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RuthlessCA
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Joined: 03 Feb 2009
Last visit: 10 May 2010
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Concentration: Finance
Schools:University of Chicago
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Profile Evaluation - should I apply to some safety schools 25 Nov 2009, 00:09
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Hi I just wanted to get your guy's opinions. I am currently working as a volunteer teacher at a non profit social investment project in India. I am also their finance director. Prior I spent 3 years with start up hedge funds (both well above $100M) and 2 years in Venture Capital right out of undergrad. I received a 3.5+ from top 5 public school, played athletic DI baseball, started a dance troupe and also been working with this non profit for over two years before deciding to volunteer there full time. My one concern is my GMAT which is a 680, with a low Quant (I took it 3 times and each time I get in that range). I have already applied to kellogg, Tuck and NYU and going to apply to Haas and Stanford, looking to do social venture philanthropy. My essays have been pretty good in my mine but who knows. I am nervous that I will not get into any of those schools with my GMAT even though I have significant analytical work experience and good grades in a tough major. Do you think I should apply to other schools like USC Marshall as a backup...I really have targeted my schools for social enterprise but I am nervous, do you guys think I should maybe drop my hat into a school like that or wait til 3rd round? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also applying is tough as I am in a tiny village in India with minimal internet connection, which is a concern to meet deadlines and get recs. Thank you for your advice!!!!
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DuckPond
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Profile Evaluation - should I apply to some safety schools 25 Nov 2009, 11:55
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I would guess that you won't go 0 for 5. Your background seems too unique that one wouldn't bite.

That said, because strange things happen, I'd think about adding another school. I don't think you need a "safety" school but I would start considering a target school like Michigan, UCLA, Duke, etc. No idea if those schools have the programs you are looking for but something in that range.

Also, you'll prob hear from one of your 1st round school before the R2 deadline so you can adjust accordingly.
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11MBA
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Profile Evaluation - should I apply to some safety schools 28 Nov 2009, 22:38
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I think you have a very interesting and competitive profile. As DuckPond mentioned, it's hard to imagine that you will be rejected by all 5. However, this whole process could be kind of a crapshoot. I'd suggest having some backup options for round 2 and start working on essays for those schools now. It seems might seem like a waste of time since you might no end up using them, but I think it will save a lot of time if you end up needing to apply in round 2.
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RuthlessCA
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Profile Evaluation - should I apply to some safety schools 30 Nov 2009, 16:38
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Thank you both for the advice, I will definitely start looking at maybe throwing my hat in another school and getting the essays started just in case. I am definitely playing up my background and experience more so but you never know. I just wish it wasnt such a crapshoot, some people who I think are for sure candidates cant get in and some I dont understand how they get in, get in. It really makes me more confused and nervous.