Profile Evaluation Request- THANK YOU!

Hello!

Thanks in advance for your response, it is greatly appreciated.

Profile:
- Age: 25 (27 @ matriculation)
- Male
- U.S. Resident
- GMAT 710 (Q47, V42)
- Undergraduate Institution: Ouachita Baptist University (liberal arts school in Arkansas) Thanks for the chance to learn about Ouachita Baptist University! Rated #170 by US News and World Report for National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Undergraduate Degree: Biblical Studies, 3.35 GPA. Graduated in 3.5 years. Good GPA overall. And you could look at the Biblical studies two different ways- and it really depends on the opinions of the admissions counselor- which you can't control.... but one the one hand it will be on the unique side as you don't see biblical studies majors applying to b school every day Or it could be that if the school is in a big metro area it might not jump out as hugely positive but I see it at worst truly as a neutral. B schools like diverse classes and the biblical scholars piece could be a hook. But at end of day, you can't change it so I wouldn't worry about it. Focus on what you can control!
- Business coursework outside of major: Microeconomics (B), Accounting I (A), Accounting II (A), College Algebra (B), Personal Finance(A)All excellent! Good that you've taken these classes since major is not quant based.
- Extracurricular in college: president of fraternity which grew from 12 members to over 80 while I was a member. Various community service leadership opportunities.Good to show results and growth under your leadership.
- W/E:
o 2 years at one of the top 5 Health Insurance companies in the U.S. I was a Disability Analyst. Various leadership opportunities.
o (Current) 2 years at a Insurance Brokerage and Consulting Firm as a Consultant (boutique firm likely never head of by admissions committee). Work with company executives to customize benefit program that will make them an employer of choice. Consult regarding Affordable Care Act compliance, as well as be the liaison between various other vendors. Various leadership opportunities, etc. Company size- around 20 employees. Good work experience, exposure to healthcare
o Both positions held in a major metroplex. Would likely have great recommendations from management.
- Community Involvement: Served as Associate Pastor for organization my wife and I started called Grassroots Christianity. Organization is focused on changing people’s perception of Church structure and function. Various community service events held.
- Target Schools (I will likely declare a Healthcare concentration if available):
o UT McCombs (in-state tuition. #1 choice) You look like a strong candidate here
o UNCI think you have an excellent chance here too, and I know school well and healthcare is a great focus area here with concentration and excellent medical/healthcare in community
o Vanderbilt Also strong chances here and big medical center there too.
- Stretch Schools
o Duke- FuquaI think you have a good shot here too- and with medical centers in RTP area strong, coming from Texas also puts you in a less crowded pool
o Cornell- Johnson See this also as a strong possiblitiy
o Virginia DardenYour stats are right in there too
- Less Competitive Target Schoolsyes to all these
o SMU
o Rice
o A&M
- Timeline: I will apply in the fall of 2017 in order to matriculate in the fall of 2018 (class of 2020)
- Career Aspirations: Healthcare Consulting (not on the insurance brokerage side), but to be honest it is a bit undecided. I’m not completely aware of the paths available to me given my background. A school with excellent experiential learning opportunities like UNC could help you try some different experiences and help you tighten your goals

Concerns:
- Undergraduate Degree: Will having a religious degree be the diversity that schools are NOT looking for? I know diversity is a big focus of MBA programs. The degree was from a Liberal Arts institution, thus I studied in multiple areas which allowed me to truly foster a passion for learning.
- Work Experience: I’ve definitely shown progression in both positions (both in salary and promotions), but Insurance is often seen as an industry anyone can walk in to. Not sure how my experience will be viewed by ADCOM at the programs I mentioned. Don't apologize for your industry- just highlight your accomplishments and results. Make the WHY case for healthcare from some of the experiences you've had a work
Questions:
- Given my somewhat low quant score (Q47), would you recommend I take a few business/math course prior to my application? I’m thinking maybe Calc. for Business, Stats. for Business, and/or some other finance course.The quant courses you mention above should suffice. I don't see that adding great extra value but learning is always a good thing- just not sure it will really help in this case. [color=#0000ff]Your 710 overall score might keep your quant score from getting overly scrutinized- at least as many of the schools you targeted as your GMAT right in the avg range for most of these schools.[/color]
- My current company is somewhat small and the advancement opps are limited because of that. I’m considering looking for another company to work for during the two years leading up to matriculation.If you plan to apply in next year, I would NOT change jobs. If you have 2 yrs more of work, then consider.
o If I’m right at 2 years before switching companies, would that look negatively to ADCOM(job hopping)?
o I have a relatively large network, and my first thought is I would try to work for one of the big 4 consulting firms in an analyst type role. I think this would be a good opportunity for me personally, but would me taking a role like this hurt my “diversity factor”, since so many MBA applicants come from that background? Don't overthink this-- be who you want to be and make a compelling case. B schools have great relationships with big 4 so lots of opportunities.
- Are there other schools that you feel like my profile fits? My family (wife and 1 year old daughter) is flexible on location. Outside of the obvious stats(GMAT, GPA), do you feel like I would be a competitive applicant at the schools I listed?I've mentioned in the school section that you have picked many schools that I think are real options for you. I'd do some specific research at each school- try to reach out to students with healthcare interest and get a feel for where you feel best "fit" and plan visits and do your research so you can present a compelling Why for the schools on your list. I'd look at a place with active healthcare clubs, great medical/heathcare employers and focus, comfortable fit for family, a place where you feel valued. Hope this helps and best wishes to you! I think you have many great positives and your should feel great about your situation. If you'd like to talk more about how StratusPrep can really help present yourself in the best possible light, PM me or go to our website with link at bottom of this email for a free consult where you can get 1/2 hour of an expert's time and learn more about your profile and also how we help clients in a variety of packages/price points! Best wishes to you!

Thank you for your time.