Hello
Accepted.com. If I could be so bold as to ask for a profile evaluation:
Personal stuff: As the title suggests, I'm 27 and asian american. Took the gmat last month: 710 (second time taking it)
Received a BS in Business Admin at UC Riverside, GPA 3.17
Post MBA goal: I want to start my own company, sooner rather than later, and the MBA will really help me with that. Also interested in wealth management.
Professional experience : I'm an auditor at at a public accounting firm, and have been there a year. In the year that I've been auditing, I've earned the trust of the partners and managers, and receive a lot more responsibility than when I started (I'm now leading the audits on a few of our clients). Before that I worked as an underwriter in my state's largest insurance company for about 18 months -- consistently received high performance evaluations, and promoted rapidly. Prior to that, I worked at a bank for 2 years.
Certifications: I passed the CPA exam, and I'm working towards the experience requirement as I write (I have 1 out of 2 years required, at the moment). When I get into business school, I'll be able to use the education in place of the second year and become licensed while earning my MBA.
References: The audit partner at my firm has said he'll write me a glowing letter, and my previous supervisor has said the same. I have their respect and appreciation. Based on this I don't think references will be a weakness in my app.
Extracurricular: There's not a lot there for extracurriculars, to be honest. Some of that is attributable to studying for the CPA exam. I've been involved in a university alumni association for two years, mainly helping to organize the annual ball. This year we are sponsoring students to visit Thailand, and I am one of the selectors who will interview the applicants and decide who to send to Thailand for the summer quarter. Last year I planned/coordinated a trip for me and my friends to Europe, for the World Cup. It was exciting, interesting, and the experience of a lifetime. All of the preparation was worth it.
~~
Schools I'm considering: UCLA, USC. What are my chances at these two schools, and what other schools should I consider? I'm also considering international MBA programs, for the global experience and also the shorter durations (usually 12-18 months). What are my odds at say, ESADE?
Thanks in advance! By the way I bought 'Great Application Essays' and am finding it to be a great resource.