Hi there!
Well for the most part I like what I see -- lots of strengths! Impressive GMAT, fast progression in your promotions and exposure to health care which is great. Also not a ton of people apply from government so that should help you stand out too. Your GPA is going to be below average but the upward trend + high GMAT helps a lot. You'll want to plan to write an optional essay explaining the GPA when it comes time.
Here's what I would focus on over the next year....
- Try to gain some exposure to business skills that will be required in consulting. Not sure if this can be done on the job, so you might need to take a non-degree business course or two. I think this would be great for you too since your undergrad major was not business related. Courses that might be good - Economics, Finance, Business Stats / Math, or even an Excel / Data Analytics course depending on how much you use that in your job. This will help show you're serious about b-school and help you brush up before you start.
- Research and engage with your target schools. By the way, I agree about narrowing it down to 5 or 6. Harvard / Stanford will both be tough so perhaps only focus on one or the other. Visit the schools if you can, attend prospective student events / info sessions (they always have these in DC), talk to students / alums, etc. This will pay off when it comes time to apply.
- Increase your extracurricular involvement, either by taking on more work / bigger leadership roles with the existing org you mentioned or adding something else to your resume. Perhaps something that is healthcare related to fit with your career goals? That could be good to show a consistent thread.
Otherwise, keep up the good work, and keep us posted if you need any help along the way!
Kate
lawcaison
Good evening,
I am planning to apply for programs next year (to enter a program fall of 2018) and would like to know what I can do over the next year to best increase my chances of admission
About me:
White male, 24 years old
Education:
BA in Journalism and History from public school ranked #20-30 in US. 3.2 GPA but consistent upward trend (2.6 first semester, 3.6 final semester, would mention maturation process and developing a desire to reach my potential in application)
GMAT:
780 (Q:49, V:51, AWA: 5.5)
Target Schools:
Harvard, Stanford, Wharton (specifically healthcare management program), Kellogg, Columbia, Darden, Fuqua, McCombs (will likely end up selecting 5 and focusing on those apps)
MBA Goal:
Immediately after MBA would like to go into consulting, then private equity. Long term would consider running for office or going into some type of public service.
Work:
6 months working on campaigns for the North Carolina GOP (one promotion), immediately afterwards moved to DC and have worked in a Congressional office since (1.5 years, three promotions). Current position is Legislative Assistant, focusing on health care along with a host of other issues.
Extracurriculars:
Summers I volunteer at the First Tee (teaches life lessons through golf to kids of all backgrounds and ages). Haven't yet but planning on also getting involved in a tutoring program for kids from some of DC's poorer neighborhoods. I've also run two marathons and am signed up for a 3rd.
I appreciate any advice or feedback. Thanks!