lawcaison wrote:
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!
Hello there,
Great to hear from you!
So overall your profile is very interesting. Of course first of all, I must congratulate you on that stellar GMAT!
Secondly, as you might be aware, a career in politics is one of the strongest things you can apply to an MBA with. I would love to get a deeper sense of what you actually do, and what your promotions signify, as well as understand if you have any management or business background, but essentially it sounds good.
I think a lot of your success, especially at the higher-ranked schools will be dependent upon the story that you will tell, both from a personal as well as professional perspective. And an important part of this narrative will be your goals, which currently, make little sense - Consulting, then finance, then politics? Although have healthcare/politics as a background? For me it is too all over the place, and lacks cohesion. What kind of public service do you see yourself getting into? what type of job do you see yourself doing? Think also about how you could use your current experience to land your post-MBA job, and also that that job should link explicitly to your future goals.
You don't have to solve all these issues this second, but you should before you submit your applications.
I hope these notes help, and if you have any other questions, feel free to
drop us a line.
Best,
JF