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06 Aug 2019, 09:07
Kudos
Bookmarks
Good Afternoon! Thank you in advance for your time to review my profile. I am interested in what my chances are for my target schools listed at the bottom based on my profile.
Me
White Male (1/4 Filipino)
Age 30
Approximately 8 years of W/E
GMAT
1st Official Practice GMAT: 600 (Q44/V28/IR5) Was taken prior to any studying.
1st GMAT: 640 (Q41/V37/IR6/AWA5) Was taken after 4 1/2 months of intensive studying.
2nd Official Practice GMAT: 700 (Q47/V40/IR4) Approximately 1 1/2 months after 1st GMAT.
3rd Official Practice GMAT: 690 (Q49/V35/IR8) Just under a week after 2nd official practice exam.
2nd GMAT: 690 (Q43/V41/IR7/AWA5) Was taken just under a week after 3rd official practice exam.
Honestly, I'm not sure why I didn't achieve similar Quant results in the official exam as compared to the official practice exams. If I had the time and money, I would retake again in about a month to improve my Quant score further. However, I do not believe I have the available time or money to accomplish this.
GPA
Attended a private liberal arts college (ranked just outside the top 100 for private colleges in the US)
Graduated in 2011
GPA: 3.38/4.0
Transcripts will show improvement from Year 1 through Year 4.
Bachelor's of Business Administration
Double Concentration in Finance and International Business
Extra Curricular Activities During Undergrad
Was on the Cheerleading Squad all 4 years and captain the last 2 years.
Worked either Federal or State Work Study Jobs at the same time, which were not related to my field of study.
Work Experience
Initially started work as a seasonal hire for a well-known retail brand in my area. Transitioned to a sports retail company after a couple months, because I was much more interested in sports. Moved up within this company from working part-time in the warehouse, to being a lead assistant manager for one of our highest volume stores, to becoming a manager of another store (received an award for audit score here), and finally becoming the manager of one of our highest volume stores. This all took place within the span of two years.
Following my time there, a couple friends and I decided to start our own sports retail company building off of what we had learned from our experience. Our company had a very successful start (2011) and continues to operate today. I handled all of our company's inventory and orders. I taught myself the Point of Sale system, as well as the inventory system that was part of it. I also expanded and developed our company's filing system. In addition to this, I also managed one of our storefronts and assisted with merchandising and employee development at that location. I continued in this position for approximately 4 1/2 years.
Finally, I decided that while I had enjoyed my time working with my friends and developing a successful business, I did not feel fulfilled by my work. I reflected on what I wanted to pursue and contribute to the world and decided to join the Peace Corps in 2018.
I am currently serving in the Peace Corps in a Sub-Saharan African country within the sector of Community Economic Development. My hope was to transfer my skills and knowledge to local entrepreneurs within my scope of work. I assist an NGO that focuses on capacity building for community-based organizations. Our primary focus has been with the management committees of conservancies and community forests. During my time here so far, I have assisted with organizational development of my host NGO, as well as with income generation for a community craft group. I have facilitated several sessions on business training and entrepreneurship, including co-facilitating a youth entrepreneurship camp for 30 learners. I have an Officer position with one of our post's working groups and was recently selected as a Regional Peace Corps Volunteer leader. In this position I will assist with organizational development of our Peace Corps post amongst other things. I am also an officer for an upcoming camp and plan to continue to be involved in multiple activities within our post.
Short Term and Long Term Goals
I am interested in pursuing an MBA to enhance the skills needed to work in the Consulting industry. I wish to leverage my experience in entrepreneurship and grassroots-level sustainable development to transition into a career in consulting. My goal post-MBA is to work for a large consulting firm, such as Bain & Co, McKinsey & Company, BCG, or Deloitte. My hope is to eventually work, if not start, within those companies in the Social Impact division. I have seen firsthand what grassroots efforts can do, as well as the limit imposed on them by government regulations and policies. There is also a shift within the NGO area to move away from donor-dependency and towards self-sufficiency. While I believe I could help create impact by working for an NGO directly, I also believe that I could have a larger impact through consulting for multiple NGOs and other organizations. That is why I have decided to pursue an MBA with a consulting focus.
With all that being said, I am still open to other opportunities and ideas that may arise during my time in an MBA program. I can easily see myself pursuing a social entrepreneurial route if I meet someone with similar interests.
For long term, I am hoping to garner professional development, experience, and knowledge through the large consulting firm I end up with. Based on my experience with the firm, I would either stay on long-term to train other new consultants or I would branch out to a boutique firm or organization that specializes in Social Impact. There would also be the possibility of starting my own consulting firm at that point in time.
Preference of Area to Settle
Open to working in any area of the US or World. I do however wish to study at a US Program and believe the internship opportunity between the first and second year would provide invaluable experience and help with my transition.
Target Schools
Harvard
Yale
Duke
Haas
Booth
Kellogg
Darden
Tuck
ASU Carey (If accepted to program and Coverdell Fellowship, would be full-ride plus stipend)
Other schools I still have an eye on include:
Wharton
Ross
Sloan
UW Foster
ND Mendoza
Penn State Smeal
Me
White Male (1/4 Filipino)
Age 30
Approximately 8 years of W/E
GMAT
1st Official Practice GMAT: 600 (Q44/V28/IR5) Was taken prior to any studying.
1st GMAT: 640 (Q41/V37/IR6/AWA5) Was taken after 4 1/2 months of intensive studying.
2nd Official Practice GMAT: 700 (Q47/V40/IR4) Approximately 1 1/2 months after 1st GMAT.
3rd Official Practice GMAT: 690 (Q49/V35/IR8) Just under a week after 2nd official practice exam.
2nd GMAT: 690 (Q43/V41/IR7/AWA5) Was taken just under a week after 3rd official practice exam.
Honestly, I'm not sure why I didn't achieve similar Quant results in the official exam as compared to the official practice exams. If I had the time and money, I would retake again in about a month to improve my Quant score further. However, I do not believe I have the available time or money to accomplish this.
GPA
Attended a private liberal arts college (ranked just outside the top 100 for private colleges in the US)
Graduated in 2011
GPA: 3.38/4.0
Transcripts will show improvement from Year 1 through Year 4.
Bachelor's of Business Administration
Double Concentration in Finance and International Business
Extra Curricular Activities During Undergrad
Was on the Cheerleading Squad all 4 years and captain the last 2 years.
Worked either Federal or State Work Study Jobs at the same time, which were not related to my field of study.
Work Experience
Initially started work as a seasonal hire for a well-known retail brand in my area. Transitioned to a sports retail company after a couple months, because I was much more interested in sports. Moved up within this company from working part-time in the warehouse, to being a lead assistant manager for one of our highest volume stores, to becoming a manager of another store (received an award for audit score here), and finally becoming the manager of one of our highest volume stores. This all took place within the span of two years.
Following my time there, a couple friends and I decided to start our own sports retail company building off of what we had learned from our experience. Our company had a very successful start (2011) and continues to operate today. I handled all of our company's inventory and orders. I taught myself the Point of Sale system, as well as the inventory system that was part of it. I also expanded and developed our company's filing system. In addition to this, I also managed one of our storefronts and assisted with merchandising and employee development at that location. I continued in this position for approximately 4 1/2 years.
Finally, I decided that while I had enjoyed my time working with my friends and developing a successful business, I did not feel fulfilled by my work. I reflected on what I wanted to pursue and contribute to the world and decided to join the Peace Corps in 2018.
I am currently serving in the Peace Corps in a Sub-Saharan African country within the sector of Community Economic Development. My hope was to transfer my skills and knowledge to local entrepreneurs within my scope of work. I assist an NGO that focuses on capacity building for community-based organizations. Our primary focus has been with the management committees of conservancies and community forests. During my time here so far, I have assisted with organizational development of my host NGO, as well as with income generation for a community craft group. I have facilitated several sessions on business training and entrepreneurship, including co-facilitating a youth entrepreneurship camp for 30 learners. I have an Officer position with one of our post's working groups and was recently selected as a Regional Peace Corps Volunteer leader. In this position I will assist with organizational development of our Peace Corps post amongst other things. I am also an officer for an upcoming camp and plan to continue to be involved in multiple activities within our post.
Short Term and Long Term Goals
I am interested in pursuing an MBA to enhance the skills needed to work in the Consulting industry. I wish to leverage my experience in entrepreneurship and grassroots-level sustainable development to transition into a career in consulting. My goal post-MBA is to work for a large consulting firm, such as Bain & Co, McKinsey & Company, BCG, or Deloitte. My hope is to eventually work, if not start, within those companies in the Social Impact division. I have seen firsthand what grassroots efforts can do, as well as the limit imposed on them by government regulations and policies. There is also a shift within the NGO area to move away from donor-dependency and towards self-sufficiency. While I believe I could help create impact by working for an NGO directly, I also believe that I could have a larger impact through consulting for multiple NGOs and other organizations. That is why I have decided to pursue an MBA with a consulting focus.
With all that being said, I am still open to other opportunities and ideas that may arise during my time in an MBA program. I can easily see myself pursuing a social entrepreneurial route if I meet someone with similar interests.
For long term, I am hoping to garner professional development, experience, and knowledge through the large consulting firm I end up with. Based on my experience with the firm, I would either stay on long-term to train other new consultants or I would branch out to a boutique firm or organization that specializes in Social Impact. There would also be the possibility of starting my own consulting firm at that point in time.
Preference of Area to Settle
Open to working in any area of the US or World. I do however wish to study at a US Program and believe the internship opportunity between the first and second year would provide invaluable experience and help with my transition.
Target Schools
Harvard
Yale
Duke
Haas
Booth
Kellogg
Darden
Tuck
ASU Carey (If accepted to program and Coverdell Fellowship, would be full-ride plus stipend)
Other schools I still have an eye on include:
Wharton
Ross
Sloan
UW Foster
ND Mendoza
Penn State Smeal
06 Aug 2019, 10:24
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi there - thanks for writing! You have a very intriguing career background. Regarding your target schools, based on your profile I've bolded the schools that I feel are more in your target zone:
Target Schools
Harvard
Yale
Duke
Haas
Booth
Kellogg
Darden
Tuck
ASU Carey (If accepted to program and Coverdell Fellowship, would be full-ride plus stipend)
Wharton
Ross
Sloan
UW Foster
ND Mendoza
Penn State Smeal[/quote]
Because of your interest in social impact, I would also add Georgetown and BU Questrom to your list.
I definitely understand your frustration with the GMAT. If you're not able to retake, a couple of things I'd do: 1. in your application optional essay, mention any A grades you earned in college in quantitative classes 2. If you had weaker grades in quant classes in college, consider a supplemental course (perhaps in statistics or calculus) - if you get an A, it will provide assurance to the AdCom that you can handle the rigors of the MBA program. One thing to be aware of is that top consulting firms sometimes (but not always) ask for applicants' GMAT scores, so if at all possible I'd give it another shot to achieve a 700+ and a higher quant score.
Hope that helps!
Target Schools
Harvard
Yale
Duke
Haas
Booth
Kellogg
Darden
Tuck
ASU Carey (If accepted to program and Coverdell Fellowship, would be full-ride plus stipend)
Wharton
Ross
Sloan
UW Foster
ND Mendoza
Penn State Smeal[/quote]
Because of your interest in social impact, I would also add Georgetown and BU Questrom to your list.
I definitely understand your frustration with the GMAT. If you're not able to retake, a couple of things I'd do: 1. in your application optional essay, mention any A grades you earned in college in quantitative classes 2. If you had weaker grades in quant classes in college, consider a supplemental course (perhaps in statistics or calculus) - if you get an A, it will provide assurance to the AdCom that you can handle the rigors of the MBA program. One thing to be aware of is that top consulting firms sometimes (but not always) ask for applicants' GMAT scores, so if at all possible I'd give it another shot to achieve a 700+ and a higher quant score.
Hope that helps!
bglade
Good Afternoon! Thank you in advance for your time to review my profile. I am interested in what my chances are for my target schools listed at the bottom based on my profile.
Me
White Male (1/4 Filipino)
Age 30
Approximately 8 years of W/E
GMAT
1st Official Practice GMAT: 600 (Q44/V28/IR5) Was taken prior to any studying.
1st GMAT: 640 (Q41/V37/IR6/AWA5) Was taken after 4 1/2 months of intensive studying.
2nd Official Practice GMAT: 700 (Q47/V40/IR4) Approximately 1 1/2 months after 1st GMAT.
3rd Official Practice GMAT: 690 (Q49/V35/IR8) Just under a week after 2nd official practice exam.
2nd GMAT: 690 (Q43/V41/IR7/AWA5) Was taken just under a week after 3rd official practice exam.
Honestly, I'm not sure why I didn't achieve similar Quant results in the official exam as compared to the official practice exams. If I had the time and money, I would retake again in about a month to improve my Quant score further. However, I do not believe I have the available time or money to accomplish this.
GPA
Attended a private liberal arts college (ranked just outside the top 100 for private colleges in the US)
Graduated in 2011
GPA: 3.38/4.0
Transcripts will show improvement from Year 1 through Year 4.
Bachelor's of Business Administration
Double Concentration in Finance and International Business
Extra Curricular Activities During Undergrad
Was on the Cheerleading Squad all 4 years and captain the last 2 years.
Worked either Federal or State Work Study Jobs at the same time, which were not related to my field of study.
Work Experience
Initially started work as a seasonal hire for a well-known retail brand in my area. Transitioned to a sports retail company after a couple months, because I was much more interested in sports. Moved up within this company from working part-time in the warehouse, to being a lead assistant manager for one of our highest volume stores, to becoming a manager of another store (received an award for audit score here), and finally becoming the manager of one of our highest volume stores. This all took place within the span of two years.
Following my time there, a couple friends and I decided to start our own sports retail company building off of what we had learned from our experience. Our company had a very successful start (2011) and continues to operate today. I handled all of our company's inventory and orders. I taught myself the Point of Sale system, as well as the inventory system that was part of it. I also expanded and developed our company's filing system. In addition to this, I also managed one of our storefronts and assisted with merchandising and employee development at that location. I continued in this position for approximately 4 1/2 years.
Finally, I decided that while I had enjoyed my time working with my friends and developing a successful business, I did not feel fulfilled by my work. I reflected on what I wanted to pursue and contribute to the world and decided to join the Peace Corps in 2018.
I am currently serving in the Peace Corps in a Sub-Saharan African country within the sector of Community Economic Development. My hope was to transfer my skills and knowledge to local entrepreneurs within my scope of work. I assist an NGO that focuses on capacity building for community-based organizations. Our primary focus has been with the management committees of conservancies and community forests. During my time here so far, I have assisted with organizational development of my host NGO, as well as with income generation for a community craft group. I have facilitated several sessions on business training and entrepreneurship, including co-facilitating a youth entrepreneurship camp for 30 learners. I have an Officer position with one of our post's working groups and was recently selected as a Regional Peace Corps Volunteer leader. In this position I will assist with organizational development of our Peace Corps post amongst other things. I am also an officer for an upcoming camp and plan to continue to be involved in multiple activities within our post.
Short Term and Long Term Goals
I am interested in pursuing an MBA to enhance the skills needed to work in the Consulting industry. I wish to leverage my experience in entrepreneurship and grassroots-level sustainable development to transition into a career in consulting. My goal post-MBA is to work for a large consulting firm, such as Bain & Co, McKinsey & Company, BCG, or Deloitte. My hope is to eventually work, if not start, within those companies in the Social Impact division. I have seen firsthand what grassroots efforts can do, as well as the limit imposed on them by government regulations and policies. There is also a shift within the NGO area to move away from donor-dependency and towards self-sufficiency. While I believe I could help create impact by working for an NGO directly, I also believe that I could have a larger impact through consulting for multiple NGOs and other organizations. That is why I have decided to pursue an MBA with a consulting focus.
With all that being said, I am still open to other opportunities and ideas that may arise during my time in an MBA program. I can easily see myself pursuing a social entrepreneurial route if I meet someone with similar interests.
For long term, I am hoping to garner professional development, experience, and knowledge through the large consulting firm I end up with. Based on my experience with the firm, I would either stay on long-term to train other new consultants or I would branch out to a boutique firm or organization that specializes in Social Impact. There would also be the possibility of starting my own consulting firm at that point in time.
Preference of Area to Settle
Open to working in any area of the US or World. I do however wish to study at a US Program and believe the internship opportunity between the first and second year would provide invaluable experience and help with my transition.
Target Schools
Harvard
Yale
Duke
Haas
Booth
Kellogg
Darden
Tuck
ASU Carey (If accepted to program and Coverdell Fellowship, would be full-ride plus stipend)
Other schools I still have an eye on include:
Wharton
Ross
Sloan
UW Foster
ND Mendoza
Penn State Smeal
Me
White Male (1/4 Filipino)
Age 30
Approximately 8 years of W/E
GMAT
1st Official Practice GMAT: 600 (Q44/V28/IR5) Was taken prior to any studying.
1st GMAT: 640 (Q41/V37/IR6/AWA5) Was taken after 4 1/2 months of intensive studying.
2nd Official Practice GMAT: 700 (Q47/V40/IR4) Approximately 1 1/2 months after 1st GMAT.
3rd Official Practice GMAT: 690 (Q49/V35/IR8) Just under a week after 2nd official practice exam.
2nd GMAT: 690 (Q43/V41/IR7/AWA5) Was taken just under a week after 3rd official practice exam.
Honestly, I'm not sure why I didn't achieve similar Quant results in the official exam as compared to the official practice exams. If I had the time and money, I would retake again in about a month to improve my Quant score further. However, I do not believe I have the available time or money to accomplish this.
GPA
Attended a private liberal arts college (ranked just outside the top 100 for private colleges in the US)
Graduated in 2011
GPA: 3.38/4.0
Transcripts will show improvement from Year 1 through Year 4.
Bachelor's of Business Administration
Double Concentration in Finance and International Business
Extra Curricular Activities During Undergrad
Was on the Cheerleading Squad all 4 years and captain the last 2 years.
Worked either Federal or State Work Study Jobs at the same time, which were not related to my field of study.
Work Experience
Initially started work as a seasonal hire for a well-known retail brand in my area. Transitioned to a sports retail company after a couple months, because I was much more interested in sports. Moved up within this company from working part-time in the warehouse, to being a lead assistant manager for one of our highest volume stores, to becoming a manager of another store (received an award for audit score here), and finally becoming the manager of one of our highest volume stores. This all took place within the span of two years.
Following my time there, a couple friends and I decided to start our own sports retail company building off of what we had learned from our experience. Our company had a very successful start (2011) and continues to operate today. I handled all of our company's inventory and orders. I taught myself the Point of Sale system, as well as the inventory system that was part of it. I also expanded and developed our company's filing system. In addition to this, I also managed one of our storefronts and assisted with merchandising and employee development at that location. I continued in this position for approximately 4 1/2 years.
Finally, I decided that while I had enjoyed my time working with my friends and developing a successful business, I did not feel fulfilled by my work. I reflected on what I wanted to pursue and contribute to the world and decided to join the Peace Corps in 2018.
I am currently serving in the Peace Corps in a Sub-Saharan African country within the sector of Community Economic Development. My hope was to transfer my skills and knowledge to local entrepreneurs within my scope of work. I assist an NGO that focuses on capacity building for community-based organizations. Our primary focus has been with the management committees of conservancies and community forests. During my time here so far, I have assisted with organizational development of my host NGO, as well as with income generation for a community craft group. I have facilitated several sessions on business training and entrepreneurship, including co-facilitating a youth entrepreneurship camp for 30 learners. I have an Officer position with one of our post's working groups and was recently selected as a Regional Peace Corps Volunteer leader. In this position I will assist with organizational development of our Peace Corps post amongst other things. I am also an officer for an upcoming camp and plan to continue to be involved in multiple activities within our post.
Short Term and Long Term Goals
I am interested in pursuing an MBA to enhance the skills needed to work in the Consulting industry. I wish to leverage my experience in entrepreneurship and grassroots-level sustainable development to transition into a career in consulting. My goal post-MBA is to work for a large consulting firm, such as Bain & Co, McKinsey & Company, BCG, or Deloitte. My hope is to eventually work, if not start, within those companies in the Social Impact division. I have seen firsthand what grassroots efforts can do, as well as the limit imposed on them by government regulations and policies. There is also a shift within the NGO area to move away from donor-dependency and towards self-sufficiency. While I believe I could help create impact by working for an NGO directly, I also believe that I could have a larger impact through consulting for multiple NGOs and other organizations. That is why I have decided to pursue an MBA with a consulting focus.
With all that being said, I am still open to other opportunities and ideas that may arise during my time in an MBA program. I can easily see myself pursuing a social entrepreneurial route if I meet someone with similar interests.
For long term, I am hoping to garner professional development, experience, and knowledge through the large consulting firm I end up with. Based on my experience with the firm, I would either stay on long-term to train other new consultants or I would branch out to a boutique firm or organization that specializes in Social Impact. There would also be the possibility of starting my own consulting firm at that point in time.
Preference of Area to Settle
Open to working in any area of the US or World. I do however wish to study at a US Program and believe the internship opportunity between the first and second year would provide invaluable experience and help with my transition.
Target Schools
Harvard
Yale
Duke
Haas
Booth
Kellogg
Darden
Tuck
ASU Carey (If accepted to program and Coverdell Fellowship, would be full-ride plus stipend)
Other schools I still have an eye on include:
Wharton
Ross
Sloan
UW Foster
ND Mendoza
Penn State Smeal
06 Aug 2019, 10:35
Kudos
Bookmarks
Thank you for the feedback and insight, Nisha! I will definitely take this into consideration as I narrow down my list of schools that I intend to apply to.
