· Asian American, Male
· NYU: Math + Econ Double Major, 3.33 GPA, I do have 3 withdrawals on my transcript. Overloaded myself with math/CS summer courses despite my college advisor advising against it. I wanted to graduate early to save on tuition. I was also working part-time and dealing with a death in the family at the time. This led to a poor foundation that led to lower grades the following semester. I did finish strong junior and senior year and did well in my higher level math/econ courses.
The upward trend is helpful but the three withdrawals and overall lower GPA will be something you'll need to work to mitigate. A high test score is your best bet, but since you have time, I would also recommend at least 1, maybe 2, supplemental courses. Usually schools recommend Stats, Accounting, Econ, but which course you choose depends a bit on your transcript and also your goals. For instance if you're looking to switch to Excel then a Finance course or a modeling one like Training the Street offers might be helpful (and show initiative towards your career goal). · Other coursework or post-undergraduate education: Have a few certifications through work, Lean Sigma, and a negotiation p/f course from MIT. Nothing noteworthy. Considering building an alternative transcript to make up for the low GPA and W's.
The Lean Sigma is a nice add, but definitely recommend 1 or 2 more courses, per above. · GMAT: 2 months into studying, official mocks are scoring around 700 (50Q, 34V). Looking to apply in two years so I have plenty of time to get this to 750+, really starting to get the hang of verbal now so I'm pretty confident.
Sounds like you're on a great track, especially with that 50Q! Keep it up! · Work experience: 3 years WE right now but looking to apply in two years. 2 promotions: Junior Consultant -> Consultant -> Senior Consultant at a well known boutique in our sector. Have led many workstreams during client engagements and managed lower level consultants on engagements. We are growing rapidly (300 to 700+ during my time here) and have had the chance to lead many internal initiatives including developing a new service line. Also have some exposure with Europe and Asia offices as many clients are global. High performer over the past couple of reviews and have really good relationships with potential LOR writers.
Your work experience sounds great! I know it lacks the prestige of a big brand firm, but I love working with applicants from boutique firms because they get a lot more responsibility and get to be a part of cool initiatives like you have. Mostly, keep this up, but look for every opportunity to demonstrate leadership, and step outside your comfort zone. As you know, there are lots of MBA applicants from consulting, so the little extras will help differentiate your profile. The international exposure is a plus too. · Extracurricular activities: Nothing great here, was on eboard of my fraternity in college and a part of a few clubs. Did a lot of fundraising and volunteer work through clubs. Been part of a high school mentoring program since graduation.
I recommend you either expand your role in the mentoring program, take on a new activity, or restart something you were involved in the past. The goal is try to show passion and commitment in something outside of your core work. · Post-MBA goals: Still need to do some soul searching here but leaning towards moving to IB.
You've got time to sort this out, though if you want IB, then that will likely influence your choice of schools. · Target schools: Not sure what my chances are but: Johnson, Stern, Fuqua, Tuck
I think these are doable, and all great reputations in IB if you do pursue that route. · Other information relevant to your profile:
· Any specific questions you would like answered by our team: What can I do to make up for the 3 withdrawals from early in my college career? I've heard that usually 2 or less is no big deal. Should I be building an alternative transcript? If so, what courses should I take? I don't see the point in re-taking lower level math courses when I've shown I can do well in higher level ones.
See above
Also I'm not sure if my work experience is considered good or not given it's a boutique and not B4 or MBB. Would moving jobs make a substantial difference to my application?
I don't think you need to move jobs, schools accept applicants from a range of consulting firms. But if an opportunity comes up that's right for you, I also wouldn't let the Admissions factor stop you from switching jobs (unless you're talking about switching just months before you apply or something). Appreciate the insights!