Profile / Unique Timing Questions

Question

Thanks for taking the time to answer everyone's questions on this forum. I have two questions, one that relates to my story as a whole and one that relates to my future application timeline. About my story. I graduated from a top three state school with a relatively low GPA, 3.1, double major econ and history (econ gpa probably sub 3.0, ironic because quant is my strong suit and to be blunt I just hated the econ dept/professors so didn't try all that hard). After taking a "year off" to work in the finance department of a ski resort, I secured a position at a regional investment bank, although it technically operated as a merchant bank as we participated in many of our own transactions. Due to the structure, I was gained traditional ibanking experience as well as a private equity experience. I worked there for 4 years, 2 as an analyst and 2 as an associate. My experience here was tremendous. We didn't have VP level staff so deals were staffed with myself and another jr staff member and an MD or two. Needless to say I had an extremely high level of responsibility with very minimal over site. Last year, due to terrible market conditions, I decided to move on and get some life experience. I left on my own will and on good terms with my bosses. I joined the Peace Corps as a small business development volunteer. Currently, I'm trying to determine if I want to go back to Bschool. Due to the astronomical costs I only want to go if I can get into a top program. Programs that I'm interested in are UCLA, Cal, Columbia, NYU, Duke, Texas, Stanford, UPenn, Dartmouth, and LBS. My application essays would probably be something along the lines of how I want to pair finance and strategy into international development work, where most professionals are trained in academics not management. For the sake of argument lets say I can score in the 700 GMAT range (680-720), because if I don't I'm sure it would basically eliminate my chances. My PC service is scheduled to end at the end of August 2011. This is a firm date. I could technically leave the program early, but that is selfish, unprofessional and doesn't honor the two year commitment that I signed up for. I'm currently torn as to when to apply. I think it would be a very hard transition going from PC life to Bschool life with only a 1-2 week adjustment period. Also, after PC service I want to travel for a decent period of time to experience the different cultures of the surrounding countries. With all that being said my two questions are as follows:

1. Based on this small sampling of info do you believe I can gain admittance into one/some of the aforementioned schools? What are your thoughts?

2. How would schools view the huge time gap if I were to wait and apply in 2011, basically leaving myself unemployed from Sept 2011 to August 2012 when classes begin. Would it be a factor or are the more understanding due to the unique circumstances of the PC?

Thanks in advance for your help.

1. Based on this small sampling of info do you believe I can gain admittance into one/some of the aforementioned schools? What are your thoughts?

2. How would schools view the huge time gap if I were to wait and apply in 2011, basically leaving myself unemployed from Sept 2011 to August 2012 when classes begin. Would it be a factor or are the more understanding due to the unique circumstances of the PC?

Thanks in advance for your help.

MyMBAAdmit · Answer

Hi ke, 1. Based on the small sample of information, your strong points are your quantitative professional experience and diverse PC background. Positioned in the right way, the diversity could potentially be a good way to show both your finance experience and community service. However, as you might already know, your GPA is a weak point, which makes it all the more important to score high in your GMAT. I think your PC experience helps to make you unique, but due to your somewhat un-traditional work history, strong essays that clearly demonstrate the reasons behind your past decisions and how an MBA plays into your future plans are essential to raise your chances. 2. I wouldn't recommend staying unemployed for a full year. You could find things such as travel to justify it, but it becomes a big question to answer, and every AdCom might view it differently. A lot of candidates move directly from work to a full-time MBA. Initially, the adjustment might take a few weeks, but it is a good experience and not hard to get used to. Email us at mbaconsult@mymbaadmit.com to develop a complete application strategy. Based on your profile, it sounds like having a well-thought one will impact your time at PC, proposed travel as well as future MBA plans, making it very important. To find out more, check out our affordable Volume Discounts and Application Packages .

ke18sb · Answer

Thanks for the feedback. I have a follow up question if you don't mind. In regards to taking a year off, my application will be submitted while I'm still in PC. So for my current position it would be PC, June 2009 - Present, it would not read PC June 2009 - Sept 2011, indicating that I'm unemployed. However, that "Present" would end shortly after the application is submitted. Thus, technically, the adcom wouldn't know I was taking a year off. They would just know that when I applied I was currently in PC. Does this change the your perspective on how this would looked upon by the adcom?

MyMBAAdmit · Answer

Hi ke18sb, Although the AdCom might not know at the time, a year of unemployment can affect you at multiple points, such as the b-school interview (which would be a few months after the application, depending on the application timing and the school cycle), during interviews for summer internships and full -time employment, and during all subsequent employment opportunities. Basically, a year's gap is just that - a year's gap. Although you might be able to slip it in to the AdCom on a technicality, I believe it would have much longer-term impact than just the business school application. Of course, you could always make the choice to travel anyhow, and deal with any potential consequences. In either case, you will have to position your application appropriately for the AdCom. This is where we come in. To find out more about we can help, drop us a line at mbaconsult@mymbaadmit.com or check out our Affordable Packages and Volume Discounts .

Profile / Unique Timing Questions

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards