Hey unc0mm0n1 -
Fellow Illini here
I think overall you've got a very strong profile, and I think you can make a strong case for needing an MBA with a West coast network. Your academic background is excellent, your Army experience will be hugely valued, and you've progressed at a face pace with some very well known companies. I think you would bring a really interesting perspective to an EMBA class. Do you manage people / teams in your role now? If not, that could be one weak area, but it's not a requirement. Your involvement in non-profits and leadership in the community is impressive too.
I wish we had better data on EA scores but what we keep hearing is that 150 or higher is a good score for top EMBA programs. So with that in mind, plus the strength of the rest of your profile, I don't see a need for you to retake. Focus on telling your unique story in the application materials and get that application in for R1! Have you spoken to people at Haas (either in admissions, current students in the program or alumni?) If not, make sure you do that before you apply too.
Best of luck,
Kate
unc0mm0n1 wrote:
Hi - I'd like to apply to a top EMBA program on the West Coast my top school is probably Haas ( I would go for free because of my GI Bill
Age: 37
Demographics: Black, Male
Nationality: American
Undergraduate Majors: Business (biology minor) University of Illinois
GPA: 3.92
Graduate degrees: JD, Harvard Law School; MA, U. of Oklahoma, Human Relations (4.0 GPA)
Work Experience: 6 years as an Army officer (bronze star), 2 years at top law firm, 2 years as Program Manager at Exxon, 2 years as a Senior Program Manager at Amazon Hope to get promoted to Principal PM this year.
EA: 156 - Q10, V13, IR13
Extracurriculars:
- Sit on the board of directors for a Veteran's non-profit.
- I do some limited legal public service consulting in a niche field
- Work closely with a major charity in Seattle focused on homeless families esp. immigrants (helped raise nearly 65K in two years)
Goal is to stay in the tech space and become a director/VP within the next decade either with my current company or one of the other big tech companies. Looking for expanded knowledge of management theories as well as a great network. My Harvard network is great but most of them are on the East Coast and are concentrated in finance and law.
Should I retake the Executive assessment? I think I could raise my score to 160+ (my two practice tests were 158 and 160). I'd like to apply during R1.