Profile Evaluation - HBS and Stanford

Question

I graduated from a top university with a social sciences degree, have a 4.0 GPA, 760 GMAT, currently work as an investment banking analyst at a bulge bracket investment bank, and am joining a middle market private equity firm (on the smaller end) this coming summer, which is a 2 year commitment (potentially 3 years if there is a need). After this stint, I will likely be looking to apply to business school to get back into private equity as a post-MBA associate. I am focused on Harvard and Stanford but understand that it is very competitive and there are probably many other white, males with a finance background looking to apply for admission. I applied to 2+2 and did not get in out of undergrad.

I do not have any meaningful community service, volunteer or entrepreneurial experience but am assuming that I will need to get going on that, but am not sure if it would need to have some sort tie into another aspect of my "story." Undergraduate extracurricular activities included a couple of small leadership positions and some activities that can be spun but nothing particular outstanding.

I'm trying to be proactive by thinking about this early to maximize my chances at Harvard and Stanford - with my background, what will I need to do to differentiate myself from other similar candidates?

Thank you

CindyTAccepted · Answer

Hello,

You would be qualified for HBS and Stanford IF you present an outstanding track record in your IB and PE firms. And these schools would be  high reasonable reaches . Also, you will need to differentiate yourself among others in your professional and demographic categories through an effective and compelling application (it should make clear why these schools should admit YOU over others in your categories). This would involve having something interesting and distinctive to say, some vision, for your career and experience.

Adcoms tend to be pretty skeptical about community service type activities that are commenced close to application time; I’ve heard adcoms from top programs say more than once that it’s better to have none than to look like you’re using these activities to enhance your resume. So if you want to start such an activity, do it for the right reason and get some track record and time under your belt before writing about or listing it in your application.

Of course, there are numerous other programs that could be excellent for your goals, to name a few Columbia, NYU, Booth, Cornell. And MIT. I suggest getting to know these programs and identifying some additional ones that appeal to you.

WSmith · Answer

I have done well at my IB job and will work to do well at my PE job but how exactly would I be able to present an "outstanding track record" in these roles? They are fairly standardized jobs - I'm sure the references will turn out well but not sure what else there is to show an excellent track record.

When you say "high" reasonable reaches, by high do you mean that it's more or less likely?

When you say "high" reasonable reaches, by high do you mean that it's more or less likely?

CindyTAccepted · Answer

Hello,

I meant that these schools are in the "reasonable reach" category -- i.e., with a great app still less than 50% chance but still have have a true shot -- but within that category, they're still relative long shots -- but not "pie in the sky."

You can show a "standout" track record in a few ways: by strategic use of your resume; by using essays when/as appropriate, and, if you can influence your recommenders (say, during a conversation or with a few bullet points) to discuss specific impacts, achievements, etc. that convey this message.

Good luck!

Profile Evaluation - HBS and Stanford

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