Profile evaluation please

Question

I've only recently started considering for a rather drastic career transition (although honestly don't have much career to start with), and so far the forums have been greatly helpful. Please let me know what you think.

So here's where I stand.

-mid-20's male
-Graduated from UPenn UG (political science, Summa Cum)
-Have been working 2 years in foreign government (but has no "business-related" work experience)
-Initially wanted to go JD/MPP dual degree. Applied and recently been accepted to a CCN law school and Harvard Kennedy School MPP.

Although I was admitted to a top law school, I'm not really excited about the prospect of becoming a lawyer. I'm trying to make a transition to consulting and I'm thinking a MPP/MBA joint (concurrent degree) is perfect for what I want to do in the future (public sector-related consulting).
I have a fairly high oldGRE score (Q800, V780, AW4.5), and from what I know they are accepted in all the top MBA programs (ETS's GRE-GMAT conversion table says it's equivalent to 780 GMAT but I doubt it's that high). Should I still take GMAT?

To sum it up,

-Fairly high GPA but poli-sci major and no background in econ or business (reason being that I've only recently realized what I really wanted to do and that I need a econ/business degree to pursue it)
-Able to sell JD/MPP or MPP/MBA options to differentiate myself from classic applicant pool (which of the two do you think is better for raising my chances?)
-rather weak work experience (2 years in foreign government). Planning to gain some private sector experience (possibly in consulting) over the summer and fall.
-High GRE score (but still take GMAT?)

So given my situation what are my chances into H/S/W, Sloan or Tuck? These are the only schools that HKS has concurrent degrees with, and HBS and Sloan is my dream/first choice due to their closeness to HKS.

Please give me your realistic advice on how I should go about doing this. If my chances are reasonable I am willing to throw away a decent option of attending a top law school, and I do want to make the shift to MBA.

Thanks!

Admissionado · Answer

Good questions. What is your current status with HKS MPP? Are you in for next year and plan to defer so that you can double-up with the MBA???

I think that with your profile and your admittance to HKS, your application should be quite strong, and you should for sure have a shot at attending one of those MBAs... Actually the good news is, that even if it doesn't work out, and you are in a "worst-case" scenario, it's not a big deal at all, for you can just go to HKS for the MPP, then go work for two more years, and then apply again if you still want an MBA. And honestly, the HKS MPP should be opening you a ton of doors by itself. But of course we would be aiming for best-case scenario

... which I think is possible.

Don't bother with the GMAT. If your equivalent is 780 even if it might be a bit downrated for not being a GMAT, still what are they gonna downrate it to? A 760? A 740??

It's still more than you need!

If you have any other questions, let me know.

... which I think is possible. Don't bother with the GMAT. If your equivalent is 780 even if it might be a bit downrated for not being a GMAT, still what are they gonna downrate it to? A 760? A 740??

It's still more than you need! If you have any other questions, let me know.

holacicas · Answer

Thanks for the great insight Jon! I've checked out your website and you seem to be operating a great service!

First, your right. I was accepted for Fall 2013 but is deferring matriculation for a year to apply to MBA programs and double up.
Second, in your opinion, will it be better for me to apply in round 1 with what I have now (current employment with public sector that ends in Aug 2013), or should I shoot for another job (possibly consulting, starting in Sept-Oct), put it on my resume and apply in round 2?. I'm not sure how much of a difference it might be, since it would only be a 3 months difference at the most (IF indeed i land a job right away) in terms of work experience, and I would probably getting all my essays and recommendations out of my current employment anyways. So other than the three more months of WE on my resume, I feel like there's not much point in applying in round 2. BUT again that just my personal thought. What do you think?

Thanks for your time, I'll look forward to your feedback!

Admissionado · Answer

Apply round 1 for sure. The extra three months at a job will not be worth all that much for your probably won't have enough material to really write about, and if fact, just GETTING the job (meaning the foreknowledge of future employment at a good place) would be just as valuable. So if you can line something up immediately afterwards, yes it will help you, but don't delay your application.

Good luck!

Good luck!

holacicas · Answer

I think you're totally right.

As to my admission offer from Harvard Kennedy School, should I mention the fact that I have been admitted to HKS and have deferred matriculation in order to pursue MPP/MBA dual degree on my resume and cover letter?

Admissionado · Answer

Most definitely! This should be at the beginning of every career essay you write, and in integral part of your thought. But it is importunely to do more than simply flaunt the HKS admit like a banner, but to integrate it into the logic behind your career goals - explain WHY you are making the decision you are making, WHY you are preferring to defer, WHY it makes sense in light of your goals. Especially in your case, solid clear reasoning here will go a looooong way.

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