Profile Review Request

Question

Hi! I'm planning to apply round 2, 2023 and have already begun writing my essays.

Personal Background:
Age - 28
Race - Hispanic American (son of Cuban refugees)
Gender - male
Other - LGBTQ+, central component of my application

Undergraduate Experience:
GPA - 3.58
School - The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Degree - B.S. Economics, dual concentration in Management and Social Impact & Responsibility
EC's - President of Fraternity for 2 years, Campaign Director for on-campus Get Out the Vote organization, Vice President of on-campus activist organization.

Work Experience:
6 years work experience in nonprofit organizations in New York City. First 3 years were in fundraising at two medium-sized New York City nonprofits ($30+ million in revenue annually) working on education access. Titles and responsibilities were progressive (Associate > Manager > Senior Manager). Last 3 years have been at a small public health advocacy organization ($1 million in annual revenue) which I co-founded and act as the organization's Managing Director. The organization focuses on drug pricing for HIV and other LGBTQ+ health initiatives. Highly successful track record of shifting federal policy.

Post-Undergrad EC's/Volunteer Experience:
Co-Founder & Treasurer of volunteer-based LGBTQ+ human rights activist group
Volunteer with ACT UP NY, New York chapter of volunteer-based HIV activist group.

GMAT (retake scheduled for 11/12, goal score of 750):
Total - 710
Quant - 47
Verbal - 41
AWA - 6
IR - 5

Recommenders:
Recommender 1 - current supervisor (Board Chair of the organization I currently work at), no B-School background, somewhat well-known LGBTQ+ activist.
Recommender 2 - current direct report with 15 years experience in public health.
Consortium Recommender - previous supervisor, C-Suite executive.

Essays:
Generally strong writer, leaning into my unique background and values, especially through activist background and demonstrated passion for LGBTQ+ community.

Target Schools:
Reach - Stanford GSB, Yale SOM
Middle - Berkeley Haas, NYU Stern, Columbia, Dartmouth
Safety - Michigan or Cornell depending on GMAT retake

Other:
I'm applying through the Consortium for its round 2 deadline. I may also apply to Chicago Booth and Wharton in round 3, but am focusing on Consortium schools because the fellowship is an important consideration for my ability to attend.

xianmba · Answer

Sorry, forgot to include Post MBA Plans:
I want to pursue a future career at the intersection of technology and healthcare, specifically in the delivery of LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare using telemedicine, including telehealth for labs, sexual health consultations, HIV prevention services, harm reduction services, and other health issues that disproportionately affect the LGBTQ+ community through platform-based solutions. I'm currently unsure whether I would found such a company or join an existing company first, but I am open to either.

Admissionado · Answer

currutia19 : Fantastic profile! You will be an excellent candidate even if your GMAT score is slightly lower than average for the top, top programs. I generally agree with this list. I would probably put Columbia in the Reach category. Yale SOM is probably more in that Top/Middle category. Yale likes high scores (GMAT + GPA) but your profile works for them. My biggest concern is how many schools are on your list. That's fairly aggressive for one round. That's not including a GMAT retake (not sure how actively you are preparing.) If you have a game plan, by all means go for it. We normally see 5-6 as being the max for a single round. If we can be of any help to you in this process, don't hesitate to reach out. We offer free consultations to give you a feel for our team and services. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

xianmba · Answer

Hi!

Thanks for your response and insight. I retook the GMAT and ended up getting a 780 (Q49, V51, IR8, AWA6). I know that at the Stanford/Harvard level, the schools are a reach for anyone. In your experience, would a profile like mine help me stand out?

Based on your feedback, my recent GMAT score, and my own personal preferences, I've revised my school list as follows:

Reach: Stanford, Harvard
Target: Yale, Berkeley, Dartmouth
Safety: Michigan

Does this make sense? Should I add more of a true safety like Cornell/UCLA? Any insight is helpful.

Thanks,

Christian

Admissionado · Answer

currutia19 : Congrats! That's a brilliant score. Q: In your experience, would a profile like mine help me stand out? A: Yes, definitely. You need the right essays and resume (this is where WE can help!) but you have the pillars of a unique profile. Q: Does this make sense? Should I add more of a true safety like Cornell/UCLA? Any insight is helpful. A: This is more than appropriate. I would add Cornell or UCLA (your call) simply if you want to schools where you might get significant scholarship money. I am confident about your chances at this list of programs. Again, don't hesitate to reach out if you need help with the applications. R2 deadlines are coming up and you have a long list to get through in time! https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

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