Hi arzad:
Thanks for reaching out to me. I appreciate the high-level profile statistics you laid out for me. I know that you want a robust profile evaluation, but it would help if you are slightly more specific. When I conduct profile evaluations over the phone, I usually have a lot more information.
What would also help us is if we could conduct a direct comparison of your background information with not only a schools culture, but also the schools essay questions. When you compare your background and stores with a school's specific questions, you get a real good idea of the gaps in your profile.
So for instance, HBS wants you to define three significant accomplishments as well as three setbacks. Effectively evaluate your profile determining whether or not you were a fit with HBS is a matter of knowing how much gas you have in the tank. This is the info that I am missing from your profile. But this is the nature of the forums I suppose. So I will do my best.
The fact that you are an underrepresented minority, and an immigrant at that, will definitely help you. This is for several reasons. Of course we recognize that top business schools are trying to diversify their applicant pool. But perhaps more compelling will be the story you tell about your experience coming to America. I think you can be competitive at a top 10 business school – even with GMAT score of 650. When I think about schools such as Stanford and their "what matters most?" personal type essays, I believe that you will be able to paint a compelling picture -- if you know how to write about your experiences.
Your goals seem to make sense – that is, they do not really represent a drastic departure from what you are doing now. The finance aspect is definitely something that a real estate oriented MBA program can help you with.
The one thing that I see as possibly being a red flag for the admissions committee is your apparent lack of involvement. I am familiar with the organizations you list as being a part of. The one thing that I would have liked to have seen is some sort of reference to a leadership position or significant accomplishment within these organizations. I would of your name in these areas, if what I perceive to be happening is actually the case.
I hope my more general comments help you in your quest for the right program. Do not be afraid to reach out to the school. I recommend contacting relevant clubs and organizations at your target schools, and seeing if you can arrange a phone call or a lunch.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
arzad wrote:
Hi Paul, please help me evaluate my profile:
Hispanic (Born and raised in Latin America. Came to the US at 19) 31 years old at matriculation male/us
5 years work experience
GPA: 3.41 Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech
GMAT 650 (Q47,V33)
College Extracurricular:
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Current Extracurricular:
Habitat for Humanity
Professional Background:
5 years Real Estate Construction Management at multinational construction firm (Excellent recommendations including 1 from a client)
Additional Info:
Avid Volleyball and Baseball player
Goal: I'm looking into strong real estate finance programs, I want to get into Real Estate finance or Development
Thank you for your help.