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novian18
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Joined: 16 Jun 2009
Last visit: 14 Jul 2018
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Location: New York, NY
Schools:Columbia Business School: Class of 2012
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Profile Evaluation 16 Jun 2009, 21:18
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Hi, maybe somebody could help me out here. It's tough to be un-biased, and some days I just really don't know how to gauge my candidacy...in any event, here are my credentials:

Me: 25 years old (26 at matriculation), caucasian, male
Academics: 3.55 Overall GPA from a top-40 undergraduate public business program; Major: Finance (3.94 GPA within major)
GMAT: 720 - Q49 V38 AWA 6.0
Work Experience: Upon matriculation, I will have 4 years of full time work experience in commercial banking/real estate for a publicly traded super regional bank. I have had the opportunity to function in both an analytical role and a sales role, which has helped me to develop my quantitative analytical abilities, but also work on my soft skills via tons of client interaction essentially since day one (I'm planning for this to be a big selling point). I've originated over $50 million in commercial loans, a portfolio I have subsequently managed, while selling commercial banking products to my clients. Additionally, I have been a project leader on an ongoing basis for our portfolio management team ($7 billion portfolio), delivering analysis and presentations to federal and state regulators as well as ratings agencies, etc...I have also been involved in the preparation of commentary for quarterly earnings conference calls; In 3 years, I've been promoted twice, and seen a 70% increase in pay (for those schools that monitor this sort of thing)
Recommendations: I won't be able to get direct supervisors bc of the sensitive nature of leaving the company, but will be able to get stellar recommendations from those who know me and my work very well (and, obviously, are my superiors)
Extra-curriculars: A few decent ones in college, though I did take a semester off school to work for a Fortune 20 company in order to beef up my resume, thus forcing me to relinquish some of my duties. Post-undergrad, I have been heavily involved with my alma mater's alumni association, and have participated as a mentor at a camp for underprivileged youths since 2007. This is probably my weakest credential
Personal: I'm still involved in recreational sports (flag football, softball, basketball), perform semi-frequently with a band, and also give formal guitar lessons (for a little extra dough)

I have done a lot of research on schools, and the following are the ones where I feel I'd have the best fit:

Wharton
Columbia
Fuqua
Tuck
HBS
Ross

My question is this: Is my profile competitive at these schools?

Thanks in advance for your help
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isa
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Profile Evaluation 18 Jun 2009, 18:54
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I think you'll prolly be competitive at most of the schools you listed.
A few thoughts:
- I'd put Wharton and HBS in the 'reach' category. CBS and Tuck in the 'striking distance' category. Fuqua and Ross in the 'on-target' category.
- I'd consider adding a couple of 'safer' schools.
- Wharton and Columbia tend to attract the finance crowd so you'll have to make sure that your apps set you apart from the other finance folks that apply.
- Also post your profile for the admissions consultants on the forum, see what they have to say!
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novian18
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Profile Evaluation 19 Jun 2009, 05:06
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Thanks, isa. I really appreciate your input. As I'm sure you can imagine, it can be tough to objectively self-assess given the amount of flux in the economy right now...Thanks again.

isa
I think you'll prolly be competitive at most of the schools you listed.
A few thoughts:
- I'd put Wharton and HBS in the 'reach' category. CBS and Tuck in the 'striking distance' category. Fuqua and Ross in the 'on-target' category.
- I'd consider adding a couple of 'safer' schools.
- Wharton and Columbia tend to attract the finance crowd so you'll have to make sure that your apps set you apart from the other finance folks that apply.
- Also post your profile for the admissions consultants on the forum, see what they have to say!
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