Hi yoogene77! You have a very interesting background. Although it's hard to predict your chances without knowing a little more detail (particularly about your impact at work), you have some unique aspects about your candidacy that set you apart. Schools are looking for all kinds of people in the class, and your experience in entertainment (and perhaps your current role too) is differentiating. It sounds like you might be doing quite well at work with the recognition in Korea that triggered the transfer (yes, tell them about it on your resume). Schools want to see leadership and impact, so be sure to highlight what you've accomplished and how you've done it. "Sales & Marketing" is a little vague for me to assess here - what's involved in what you do, how do you achieve your targets and what have you learned?
As for retaking the GMAT, yes, I do think that sounds like a good idea. Schools will be looking for your ability to handle the rigorous coursework and it sounds like you might not have a ton in your undergrad background to counter it. The other option is that you could take a summer quant course of some kind - perhaps statistics, finance or accounting - to show you can handle the curriculum.
As for the GPA explanation, that would normally go in the Optional Essay (or Additional Information section, depending on school). Use that space to explain the situation in a straightforward way (and if you have counterarguments, like your grades were stronger when you weren't under contract, you can also make them). As for the extracurriculars since undergrad, you can't do much about the past, but perhaps over the summer you can take on something - even if it's only something internal at work - to demonstrate some leadership and community involvement. If you do something related to things you might have done previously or something clearly personal to you, it can help to show a continuing interest.
If consulting is indeed your goal, you might spend some time thinking more about what kind of consulting and where you'd like to be. Ideally, your goals should line up and make some sense with your background. Be sure to be thoughtful on why each school you apply to is a great fit for you - there are some big differences in the M7 schools, so do some research. If CBS is your first choice, yes, applying ED can help sometimes, and also can save you time and work if you submit early enough to get a decision before some of the other deadlines.
If you need some help, feel free to reach out to us on our web site for a consultation!
Best of luck!
Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMission yoogene77 wrote:
Hello! I am looking to apply to M7 schools +YOSM and HAAS. Highly considering Early Decision CBS.
I was wondering where I currently stand in terms of potential of acceptance for these schools and any advice on what I could do now to be a better candidate. I also have a few specific questions below under each category.
I am considering working with a consultant for my apps but limiting factors time and $ (Shooting for R1). To all the Adcom/consultants out there reading this, thank you very much for your advice!
Demographics:Korean Male 27 yrs. USA citizen.
Work Experience4-5 years Sales & Account Management role at global tech company in a niche sector with relatively well known brand. Started in Korea office and was there 3 years (promoted once), lateral move to HQ in the USA where I am now. Lateral move to HQ made possible through recognition in Korea office (is this something worth highlighting?)
Gmat:740 (47Q, 46V, 8 IR)
I am worried about my lowish Quant score due to my Undergrad background. I did not have many quant focused classes aside from 101 level business classes and have a relatively low GPA.
Should I take GMAT again and try to get higher quant score? Or is my time better spent on working on other aspects of my profile?
Undergrad:Top 3 University in Korea with 3.7/4.3 GPA. Political Sci Major Business Minor.
Extra Curriculars:Entertainment industry - I was a model/pop-star trainee under contract. 2-3 years during Undergrad which is why my GPA is as low it is.
Thoughts on how to communicate this? Should I even communicate this?Int'l Business Society at my University where I served as the marketing manager/director for our marketing team.
To be honest I don't have any real official/consistent Extra curriculars after Undergrad.. Will this hurt me a lot?
Goals:Consulting - Generalist. However I am perfectly happy to leverage Sales/Marketing experience for industry focus.