Testing waters - profile evalutation

Hi testingwaters:

I do think that a top 10 program is definitely a potential for you. I think the top three or four programs in the United States or the "states" as the rest of the world calls us, may be a little bit of a reach. of course, this all depends on your GMAT score. I know you are scoring well on the practice tests, but please take a few of them, as all GMAT practice tests are not created alike. Trust me on this one, I have created some myself as part of a larger project.

I think your undergraduate academic experience is the biggest X factor here. If you show grade progression, that is a bonus. However, if you have a number of failing grades, you are going to want to describe why in the optional essay for each program you are applying to. Regardless, you have to keep in mind that most of the people you are competing against (those who are in fact competitive) will not have this blemish on their academic record. So you better come to the table with a story about how you may have had to work or that you had financial difficulties during your undergraduate academic career. Do not come to the table with a story based in your immaturity at the time. You will not win any points that way with the admissions committee reader.

The other thing you have to consider is your Masters in business economics. This degree, at face value, can be considered very similar to an MBA degree. You are going to need to explain why you gained that specific degree and why you want to go back and get an MBA. I will give you a hint -- it involves gaining a more holistic business management perspective, beyond just economic theory which is more silo and myopic (if you can believe that).

Your "Coming to Canada" story may play well. Of course, it could always have the opposite effect. Stories that evoke strong emotion can swing both ways with the reader. You may think that you are telling a very touching story, but the admissions committee reader may think that you are gratuitous or -- even worse -- lying. You have to walk a fine line with these types of stories -- especially if the school in question really does not care. Stanford will straight up ask you for a answer like you can provide. Harvard and Wharton, they really could care less. They just want to know how you have demonstrated leadership and executed. I believe that this is changing at these two schools, but you still need to be aware of your arguments and audience.

What really separates the rock stars from the groupies is the nature of your extracurricular activities. How meaningful are they to you? Is there a certain cultural or personal connection to your constituency? Is there something that you may have seen when you were younger that motivates this specific performance at the community center? If the answer is more no than yes, then you may have a problem with your volunteer experience. Specifically, it could look like you just volunteering not really developing and leadership qualities from it, but also not really being in a role to impact those around you are a large scale. This is in no way to diminish your efforts, it is just that when you consider who you are applying with, the other applicants may have more significant volunteer experience.

your international experiences -- both personal and professional are really good. remember, it is not about where you have been, but what you learned from it with respect to empathy and diversity.

I would throw your hat in the ring with Stanford. This needs to be an international female perspective that is uniquely your own when you construct your essays. I am sure that growing up where you have in working where you have has allowed you to contrast and compare societies, people and culture. Stanford will love that kind of story. Also with the first essay, you get to pour your heart out with respect to arriving in Canada with nothing. Walk that fine line and do not get too bleeding heart.

I also think that you may do well at Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke and Ross. All these programs do well internationally, all have access to large multinationals and top consulting companies. In particular, Dartmouth, Duke and Ross have to work a little harder to attract international students -- because of their location. I think there is opportunity there. I also think that if you get a pretty good GMAT score, you will not really have an issue getting into these programs.

Of course, I believe that I can help you with crafting a story. I believe that we should sit down and speak for about an hour regarding your background. If you would like to do this, please let me know.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti