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mbaMissionNishaT
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 17 Mar 2020, 11:47
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Hi, and thanks for writing! You have a progressive career path, and I like that you have both India and U.S. experience. CBS is very competitive though, and especially for Indian applicants. While a 730 is at the average GMAT for CBS, I recommend taking it again to exceed the average and to help offset your GPA (though the CFA will help with that as well).

One thing you'll want to do before you proceed with CBS or any other programs, though - see if you are a valid candidate given that you already have a Masters of Business (unless your degree is not an MBA equivalent)? And in any case, you'll want to provide a very compelling reason for why you need an MBA on top of that degree in order to achieve your career goals. Further, you'll want to explain those goals: why you want to transition to banking or investment management? What drives these goals based on your observations and experiences to date, and what kind of mark do you want to make in your career? One thing to note is that at age 30, you are on the older side for both a full-time MBA applicant and for entry into these roles, which will pose a challenge.

I see that you were involved in extracurriculars in college - how about post-college? That would lead to a stronger profile.

Overall, based on the factors I mentioned, I think CBS would be a reach for you. But please don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation if you would like to discuss further.


HarryPotter112
Hi

Please review my profile. I am looking for admission in the full time mba program of columbia 2021 intake.


Background and nationality : Indian Female, Age is 30

Undergrad Information : 3.2. Qualified Chartered Accountant from ICAI ( passed all exams at first attempt) - foreign equivalent of CPA. Passed all 3 levels of the CFA program at first attempt. Completed Masters of Business with majors in finance and accounting from University of Mumbai, India.

GMAT: 730

Work experience and leadership :
Corporate Finance:
Financial Controller with UBS for the Treasuries Division in USA (2 years)
Consulting:
Worked with Fortune 500 companies like FedEx group, Delta Airlines, Twentieth Century Fox, NewsCorp entities etc. managed a team of analysts and associates.
Deputy Manager -Tax Consulting - PwC India (2 years)
Senior Consultant - Tax Consulting - Deloitte India (3 years)

Community - Tutored students during undergrad

Post MBA goals - Investment Banking or Investment Managment

Thanks

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AndreawC
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Schools: Columbia CBS '24 Harvard '24 Wharton '24 Stern '24 Kellogg '24 Stanford '24
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Schools: Columbia CBS '24 Harvard '24 Wharton '24 Stern '24 Kellogg '24 Stanford '24
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 11 Apr 2020, 02:58
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Background and nationality: White Italian

Undergrad Information: BSc in Economics and Management, Italian public university, grade 3.79/4
Double Degree program, MSc in finance at Cattolica university, Msc in Global Finance at Fordham university in New York, respectively grade: 4/4 with honor, 3,87/4
Currently studing for CFA II level exam

GMAT: 730
Work experience and leadership: 36 months at matriculation; Second-tier Investment bank in Milan, Analyst in Capital Markets, fixed income and derivatives Sales

Community and others: I was previously engaged in a professional football career which saw me reach the Italian National Under 20 Football Team.

Post MBA goals: Hedge fund industry or TOP IB In Investment Management, Very interested in an opportunity to work in US which could potentially change my personal and professional life.

Applying for January Intake
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 14 Apr 2020, 12:44
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AndreawC
Background and nationality: White Italian
Hi @AndreawC, thanks for reaching out for a profile review-- and I hope you are safe from Covid. It is a good time to be studying for exams so I hope your CFAII goes well. I guess the big question is why do you want an MBA when you already have the MSc in finance? Be prepared to answer that question.
Undergrad Information: BSc in Economics and Management, Italian public university, grade 3.79/4
Double Degree program, MSc in finance at Cattolica university, Msc in Global Finance at Fordham university in New York, respectively grade: 4/4 with honor, 3,87/4
Currently studing for CFA II level exam

GMAT: 730
Work experience and leadership: 36 months at matriculation; Second-tier Investment bank in Milan, Analyst in Capital Markets, fixed income and derivatives Sales
This indeed could be the year to apply to CBS-- if you are not able to get her for the fall I still think you should apply now -- and even better than what I say-- why don't you reach out to CBS on this directly as they are scheduling 15 minute calls with applicants to decide when is the right time to apply. The link for that is here
Community and others: I was previously engaged in a professional football career which saw me reach the Italian National Under 20 Football Team.
That could be an interesting bonus in your profile to help you stand out.... back in the days when there were sports.... (trying to have a little humor here) It is definitely a plus to share your professional football info.
Post MBA goals: Hedge fund industry or TOP IB In Investment Management, Very interested in an opportunity to work in US which could potentially change my personal and professional life. This is your reason why then-- in part-- for MBA-- but I would also talk about leadership. When you approach your CBS essays-- think about what you need from CBS to help you reach your goals, reach out to students so that you can be as specific as possible about the hedge fund or IB Investment management group that interests you. And when you write about the leader you admire, give examples of what qualities you admire and how you have tried to build that into your own leadership style. If you want someone to challenge you as you write your essays, we would be glad to talk further in a free consult: link here: https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com/consult/

Applying for January Intake
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dvnielng
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 02 May 2020, 21:04
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StratusMBACounselor
AndreawC
Background and nationality: White Italian
Hi @AndreawC, thanks for reaching out for a profile review-- and I hope you are safe from Covid. It is a good time to be studying for exams so I hope your CFAII goes well. I guess the big question is why do you want an MBA when you already have the MSc in finance? Be prepared to answer that question.
Undergrad Information: BSc in Economics and Management, Italian public university, grade 3.79/4
Double Degree program, MSc in finance at Cattolica university, Msc in Global Finance at Fordham university in New York, respectively grade: 4/4 with honor, 3,87/4
Currently studing for CFA II level exam

GMAT: 730
Work experience and leadership: 36 months at matriculation; Second-tier Investment bank in Milan, Analyst in Capital Markets, fixed income and derivatives Sales
This indeed could be the year to apply to CBS-- if you are not able to get her for the fall I still think you should apply now -- and even better than what I say-- why don't you reach out to CBS on this directly as they are scheduling 15 minute calls with applicants to decide when is the right time to apply. The link for that is here
Community and others: I was previously engaged in a professional football career which saw me reach the Italian National Under 20 Football Team.
That could be an interesting bonus in your profile to help you stand out.... back in the days when there were sports.... (trying to have a little humor here) It is definitely a plus to share your professional football info.
Post MBA goals: Hedge fund industry or TOP IB In Investment Management, Very interested in an opportunity to work in US which could potentially change my personal and professional life. This is your reason why then-- in part-- for MBA-- but I would also talk about leadership. When you approach your CBS essays-- think about what you need from CBS to help you reach your goals, reach out to students so that you can be as specific as possible about the hedge fund or IB Investment management group that interests you. And when you write about the leader you admire, give examples of what qualities you admire and how you have tried to build that into your own leadership style. If you want someone to challenge you as you write your essays, we would be glad to talk further in a free consult: link here: https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com/consult/

Applying for January Intake
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are they still diong 15 mins calls?
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lcbdelgado
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GPA: 3.3
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 02 Jun 2020, 06:56
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Hi everyone!
Thanks for taking time and responding to my profile.
I’m planning to apply for the Aug-2021 intake (applying for first round of 2020),

Background:
Nationality: Brazilian, Male, 30 years old
GMAT: 720 (Q48, V40, IR8, AWA4.5)
TOEFL: TBD

Education:
B.E in Production Engineering, GPA: 7.5/10
Finance Specialization in top business school in Brazil, GPA: 9.1/10

Professional Experience:
1. Started as an analyst in a small Private Equity (1.5 years)
2. Went through an Management Leadership program in a South African mining company in the Corporate Strategy department (1.5 years)
2.1 Became an financial analyst in the same mining company responsible for management reports of 1 operation (0.5 years)
3. Consultant in deals strategy, being invovled in divestitures, spin-offs, commercial due diligences - Big 4 (2.5 years)

International Exposure:
1. 1 year in Spain with a scholarship from Brazil govnmt. - studied in local university and worked for a local NGO
2. 3 months in Canada

Co-Curriculars:
1. Worked for a local NGO as a Finance Consultant
2. Work as volunteer mentor for local start-ups

Post MBA goals:
Goal-1: I would like to remain in the M&A environment in consulting (MBB preferred)
Goal-2 (Backup): Join a corporate role in M&A/Corporate Development
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 04 Jun 2020, 16:16
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Hi, and thank you for writing! You have a well-rounded profile, with good academics, solid professional roles with international exposure, and meaningful community involvement. Given CBS' competitiveness, a couple of things that you can do to maximize your chances for this program in particular 1. If CBS is your first choice apply Early Decision (binding) as early in the process as you ca - admissions is rolling so the earlier you apply, the more spots there are 2. thoroughly research the program, including attending any virtual events and talking to students/alumni, so that you can make a strong case for why CBS and New York City are a strong fit for you and 3. Make sure to thoroughly explain the motivation behind your career goals - why does M&A consulting appeal to you based on your experiences so far? CBS, through its first essay, is especially interested in the "why".

Additionally, as with any top program, you'll want to fully communicate your professional and personal achievements on your resume and application, and secure excellent recommendations that attest to your strong performance and potential, especially vs. peers.

Hope that helps a bit - please feel free to reach out to me at mbaMission if you'd like to discuss your profile further!

Best,
Nisha


lcbdelgado
Hi everyone!
Thanks for taking time and responding to my profile.
I’m planning to apply for the Aug-2021 intake (applying for first round of 2020),

Background:
Nationality: Brazilian, Male, 30 years old
GMAT: 720 (Q48, V40, IR8, AWA4.5)
TOEFL: TBD

Education:
B.E in Production Engineering, GPA: 7.5/10
Finance Specialization in top business school in Brazil, GPA: 9.1/10

Professional Experience:
1. Started as an analyst in a small Private Equity (1.5 years)
2. Went through an Management Leadership program in a South African mining company in the Corporate Strategy department (1.5 years)
2.1 Became an financial analyst in the same mining company responsible for management reports of 1 operation (0.5 years)
3. Consultant in deals strategy, being invovled in divestitures, spin-offs, commercial due diligences - Big 4 (2.5 years)

International Exposure:
1. 1 year in Spain with a scholarship from Brazil govnmt. - studied in local university and worked for a local NGO
2. 3 months in Canada

Co-Curriculars:
1. Worked for a local NGO as a Finance Consultant
2. Work as volunteer mentor for local start-ups

Post MBA goals:
Goal-1: I would like to remain in the M&A environment in consulting (MBB preferred)
Goal-2 (Backup): Join a corporate role in M&A/Corporate Development
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jeetsethi09
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Location: India
Schools: Darden '23
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V42
GPA: 3.55
Schools: Darden '23
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V42
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 08 Jun 2020, 03:54
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Hello everyone,
Will be greatful for a profile evaluation.
Indian male, 24
Gmat -740

Preferred bschools - kellogg, , Columbia, emory, isb (india), rice (jones), darden

Undergrad 6.5/7 CGPA from a top 10 college in India as a bachelor's degree in Commerce, graduated in 2017. University of mumbai ( HR COLLEGE OF COMMERCE)

Other certifications- US CFA ( above 90 percentile at all levels) , US CMA , US CPA , US CAIA ( Part 1 completed).

Few other investment and derivative certifications and courses along with the FMVA financial modelling course.

Worked full time during all three years of my college,
2 years as an investment analyst in a mid size firm (full time though might be considered as an internship)
1 year of articleship as an accountant in a mid tier accountancy firm ( since i did two levels of Chartered accountancy as well)

Post graduation,
Working in one of the top accountancy firms in my state , joined as an accountant but with pretty good performance, was promoted as the team leader within a year , managing a team of 8.
Well after working there for about 2 years, i had developed indepth knowledge of the biggest industry in that state ( mining and minerals) as they were our major clients and successfully started a new wing within my firm providing consulting and advisory service to MSME ( Micro small and medium enterprise).
Was a great success, bought in a chunk of clients bringing other business with them as well. Was promoted as the manager of the firm handling the entire msme consulting division along with the 20 employees that comes with it.

With respect to the social impact, i am very happy and proud of the projects that i have successfully completed.
During my college days, was the head of the National service scheme, ( pretty big collaboration between colleges), though head of my own college.
Helped the workers and the domestic help to get themselves organised and worked with them forming a union registered with their local police stations bringing a regulation and oversight towards any wrongful treatment and exploitation against them.

For the past 4 years, I am a registered member of the heartfulness organization, an education and spirituality organization, teaching the younger generation about the importance and understanding of spirituality. Have organized seminars all across the country with an median attendance of about 2000-3000 people in every one of them.
Have been part of various initiatives such as the green kanha, wherein we strive and work towards environmental protection and preservation, planting thousands of trees and having a means for water conservation for the use of agricultural.

On a side note- i created 2 firms in the mining and mineral line, using my skills and knowledge to grab a solid opportunity, (wanted to strategically use funds, selling one business at a good profit and utilizing that to run my other firm and making it a export oriented unit, this sale freed up my investment and helped my family come out of a tough financial condition). The important part of this venture was to make it a self sustaining source of incomenfor my family and form a partnership with the right kind of people having excellent business management skills and good hold at a local level. Hopefully everything till now went as planned.

Posted from my mobile device
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S3010
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Schools: CBS Deferred "24 (A)
GMAT 1: 760 Q48 V47
GPA: 3.97
Schools: CBS Deferred "24 (A)
GMAT 1: 760 Q48 V47
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 17 Jun 2020, 00:39
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Hello everyone,
I will be greatful for a profile evaluation.

I have applied to Columbia and Booth for the Deferred Enrollment program as I am a college senior. I have already submitted but I want to know how likely am i to get an interview and to identify weak points to discuss/improve in the interview or emails. I would also love to get in touch with current students, admits or alumni.

Background and nationality: I am 26 yo, Mexican, male, not straight.

Undergrad Information: I just graduated with Economics degree from a top university in Mexico/Latin America (GPA: 9.1/10) and a prior International Relations Degree from a different top school (GPA: 9.7/10). I am ranked Top 5% in both. I started the second degree midway through the first, which is why I am older. I took a lot of quant courses, mostly statistics, calculus, and advanced economics.
GMAT: 760 total (48Q, 47V, 8IR, 4.5AWA) and 8.0 IELTS (7.0 speaking and 6.5 writing). I am a good writer in general in both Spanish and English but apparently I am not that great with test essays. I am also certified as an intermediate Japanese speaker.
Work experience and leadership: I have worked part time in consulting (mostly public policy for 2 years but also a 6 month internship at Bain), also interned at a Mexican embassy in Asia, and Congress (6 -10 months each). I was a teaching aide for 2 years at my IR school. I am part of the LGBT student association at school and coordinated an English conversation club while at an exchange in Japan.
I have a job offer from Kearney in Mexico City (Kearney in Mexico is pretty much MBB tier), so that is where I am planning to work for the next 2 or 3 years before enrolling.

Post MBA goals: I would like to do a Dual MBA/MIA degre, continue to do Management Consulting for a while (in Mexico, the US or Japan), and then transition to project managament at the World Bank or some other international development bank in the Americas or Asia.

I got a letter of recommendation from my current boss at the public policy consulting firm (he is both the CEO and oftentimes my direct supervisor). He is a Columbia SIPA alumni. I also got supplemental letters from two professors (I worked as a teaching aide for one of them). All of the letters listed me as a "best of my career" or "top 5%" candidate.
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mbaMissionNishaT
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 18 Jun 2020, 10:36
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Hi, and thanks for writing! I see you've posted this on a few boards, so I'll answer here. You have a very well-rounded profile - solid academics, progressive work experience, and a track record of meaningful extracurricular involvement. What are your post-MBA goals? This will help determine which programs you should target. Given your profile, I think Emory, Rice, ISB, and Darden are good target schools, and Kellogg and CBS are more competitive but with a very well-executed application including compelling essays and outstanding recommendations, you can be a viable candidate. Given how competitive the process is for Indian applicants, make sure you apply in the first round in as many programs as possible, and consider applying early decision for CBS if it is your top choice. Hope that helps for now!


jeetsethi09
Hello everyone,
Will be greatful for a profile evaluation.
Indian male, 24
Gmat -740

Preferred bschools - kellogg, , Columbia, emory, isb (india), rice (jones), darden

Undergrad 6.5/7 CGPA from a top 10 college in India as a bachelor's degree in Commerce, graduated in 2017. University of mumbai ( HR COLLEGE OF COMMERCE)

Other certifications- US CFA ( above 90 percentile at all levels) , US CMA , US CPA , US CAIA ( Part 1 completed).

Few other investment and derivative certifications and courses along with the FMVA financial modelling course.

Worked full time during all three years of my college,
2 years as an investment analyst in a mid size firm (full time though might be considered as an internship)
1 year of articleship as an accountant in a mid tier accountancy firm ( since i did two levels of Chartered accountancy as well)

Post graduation,
Working in one of the top accountancy firms in my state , joined as an accountant but with pretty good performance, was promoted as the team leader within a year , managing a team of 8.
Well after working there for about 2 years, i had developed indepth knowledge of the biggest industry in that state ( mining and minerals) as they were our major clients and successfully started a new wing within my firm providing consulting and advisory service to MSME ( Micro small and medium enterprise).
Was a great success, bought in a chunk of clients bringing other business with them as well. Was promoted as the manager of the firm handling the entire msme consulting division along with the 20 employees that comes with it.

With respect to the social impact, i am very happy and proud of the projects that i have successfully completed.
During my college days, was the head of the National service scheme, ( pretty big collaboration between colleges), though head of my own college.
Helped the workers and the domestic help to get themselves organised and worked with them forming a union registered with their local police stations bringing a regulation and oversight towards any wrongful treatment and exploitation against them.

For the past 4 years, I am a registered member of the heartfulness organization, an education and spirituality organization, teaching the younger generation about the importance and understanding of spirituality. Have organized seminars all across the country with an median attendance of about 2000-3000 people in every one of them.
Have been part of various initiatives such as the green kanha, wherein we strive and work towards environmental protection and preservation, planting thousands of trees and having a means for water conservation for the use of agricultural.

On a side note- i created 2 firms in the mining and mineral line, using my skills and knowledge to grab a solid opportunity, (wanted to strategically use funds, selling one business at a good profit and utilizing that to run my other firm and making it a export oriented unit, this sale freed up my investment and helped my family come out of a tough financial condition). The important part of this venture was to make it a self sustaining source of incomenfor my family and form a partnership with the right kind of people having excellent business management skills and good hold at a local level. Hopefully everything till now went as planned.

Posted from my mobile device
Show more
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mbaMissionNishaT
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 18 Jun 2020, 10:41
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Hi, and thanks for writing! You have impressive elements in your profile, with outstanding academics and excellent internships, and it sounds like your recommendations are as strong as can be.

One of the top qualities that MBA programs seek in their applicants, including their deferred applicants, is leadership. The candidates I've seen be most successful for deferred programs hold leadership positions in campus organizations. I see you were in the LGBT student association - what was the impact you made in that organization?




S3010
Hello everyone,
I will be greatful for a profile evaluation.

I have applied to Columbia and Booth for the Deferred Enrollment program as I am a college senior. I have already submitted but I want to know how likely am i to get an interview and to identify weak points to discuss/improve in the interview or emails. I would also love to get in touch with current students, admits or alumni.

Background and nationality: I am 26 yo, Mexican, male, not straight.

Undergrad Information: I just graduated with Economics degree from a top university in Mexico/Latin America (GPA: 9.1/10) and a prior International Relations Degree from a different top school (GPA: 9.7/10). I am ranked Top 5% in both. I started the second degree midway through the first, which is why I am older. I took a lot of quant courses, mostly statistics, calculus, and advanced economics.
GMAT: 760 total (48Q, 47V, 8IR, 4.5AWA) and 8.0 IELTS (7.0 speaking and 6.5 writing). I am a good writer in general in both Spanish and English but apparently I am not that great with test essays. I am also certified as an intermediate Japanese speaker.
Work experience and leadership: I have worked part time in consulting (mostly public policy for 2 years but also a 6 month internship at Bain), also interned at a Mexican embassy in Asia, and Congress (6 -10 months each). I was a teaching aide for 2 years at my IR school. I am part of the LGBT student association at school and coordinated an English conversation club while at an exchange in Japan.
I have a job offer from Kearney in Mexico City (Kearney in Mexico is pretty much MBB tier), so that is where I am planning to work for the next 2 or 3 years before enrolling.

Post MBA goals: I would like to do a Dual MBA/MIA degre, continue to do Management Consulting for a while (in Mexico, the US or Japan), and then transition to project managament at the World Bank or some other international development bank in the Americas or Asia.

I got a letter of recommendation from my current boss at the public policy consulting firm (he is both the CEO and oftentimes my direct supervisor). He is a Columbia SIPA alumni. I also got supplemental letters from two professors (I worked as a teaching aide for one of them). All of the letters listed me as a "best of my career" or "top 5%" candidate.
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gmatfan5
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Joined: 18 Jun 2020
Last visit: 29 Oct 2020
Posts: 15
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Given Kudos: 1
Location: United States
Schools: CBS '23 (S) Harvard '23 (D)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
GPA: 3.62
Schools: CBS '23 (S) Harvard '23 (D)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
Posts: 15
Kudos: 3
Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 19 Jun 2020, 21:20
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Hello all, and hope everybody is staying safe! Would love an honest profile evaluation if possible.

Background:
White Male
Age 26

College:
Finance degree from "Public Ivy" (but not one that's quite UVA/Berkeley caliber) with top 10 undergraduate business school
3.6 GPA

GMAT: 730

Work Experience:
4 years at top real estate mortgage banking firm (though unsure if MBA programs have a sense for what "top" mortgage banking firms are, so not sure how much this helps me). Have held multiple roles within the firm, a path I chose to broaden my skill set.

Extracurriculars:
Admittedly a weak spot. Outside of work I stay involved with a leadership role in my high school's alumni association, which is something I'm passionate about, but I'm not sure how this would be viewed by an MBA admissions office.

Post MBA Goals:
Move to investment side of real estate, leverage CBS brand and network to help source equity investor relationships. However a lot of the interest in pursuing an MBA is to explore the PropTech field, where I could leverage my real estate knowledge but would certainly be looking at it though a different lens that MBA classes and connections would really help with.

Other comments:
Would be nervous to seek a recommendation from a direct supervisor given economic uncertainty during the pandemic, but could get a good recommendation from a direct supervisor who now works for a competitor.
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sumitrajan
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 26 Jun 2020, 08:19
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Hi,
Hope you're well and safe. Looking forward to your thoughts on my profile.
Thank you!

Background and Nationality: Indian citizen residing in India, Male,
Undergrad Information: Pursued my B.E. (Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics and a Minor in Finance from one of the top 5 Institutes in India (BITS Pilani). GPA is 3.2/4
Professional Experience:
- Worked for a Programmatic Advertising firm as a Data Analyst (MiQ Digital: UK Based company) for a period of 14 months
- Shifted to finance and currently working for J.P. Morgan as an analyst under their Supply Chain Finance product strategy team for the past 22 months
Professional Certification: Completed all three levels of CFA (Charter Pending)
Extracurriculars:
- Tennis team captain in school and went on to play tennis at state level
- Was the Director General of undergrad college MUN society
- Formed and Led 2nd undergraduate branch in India of 180 Degrees Consulting to promote consulting culture in our college
- Co-founder Whats Next for You, an initiative through which we spread career awareness and help school/college students reach their career goal by choosing the most suitable path
- I run marathons (9 till date) and have organised a few 5k run training sessions for people who have gone through knee replacement surgery

GMAT: Yet to appear

Post MBA goals: Immediately after my MBA, I would like to work in Investment Banking.

I understand my eligibility will depend a lot on my GMAT scores. But it would be great if you could kindly just check my profile and suggest me the ideal GMAT scores.
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RUCHIPCONSULTING
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 26 Jun 2020, 08:51
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sumitrajan
Hi,
Hope you're well and safe. Looking forward to your thoughts on my profile.
Thank you!

Background and Nationality: Indian citizen residing in India, Male,
Undergrad Information: Pursued my B.E. (Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics and a Minor in Finance from one of the top 5 Institutes in India (BITS Pilani). GPA is 3.2/4
Professional Experience:
- Worked for a Programmatic Advertising firm as a Data Analyst (MiQ Digital: UK Based company) for a period of 14 months
- Shifted to finance and currently working for J.P. Morgan as an analyst under their Supply Chain Finance product strategy team for the past 22 months
Professional Certification: Completed all three levels of CFA (Charter Pending)
Extracurriculars:
- Tennis team captain in school and went on to play tennis at state level
- Was the Director General of undergrad college MUN society
- Formed and Led 2nd undergraduate branch in India of 180 Degrees Consulting to promote consulting culture in our college
- Co-founder Whats Next for You, an initiative through which we spread career awareness and help school/college students reach their career goal by choosing the most suitable path
- I run marathons (9 till date) and have organised a few 5k run training sessions for people who have gone through knee replacement surgery

GMAT: Yet to appear

Post MBA goals: Immediately after my MBA, I would like to work in Investment Banking.

I understand my eligibility will depend a lot on my GMAT scores. But it would be great if you could kindly just check my profile and suggest me the ideal GMAT scores.
Show more


You have a decent profile but like you said, a lot would depend on your GMAT score. You come from an over-represented pool, but your work experience may help you differentiate. However, you will have to lay out your story well, talking about your growth and leadership examples in your professional life. AdCom want a rounded personality and you would need strong extra-curricular for that. The given pandemic provides you ample opportunities to bolster your profile in this regard. You can learn more about this, from the article in the link: https://ruchipandeconsulting.com/the-world/.
For GMAT, I would say you will need a score of 740+ to stand a chance.
Hope this helps.
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 02 Jul 2020, 13:58
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Hi, and thanks for writing! You have a well-rounded profile. To address some of your specific concerns:

1.) A leadership role in your high school's alumni association is great - schools would certainly value this involvement. What they'll be most interested in knowing: What is the impact that you've made on the organization? Make sure to communicate this clearly on your resume and (as appropriate) in essays.

2.) Academics are solid, especially from a prominent undergrad business program

3.) MBA programs are very familiar with top companies across industries, so there's a good chance they'll be familiar with yours. The application also asks you to provide information about the company, annual revenue, etc. so they'll get a sense of its caliber from this information as well

4.) Your career goals are interesting! There's nothing wrong with pursuing PropTech - however, if you do go that route in your applications, I would frame it as a long-term goal (and short term, you could work at a technology company and hone your general industry knowledge). For your application, you'll want to decide on your short and long-term goal (and CBS really wants to understand not just your LT goal but your DREAM job, so make sure to figure out which path you can write about most compellingly)

5.) Recommendations: Your concerns are very understandable - you can have past supervisors write your recommendations, explaining in your application that you don't want to jeopardize your current position.

Hope that helps! If CBS is your top choice, I strongly recommend considering applying Early Decision, as that could be to your benefit.


gmatfan5
Hello all, and hope everybody is staying safe! Would love an honest profile evaluation if possible.

Background:
White Male
Age 26

College:
Finance degree from "Public Ivy" (but not one that's quite UVA/Berkeley caliber) with top 10 undergraduate business school
3.6 GPA

GMAT: 730

Work Experience:
4 years at top real estate mortgage banking firm (though unsure if MBA programs have a sense for what "top" mortgage banking firms are, so not sure how much this helps me). Have held multiple roles within the firm, a path I chose to broaden my skill set.

Extracurriculars:
Admittedly a weak spot. Outside of work I stay involved with a leadership role in my high school's alumni association, which is something I'm passionate about, but I'm not sure how this would be viewed by an MBA admissions office.

Post MBA Goals:
Move to investment side of real estate, leverage CBS brand and network to help source equity investor relationships. However a lot of the interest in pursuing an MBA is to explore the PropTech field, where I could leverage my real estate knowledge but would certainly be looking at it though a different lens that MBA classes and connections would really help with.

Other comments:
Would be nervous to seek a recommendation from a direct supervisor given economic uncertainty during the pandemic, but could get a good recommendation from a direct supervisor who now works for a competitor.
Show more
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GMAT 1: 770 Q50 V47 (Online)
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 04 Jul 2020, 09:47
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Hi everyone,

I am planning to apply before the early decision deadline in the first week of October. Kindly review my profile and let me know your thoughts. Also please suggest a GMAT score I should be targeting given my profile.

Background: Indian male engineer residing in India

College: Bachelor of Technology in Production Engineering. CGPA of 8.7/10

GMAT: Yet to appear but scoring 750+ in practice tests. I expect to score 730-760

Work experience:
• 5+ years of experience in private equity and related domains
• Started as a research analyst at a boutique consulting firm
• Currently work as an analyst at an impact-focused private equity firm investing in South and SE Asia
• Worked on the first two SE Asian investment deals closed by the fund
• Closely worked on onboarding a large US-based DFI as an investor in an upcoming fund in Africa

Professional certification: Passed level 2 of CFA

Extracurriculars: Not the strongest spot
• I am a big follower of value investing (hence applying to CBS and very keen on studying value investing at the Heilbrunn Center) and have been investing in the Indian equity market for quite some time
• I conceptualized and managed one of the events during our undergrad college techfest. The event, which was organized for the first time in the college, saw the highest participation and received the highest funding among all other events during that year.
• I have run multiple marathons and am a member of a local running group that trains individuals to run long distances

Post-MBA goals: I would like to work at a private or public market investment firm with a long-term value-oriented approach

Recommendation: Will get recommendation letters from the Managing Partner and the Partner of the firm
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 04 Jul 2020, 10:25
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indrayan
Hi everyone,

I am planning to apply before the early decision deadline in the first week of October. Kindly review my profile and let me know your thoughts. Also please suggest a GMAT score I should be targeting given my profile.

Background: Indian male engineer residing in India

College: Bachelor of Technology in Production Engineering. CGPA of 8.7/10

GMAT: Yet to appear but scoring 750+ in practice tests. I expect to score 730-760

Work experience:
• 5+ years of experience in private equity and related domains
• Started as a research analyst at a boutique consulting firm
• Currently work as an analyst at an impact-focused private equity firm investing in South and SE Asia
• Worked on the first two SE Asian investment deals closed by the fund
• Closely worked on onboarding a large US-based DFI as an investor in an upcoming fund in Africa

Professional certification: Passed level 2 of CFA

Extracurriculars: Not the strongest spot
• I am a big follower of value investing (hence applying to CBS and very keen on studying value investing at the Heilbrunn Center) and have been investing in the Indian equity market for quite some time
• I conceptualized and managed one of the events during our undergrad college techfest. The event, which was organized for the first time in the college, saw the highest participation and received the highest funding among all other events during that year.
• I have run multiple marathons and am a member of a local running group that trains individuals to run long distances

Post-MBA goals: I would like to work at a private or public market investment firm with a long-term value-oriented approach

Recommendation: Will get recommendation letters from the Managing Partner and the Partner of the firm
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Hello Indrayan,
Your WE is consistent with what you want to do post-MBA which is a good thing. It also looks you have strong reasons for Columbia being your school of choice, which will help you put a very convincing story in your essays, especially Question 2 of Columbia.
As you demonstrate your commitment to the school by applying in the early round, your chances of getting accepted definitely increase by a certain percentage.
You should aim for the upper range of your target GMAT, though scoring even a 750 should make your application competitive.
I would need to know more about the quality of your experience, including the impact that you created, leadership experience and the size of deals and names of firms you worked with to comment any further in this regard.
As you have pointed out, your EC is your weakest spot. Your EC need to be more current and post-college. AdCom want a rounded personality and love to see the social impact you have created beyond your personal development. Most times, applicants do not realize the extent of their extra-curricular initiatives, thinking most of it as mundane, so think hard on how you might have contributed to the growth and development of others. Additionally, the given pandemic provides you ample opportunities to bolster your profile in this regard. You can learn more about this, from the article in the link: https://ruchipandeconsulting.com/the-world/.
For your recommendation, you have some senior people willing to make recommendations for you, but the quality of your recommendations will matter equally.
In total, you do have a competitive profile for Columbia. Much of your application's probability of success will come from strategic positioning.
Hope this helps.
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 05 Jul 2020, 02:44
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Hi - would really appreciate an analysis of my profile as well. Below is my profile - I am keen to look at marketing and/or strategy studies oriented MBA programmes.

I come from a communication and marketing background. Graduated from University of Delhi with BA Hons in Journalism, where I studies several subjects like political science, economics, international relations, print, radio and TV journalism, and marketing and advertising, besides others.

From there on, I studied at the Indian Institute of Mass Comm for a PG Diploma in Advertising and PR.

I have 4+ years of work experience, including a currently ongoing 2+ year stint at a leading international airline where I am responsible for consumer marketing portfolio.

Here are my scores:
10th Std - 85.4%
12th Std (Science) - 77%
Graduation - 75.25%
PG Diploma - 72.05%
GMAT - 680 (thinking of a retake)

I was awarded the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) Award in 2016; and was nominated by my firm for a 30 Under 30 Industry Award. I have worked with a Delhi based NGO working in the space of emotional education of children for about 1-1.5 years. I also have a lot of internships at college level with organizations like Indian Express and BBDO (ad agency). Post my degrees after school consisted of several live projects like documentary film-making, authoring original dissertations, radio programmes, ad film-making, award-winning capstone project for a leading Home Care brand.
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 07 Jul 2020, 11:19
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Hi, and thanks for writing. I like your distinctive background in communications and marketing, and it sounds like you've made a meaningful impact at that space for prominent clients. Also love that you've been involved in the NGO outside of work.

Regarding GMAT - given how intensely competitive the process is for Indian applicants, definitely plan to retake the GMAT. For a program like CBS, a 730+ is the target.

Hope that helps a bit!


KaumudiT
Hi - would really appreciate an analysis of my profile as well. Below is my profile - I am keen to look at marketing and/or strategy studies oriented MBA programmes.

I come from a communication and marketing background. Graduated from University of Delhi with BA Hons in Journalism, where I studies several subjects like political science, economics, international relations, print, radio and TV journalism, and marketing and advertising, besides others.

From there on, I studied at the Indian Institute of Mass Comm for a PG Diploma in Advertising and PR.

I have 4+ years of work experience, including a currently ongoing 2+ year stint at a leading international airline where I am responsible for consumer marketing portfolio.

Here are my scores:
10th Std - 85.4%
12th Std (Science) - 77%
Graduation - 75.25%
PG Diploma - 72.05%
GMAT - 680 (thinking of a retake)

I was awarded the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) Award in 2016; and was nominated by my firm for a 30 Under 30 Industry Award. I have worked with a Delhi based NGO working in the space of emotional education of children for about 1-1.5 years. I also have a lot of internships at college level with organizations like Indian Express and BBDO (ad agency). Post my degrees after school consisted of several live projects like documentary film-making, authoring original dissertations, radio programmes, ad film-making, award-winning capstone project for a leading Home Care brand.
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 08 Jul 2020, 17:32
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Hi Everyone,

I’m looking to apply for Early Decision for CBS 2021 intake and would appreciate it if you have a chance to evaluate my profile.

Background: Chinese, Female, BA in bio-engineering in China, Master in Finance (Grande Ecole program) in top 2 french Business school.

Age: 30

GPA(my weakness) : 3.9/5 Undergraduate, 14/20 Master(top 15%), I am not sure if I should convert GPA on a 4 scale?

Others : CFA

GMAT: online exam 730

Work Experience: 5 years experiences and Now based in NYC
FinTech consultant(1.5 year) on trading platform at a french firm, in NYC
Fund reporting (0.5 year) at AXA, in NYC
Corporate finance (2 year) in one of the largest banks, in China
Investment banking M&A analyst (1 year) in a private boutique, in France

Language: Chinese, English and French (fluent)

Extracurriculars(Weak point) :
Dancer since age 10, injured in high school and started yoga practice since then. Want to do a certified yoga teacher training program.
University activities in college as an organized leader.

Post-MBA goals: Investment banking,
After practicing as a Fin-Tech consultant in capital markets, I found my interest in investment banking and want to go back to banking. As I obtained my master in France, I need a platform to know more people with similar backgrounds and interests. And most importantly to work in one of top banks in NYC.

Recommendation(not strong):
1 from the supervisor, I think he wrote positive things but he completed in a rush.
2 from a senior colleague: She gave positive feedback.

My questions:
1 Do I have a good chance to get an interview if I apply in ED?
2 What can I improve since my extracurriculars and GPA are weak?
3 Should I retake GMAT?

Thank you so much in advance!
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Columbia Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 08 Jul 2020, 23:50
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gmatfan5
Hello all, and hope everybody is staying safe! Would love an honest profile evaluation if possible.

Background:
White Male
Age 26

College:
Finance degree from "Public Ivy" (but not one that's quite UVA/Berkeley caliber) with top 10 undergraduate business school
3.6 GPA

GMAT: 730

Work Experience:
4 years at top real estate mortgage banking firm (though unsure if MBA programs have a sense for what "top" mortgage banking firms are, so not sure how much this helps me). Have held multiple roles within the firm, a path I chose to broaden my skill set.

Extracurriculars:
Admittedly a weak spot. Outside of work I stay involved with a leadership role in my high school's alumni association, which is something I'm passionate about, but I'm not sure how this would be viewed by an MBA admissions office.

Post MBA Goals:
Move to investment side of real estate, leverage CBS brand and network to help source equity investor relationships. However a lot of the interest in pursuing an MBA is to explore the PropTech field, where I could leverage my real estate knowledge but would certainly be looking at it though a different lens that MBA classes and connections would really help with.

Other comments:
Would be nervous to seek a recommendation from a direct supervisor given economic uncertainty during the pandemic, but could get a good recommendation from a direct supervisor who now works for a competitor.
Show more

I think you have a good shot. Your GMAT is in line, your age is in line. I got both my letters of recs from past managers who were no longer working at my firm when I asked them. You need to the over above things now to help your application "stand out". People assume you just submit an application and sit back and wait. The way I got into CBS with 2 years of work experience and going to the largest public university for undergrad was purely through the activities I did outside of my application.

If you are curious about the steps I took. Please check out a detailed article I wrote on the process! https://babainvesting.com/admission-to-top-mba/

Message me on here or on the site if you have any further questions.
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