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ppop
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Profile Evaluation Updated on: 11 Sep 2010, 18:48
Originally posted by ppop on 31 Aug 2010, 15:07.
Last edited by ppop on 11 Sep 2010, 18:48, edited 1 time in total.
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Profile Evaluation 01 Sep 2010, 21:33
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ppop
Hello Linda!

I am applying for fall 2011 admission and would love to have your advice.

-27/F/Asian American
-770 GMAT
-3.2 (Double major in Econ & Communications from #1 U.S. Public University)
-CFA (passed all three levels, should be getting the charter in 2 months)

WE:
1) Retail Banking - sales role (Top 3 in the region for 1.5 years)
2) Mid-size Financial advisory firm - consultant (Top ranking consultant for 20 months)
3) Energy/Utility company - corporate finance role (15 months now)

EC:
Not too active since the start of the CFA program but recently picked up community service in educating under-privileged kids and will continue

Goal:
Short term - Management Consulting (M/B/B) in the U.S.
Long term - Strategic role in corporate

Questions:
1) Do I have any chance in the any of the Top 5? If so, which ones? Which other schools do I have a good shot at? (I prefer schools in the east coast)
2) Should I be concerned with my low GPA and address it in the optional essay?
3) Any other advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your help!!!
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You're welcome. Before I respond, I have a few questions:

1) WEre you active as an undergrad or before you started the CFA in any community service or extra-curricular activities? Did you play a leadership role?
2) Were there extenuating circumstances that contributed to the mediocre GPA? Was there an upward trend to your grades?

Best,
Linda
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ppop
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Profile Evaluation Updated on: 04 Nov 2010, 18:09
Originally posted by ppop on 02 Sep 2010, 00:42.
Last edited by ppop on 04 Nov 2010, 18:09, edited 1 time in total.
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Profile Evaluation 02 Sep 2010, 19:52
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ppop
Hi Linda!
Thanks for helping out.
1) Yes I was really active with church and held a leadership role in different programs including mentoring (for about 2.5 years). After starting with CFA and a busier work schedule, I was mostly just volunteering here and there...
2) I can definitely address low grade issue (was having family problem and because of this graduated in 3 years). I am not sure if it was an upward trend though.
Please let me know if you would like any other information.
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You're welcome. Thanks for your responses. To answer your questions:

Questions:
1) Do I have any chance in the any of the Top 5? If so, which ones? Which other schools do I have a good shot at? (I prefer schools in the east coast)
You do have a chance at the top 5, thanks to your GMAT and work experience. I think your GPA may be an obstacle, but there is only one way to find out if it's an insurmountable obstacle: apply. At the same time, be realistic and also apply outside the Top 5. Choose 2 in the top 5 (however you define it) and then apply to 4-6 outside the top 5. Consider HBS, Kellogg, Tuck, Wharton, Ross, Darden, Cornell, and Duke.
2) Should I be concerned with my low GPA and address it in the optional essay? yes. Please see "Low Stats.".
3) Any other advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.

You might be interested in MBA Applicants: What McKinsey (and HBS) Wants and Where Should You Apply? A Guide to Selecting the Best MBA Programs.
Best,
Linda