Extracurricular: Over 700 hours working as a volunteer at the local hospital, as a tutor, and as a coach for middle school children. No experience in professional leadership/managerial roles. Was a member of Ski and Snowboard team in college. Mentor a student at UCLA. High School Valedictorian.
Background: Indian (born and raised in California). 25 years old. Typical middle class story for a kid in Orange County.
What I want from business school: First, I would like to work in finance, either in real estate acquisitions, PWM, or VC/PE. I would like to gain both the professional and personal skills that business school can provide. Finally, I need a change in my life.
Letters of Rec: Plan on asking my CIO and an Associate at my current company for my two recommendations. I also have my previous employer in case. Do not have a professor at UCLA I can ask since I did not spend a lot of time in office hours.
Other: The one issue which will make things difficult is that I was accused of cheating in college. I received academic probation and I'm sure I will have to discuss what happened. I would like some feedback whether this is a automatic red flag. It was a mistake and I've grown from it, but I am sure it will leave a mark.

Thank You,

Hi Sheesho,

Please see below for some quick thoughts - happy to chat more in depth if you'd like to walk through specifics. Broadly, Fuqua is certainly achievable, although you will want to carefully approach certain aspects of your application.

GMAT: 710 (50Q/34V/6 IR) Have not received my AWA score yet
This is good, but mind blowing enough to be a major positive. Both sections are above 80th percentile, correct?

GPA: ~ 3.37 (over a 3.5 my last year)
Degree: BA Economics, UCLA. Transfer GPA - 3.8
Similar to above, okay but not great. Where'd you transfer from?

Experience: 2 years as an analyst at a real estate investment company(1 year at current firm). Work in both acquisitions (acquired 3 hotels for $150mm since I started) and asset management (6 of our current hotels, and 135 hotels for a third party). Had previous internship experience in PWM.
This is on the short side for applying, so really having a strong personal narrative on why business school NOW will be vital. Experience seems interesting / unique that you can make it pop.

Extracurricular: Over 700 hours working as a volunteer at the local hospital, as a tutor, and as a coach for middle school children. No experience in professional leadership/managerial roles. Was a member of Ski and Snowboard team in college. Mentor a student at UCLA. High School Valedictorian.
Recent hours or further back (e.g. during school)? Seems like you're potentially drawn to personal impact (via tutor, mentor, volunteering) - would tie that into broader narrative - if you can show organizational impact at these roles, that'd be great.

Background: Indian (born and raised in California). 25 years old. Typical middle class story for a kid in Orange County.
Again, little on the younger side, so will need to be sharp on that in apps.

What I want from business school: First, I would like to work in finance, either in real estate acquisitions, PWM, or VC/PE. I would like to gain both the professional and personal skills that business school can provide. Finally, I need a change in my life.
Need to be very specific here. Can tailor on school by school basis (playing to areas of strength at the schools), but you should really think about which of those paths you want. They're very different and applying with broad post-school career goals is not the angle you want to take as someone on the younger side.

Letters of Rec: Plan on asking my CIO and an Associate at my current company for my two recommendations. I also have my previous employer in case. Do not have a professor at UCLA I can ask since I did not spend a lot of time in office hours.
Reasonable approach. Who is previous employer (didn't see above)? Any MBAs on them? Will they say "sheeso was one of the best I've worked with"? Do they have direct experience working with you?

Other: The one issue which will make things difficult is that I was accused of cheating in college. I received academic probation and I'm sure I will have to discuss what happened. I would like some feedback whether this is a automatic red flag. It was a mistake and I've grown from it, but I am sure it will leave a mark.
You're correct, this is a big one you'll need to structure around. Definitely would need more color on whether this is a total red flag, but devoting optional essay to this is one strategy to mitigate and maximize your chances.

Hi all,

Aiming to apply this year for ('19-'21). I'd appreciate any feedback to see if I'm eligible or if I need a reality check.

Background and nationality: Dual citizen (EUR/US)
Undergrad Information: B.A. 2.84, M.A. 3.15 (Both subjects related to humanities) from a uni in EUR.
GMAT: Taking it soon. Practice tests hovering at 670-700.
Work experience and leadership: 5-6 years within international development, all outside the US. 3+ years fieldwork for various organizations in rural Africa (micro-finance and organizational development). Returned Peace Corps Volunteer as well.
Community and others: A good chunk of community engagement and volunteering.
Post MBA goals: (1) Sector: International Development. (2) Function either: non-profit management or consulting (specifically ID)

I realize my numbers are low (both gpa and gmat) but I'm hoping my unorthodox WE might pick up the slack.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Hi everyone I'm hoping to get an honest MBA evaluation profile

Age: 29
Nationality: Russian (dual citizenship Russia/USA)
GMAT: currently studying, aiming for 700+
Undergrad: Law, top 20 school
Undergraduate GPA: 3.4
Master's degree: LLM from USC school of law (USA)
Current work ex: 5 Year
1. worked in a big law firm
2. Now, The head of the legal department
Extra Curriculars:
Co-founder of the first American football team, in which played as a linebacker
Short term goal: switch my career to I-banking and focus on M&A

Thank you guys in advance. I am looking forward to getting your feedbacks

Romikus,

Its gonna be about application execution for you. Your profile is good and a 700+ GMAT will stand you in good stead. B-schools don't have too many lawyers applying (although we are seeing an increasing number from their ranks), so your profile will be differentiated from others. However, it boils down to a few factors:
1. Given your personal and professional experiences, what do you bring to the table? Fuqua having an intensely collaborative culture is pretty about this (yeah, read their essay questions).
2. How well do your career goals stack up? Are they feasible given your past experience (can't comment further as you have not mentioned what you do in the legal team- probably M&A diligence, I guess)
3. Your overall leadership and impact - as head of the legal department, you should have enough dope here.

Execute these well and you should be in good shape.