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30 Aug 2017, 12:08
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Thanks in advance for taking a look at my profile - I'm pretty new at the MBA admissions world and am just looking for some advice as to what range of schools I should plan to apply to for Round 1.
High Level:
27 years old, White male, US citizen
Education: Elite US University (Top 7), Double Major in Biological Sciences and American History, minor in Chemistry
Stats:
GPA: 3.25
GMAT: 770 (46V, 50Q), 6.0 AWA, 7 IR
Work Experience:
- 5 years working for a consulting/business process management firm that supports public sector healthcare programs in the US. The firm played a large role in helping to implement health care reform in the US and supports state and federal clients that administer large public insurance and other entitlement programs
- Have been promoted twice and served in a number of different roles. Started out in the operations/consulting unit, working with individual clients to address their operational issues or stand up new programs. Upon last promotion was selected to lead own team (though now only three analysts currently) focused on identifying adjacent markets and new strategic partnerships for the firm's business in the domestic (US) health space
- Have had a number of key accomplishments, including proposing the acquisition of a competitor, pitching the idea to executives at my company, and helping lead the due diligence and integration process once the deal was approved. I received a corporate award for this that's only given to around 15 people a year worldwide out of a total of 18,000 employees
Extracurriculars - was drum major of the marching band at fairly large school (>100 members in band) and also led pep band for all men's and women's basketball games. Was also active in a fraternity, with a couple of minor leadership roles. Currently on alumni board for the group
Philanthropy - was philanthropy chair of my fraternity for a year, and worked for a summer for an environmental protection-focused not-for-profit. After graduation I work with the corporate foundation my company runs, meeting community groups and attending dinners/events to present.
Essays/Recs - this post nonwithstanding I think I can pull together excellent essays, and plan to start writing as soon as applications are available. I also believe that my recommendations will be excellent, based on their feedback on my performance/a draft that one of them let me read.
MBA Goals - move into strategy and operations consulting for the health care sector, particularly for clients/companies that interact with the programs that I've supported in the past (Medicaid, Medicare, etc.)
I imagine my GPA will be a big stumbling block, as I was below the mean at my university (though I suppose the hard science degree might help a bit). I don't have a great way of explaining it away unfortunately, though I do think my strong job performance and recommendations will get across that I can handle the work. I did a lot better on the GMAT than I expected too (though I studied for like 6 months). I'm really just looking to see what range of schools I should apply to - with my GPA are Harvard/Stanford/Wharton out of the question or should I be a bit less pessimistic? Any help at all would be much appreciated - thank you in advance for your time and for taking a look at this
High Level:
27 years old, White male, US citizen
Education: Elite US University (Top 7), Double Major in Biological Sciences and American History, minor in Chemistry
Stats:
GPA: 3.25
GMAT: 770 (46V, 50Q), 6.0 AWA, 7 IR
Work Experience:
- 5 years working for a consulting/business process management firm that supports public sector healthcare programs in the US. The firm played a large role in helping to implement health care reform in the US and supports state and federal clients that administer large public insurance and other entitlement programs
- Have been promoted twice and served in a number of different roles. Started out in the operations/consulting unit, working with individual clients to address their operational issues or stand up new programs. Upon last promotion was selected to lead own team (though now only three analysts currently) focused on identifying adjacent markets and new strategic partnerships for the firm's business in the domestic (US) health space
- Have had a number of key accomplishments, including proposing the acquisition of a competitor, pitching the idea to executives at my company, and helping lead the due diligence and integration process once the deal was approved. I received a corporate award for this that's only given to around 15 people a year worldwide out of a total of 18,000 employees
Extracurriculars - was drum major of the marching band at fairly large school (>100 members in band) and also led pep band for all men's and women's basketball games. Was also active in a fraternity, with a couple of minor leadership roles. Currently on alumni board for the group
Philanthropy - was philanthropy chair of my fraternity for a year, and worked for a summer for an environmental protection-focused not-for-profit. After graduation I work with the corporate foundation my company runs, meeting community groups and attending dinners/events to present.
Essays/Recs - this post nonwithstanding I think I can pull together excellent essays, and plan to start writing as soon as applications are available. I also believe that my recommendations will be excellent, based on their feedback on my performance/a draft that one of them let me read.
MBA Goals - move into strategy and operations consulting for the health care sector, particularly for clients/companies that interact with the programs that I've supported in the past (Medicaid, Medicare, etc.)
I imagine my GPA will be a big stumbling block, as I was below the mean at my university (though I suppose the hard science degree might help a bit). I don't have a great way of explaining it away unfortunately, though I do think my strong job performance and recommendations will get across that I can handle the work. I did a lot better on the GMAT than I expected too (though I studied for like 6 months). I'm really just looking to see what range of schools I should apply to - with my GPA are Harvard/Stanford/Wharton out of the question or should I be a bit less pessimistic? Any help at all would be much appreciated - thank you in advance for your time and for taking a look at this
01 Sep 2017, 15:08
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi ivracd23,
Thank you very much for your post. Let me start by saying that if you'd like to cover anything in greater detail, and with greater nuance, please feel free to email me at greg[at]avantiprep[dot]com to schedule a Free Consultation. I'd be happy to take a deeper dive into your story, profile, and any other questions you may have.
Overall you have a very strong profile, headlined (from a pure numbers standpoint) by that fantastic 770 GMAT (congratulations!). While your GPA is a little below par for top schools, it's buttressed by your GMAT score and the fact that it was earned via a double major at a top school, which included one major in biological sciences. I surmise for your description of your work experience (and apparent success at your job) that your recommendations would further quell any concern about your ability to handle top-tier academic work. Of course it would be great to have a super high GPA too, but you've got enough built around it where it shouldn't be a real concern. You might consider devoting a few sentences to it in the optional essay, though I'd be curious to learn about grading scale and mandatory curves in your major and at your institution (I know you mentioned your GPA was "below average," but might your biological sciences GPA be "more impressive" in some respects than a slightly better GPA in an un-curved major).
From a schools standpoint, I'd separate H/S from W in your thought process and school tiering. H/S are effectively in their own league from an acceptance standpoint, so while you have a very strong profile on paper, a great deal of your differentiation and chances there will come down to application execution (your story, your essays, why you, etc.). Given your background and stated interest, I think you'll also want to make an especially strong case for "why an MBA" -- this is true for every applicant, but your story hovers right in that public-meets-private space. While that's certainly not uncommon, I think it would behoove you to really drive home why you need an MBA (as opposed to an MPH, or a dual degree, or a degree in public policy or administration). As always, you should be extremely concrete and specific in articulating your short- and long-term goals.
From what you've described (plus a little bit of the "personality" I feel in your post), I think you'll be able to field competitive applications from Wharton on down. The one thing I'd caution is not to rest on your laurels with that 770, undergraduate program, or past success. Really dissect who you are, your interests and goals, and your life experiences, and share them with the admissions committee. Really imbue upon your recommenders how introspective, insightful, and specific their recommendations need to be (don't let them "mail it in"). And for the schools to which you choose to apply, really get to know them, visit them (if you can), speak to current students and alumni, and show them you're genuinely interested and fit with their culture and community. Don't let any programs think "this guy with a 770 is throwing us in the mix." Show every school you mean it.
Finally, I see you mentioned round one in your post. I'm not sure when you originally wrote the post (for broader distribution on GMAT Club), but if it was truly this past week, then round one at HBS is likely out of the question (unless you've completed almost all of your application materials already), and I'd be wary of one's ability to put forth strong applications to a number of other top-tier programs from start-to-finish in round one. If you're truly mobilizing now, then round two should very likely be your main round.
As noted, I'd be happy to further the conversation via a Free Consultation. Please feel free to email me at greg[at]avantiprep[dot]com.
Best Regards,
Greg
Thank you very much for your post. Let me start by saying that if you'd like to cover anything in greater detail, and with greater nuance, please feel free to email me at greg[at]avantiprep[dot]com to schedule a Free Consultation. I'd be happy to take a deeper dive into your story, profile, and any other questions you may have.
Overall you have a very strong profile, headlined (from a pure numbers standpoint) by that fantastic 770 GMAT (congratulations!). While your GPA is a little below par for top schools, it's buttressed by your GMAT score and the fact that it was earned via a double major at a top school, which included one major in biological sciences. I surmise for your description of your work experience (and apparent success at your job) that your recommendations would further quell any concern about your ability to handle top-tier academic work. Of course it would be great to have a super high GPA too, but you've got enough built around it where it shouldn't be a real concern. You might consider devoting a few sentences to it in the optional essay, though I'd be curious to learn about grading scale and mandatory curves in your major and at your institution (I know you mentioned your GPA was "below average," but might your biological sciences GPA be "more impressive" in some respects than a slightly better GPA in an un-curved major).
From a schools standpoint, I'd separate H/S from W in your thought process and school tiering. H/S are effectively in their own league from an acceptance standpoint, so while you have a very strong profile on paper, a great deal of your differentiation and chances there will come down to application execution (your story, your essays, why you, etc.). Given your background and stated interest, I think you'll also want to make an especially strong case for "why an MBA" -- this is true for every applicant, but your story hovers right in that public-meets-private space. While that's certainly not uncommon, I think it would behoove you to really drive home why you need an MBA (as opposed to an MPH, or a dual degree, or a degree in public policy or administration). As always, you should be extremely concrete and specific in articulating your short- and long-term goals.
From what you've described (plus a little bit of the "personality" I feel in your post), I think you'll be able to field competitive applications from Wharton on down. The one thing I'd caution is not to rest on your laurels with that 770, undergraduate program, or past success. Really dissect who you are, your interests and goals, and your life experiences, and share them with the admissions committee. Really imbue upon your recommenders how introspective, insightful, and specific their recommendations need to be (don't let them "mail it in"). And for the schools to which you choose to apply, really get to know them, visit them (if you can), speak to current students and alumni, and show them you're genuinely interested and fit with their culture and community. Don't let any programs think "this guy with a 770 is throwing us in the mix." Show every school you mean it.
Finally, I see you mentioned round one in your post. I'm not sure when you originally wrote the post (for broader distribution on GMAT Club), but if it was truly this past week, then round one at HBS is likely out of the question (unless you've completed almost all of your application materials already), and I'd be wary of one's ability to put forth strong applications to a number of other top-tier programs from start-to-finish in round one. If you're truly mobilizing now, then round two should very likely be your main round.
As noted, I'd be happy to further the conversation via a Free Consultation. Please feel free to email me at greg[at]avantiprep[dot]com.
Best Regards,
Greg
