jem41989 wrote:
Hello,
I just took the GMAT Saturday and scored a 730 (Q48,V41,7IR, first try if that matters). I am hoping someone could give me some high level guidance on where I am looking and if I am just wasting my time.
I find myself a little unsure of my next steps. I was able to get to a better score than I expected, although not quite elite. The huge gaping hole in my resume is a 3.17 undergraduate GPA in accounting and finance. I have explained this in a million job interviews that this is somewhat related to working a lot but mostly (97%) related to being really immature.
I have what I hope is decent work experience. I worked for 3 years as an analyst for an 800 bn asset manager with one promotion. Moved over to an agricultural lender (me and my significant other thought it was the best fit at the time) and was promoted in 8 months to a risk management analyst. Without providing too much detail I can speak to leading projects and programs at both companies to a certain extent (as much leash as would reasonably be given a 25-28 year old). I do some work with a Catholic charity but certainly not equivalent to some of the truly amazing student profiles you see floating around.
I also passed the CFA exams, each on the first try, and hold the charter. My research has suggested that this is not very helpful, which is a bummer. This takes a ton of work for anyone to do and wish it meant more.
If someone could speak to the overall strength of this profile that would be extremely helpful. My dream schools are Booth and Sloan, but am also very interested in Ross, Kellogg, Tuck, Fuqua, and Tepper.
Attending a Top 20 school has been an on and off dream since high school. Unfortunately in undergrad I made a host of poor decisions that really limited my academic performance. Thankfully strong internships landed me a better job than I was due. Given life circumstance (my significant other is finishing her doctorate) I am targeting a move and career shift on the near horizon. If I was successful I believe this could help me to land a job in a consulting or perhaps another investment management role.
Thanks very much in advance.
Dear jem41989,
730 is a good score, though not stellar. Going by your description, your leadership in your WE will help a lot. CFA charter will add to it well, and would even compensate for your lower than stellar GMAT. Volunteering efforts will also round your profile off well. Overall great profile.
Admissions to Booth & Sloan (and the like) however, would depend on how you weave this and your career plans into your overall story. Your demographics (Gender, race, schooling location etc) will also influence the results a lot. Tuck and Duke are very realistic. With good counselling though, you can go for the long shots as well.
Hope that helps.
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