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explicitus
Joined: 17 Oct 2010
Last visit: 21 May 2014
Posts: 9
Own Kudos:
Location: United States (AL)
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V45
GPA: 3.63
Updated on: 05 Nov 2010, 23:01
Originally posted by explicitus on 03 Nov 2010, 20:36.
Last edited by explicitus on 05 Nov 2010, 23:01, edited 1 time in total.
Last edited by explicitus on 05 Nov 2010, 23:01, edited 1 time in total.
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I've just started with my application process in the past month -- conducting research, laying out a game plan, and prepping for the GMAT -- so I'd like to gauge where I stand before I really delve in. First, a brief description of my profile and goals:
Now, a few questions that have recently arisen during my research:
Thanks for the great work you're doing here and I'll look forward to hearing from you!
- 24-year old Asian-American male.
- B.S. in Finance from liberal arts university (3.63/3.71 major).
- Nearly two years at small boutique IB, where I was recently promoted to Associate. Will be over three by the time of matriculation.
- I haven't taken the GMAT, but took a preliminary practice test (GMATPrep) at the suggestion of the "GMAT Study Plan for GMAT Novices" thread in this forum and scored a 720 (47Q, 41V). With preparation I should be able to bump both sections higher.
- The bulk of my extracurricular activity is dedicated to church-oriented involvements. I've led my church's collegiate ministry for over six years, served as a worship leader both at church and school, co-led my campus' men's ministry for two years, and have formed and help lead various other small groups.
- I plan to apply next fall (mostly R1 and some R2) to HBS, Stanford, Wharton, Sloan, Columbia, Booth, Kellogg, and Tuck, with the hope that I'll be accepted into one of the first five.
Now, a few questions that have recently arisen during my research:
- While HBS, Stanford, and Wharton are understandably ambitious, is my overall target range reasonable? Or if I may put it another way, if I applied to these eight schools would I most likely gain admission from at least one?
- Does working at a lower middle market firm place me at a disadvantage against some of the other finance types? My firm clearly doesn't carry the name recognition of a BB, but working here -- as is often the case with smaller firms -- has afforded me the opportunity to be intimately involved in the dealmaking process while assuming responsibilities generally reserved for more senior positions. More importantly, for myself at least, I've actually been able to enjoy my job and take a personal interest in it. A friend cut from the more traditional BB fabric reminded me on Sunday, "People don't go into investment banking cause they like it."
- I've read that much of the application is about branding yourself and telling a story. Undoubtedly, my story revolves strongly around my faith, and I have no desire to change that. However, I haven't seen much written about this, so I wanted to see how schools might view such a story. Also, having held several leadership positions in the church, is that the kind of leadership schools are looking for?
Thanks for the great work you're doing here and I'll look forward to hearing from you!
04 Nov 2010, 18:31
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First of all, you definitely have the profile to gain entry into one or more of your targeted schools. The key will be to "brand yourself" as your mentioned so that the admissions committee gets a full understanding of who you are and what your strengths are.
Working at a middle market firm is not a disadvantage. It is more important that your experience was good. In other words, getting promoted, demonstrating leadership and innovation, being a part of key deals all demonstrate that your work experience was meaningful. It shows that you have a good context for understanding the concepts you will learn in business school and can also contribute to class discussions. The fact that you enjoy your job is a plus.
If your faith is a major part of who you are then you should mention it. You want to use your application to show your unique qualities and differentiate yourself from other applicants. Extracurricular activities, including those that are faith-based, are great for leadership examples. You want to show that you are well rounded and your world does not revolve only around your career.
Hope this helps. Best of luck!
Working at a middle market firm is not a disadvantage. It is more important that your experience was good. In other words, getting promoted, demonstrating leadership and innovation, being a part of key deals all demonstrate that your work experience was meaningful. It shows that you have a good context for understanding the concepts you will learn in business school and can also contribute to class discussions. The fact that you enjoy your job is a plus.
If your faith is a major part of who you are then you should mention it. You want to use your application to show your unique qualities and differentiate yourself from other applicants. Extracurricular activities, including those that are faith-based, are great for leadership examples. You want to show that you are well rounded and your world does not revolve only around your career.
Hope this helps. Best of luck!
