Chances (Haas/Anderson/Marshall/Foster)

Question

Hi,

Would like to get some insights on my chances of getting accepted. My profile is as follows:

GPA: 3.61/4 (Canadian top undergrad, Bachelor of Commerce in Finance & Economics); 
GMAT 770: (V46, Q50, IR8, AWA5)
Work Experience: 2 years by July 2016; buy side private debt investments in a top Canadian insurance firm. Currently relocated to Hong Kong for six months. 
Extracurricular: nothing too special; couple of leadership roles in student clubs; could add on more details if needed;
Post MBA: Impact Investing in the long run (and a few years of nonprofit consulting in the short run immediately post MBA). 
Other info: female, Chinese Canadian (ethnically Chinese but Canadian citizenship).

School intended to apply (all R1): Haas, Anderson, Foster, Marshall.

Also have a few questions that have been bothering me: 
1. I know my WE is at a disadvantage here. Should I preemptively answer the "why now" question in my essay, or should I wait for it to come up in the interview (if I get any)?

2. My boyfriend lives in Seattle and that's why Foster is on my list. Should I talk about that in my MBA/Why Foster essay? Or it's a taboo to mention any non career related MBA motivations?

3. I also applied to Marshall's Master of Finance program. Would that negatively affect my Marshall MBA application?

Thanks advance for everyone's time.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Thanks for sharing your profile. You should be in good shape at all of the schools listed given your business focused work experience, elite GMAT and competitive GPA. To address your other questions:

1. I know my WE is at a disadvantage here. Should I preemptively answer the "why now" question in my essay, or should I wait for it to come up in the interview (if I get any)?

I would first answer the question asked, don't want the AdComm to think you are repurposing an essay because you are answering a question that was not asked. If there is a clear tie-in here I would add it in if it makes sense, but do not reach here. Schools ask you specific questions for specific reasons

2. My boyfriend lives in Seattle and that's why Foster is on my list. Should I talk about that in my MBA/Why Foster essay? Or it's a taboo to mention any non career related MBA motivations?
I would frame it as you having a desire to work in Seattle after school. Discuss the business/career reasons AND then talk about how you fell in love with region during your visits there with your bf. Think thats a fine way to mention it. Not a necessity but would not say its taboo as long as the business side makes sense as well

3. I also applied to Marshall's Master of Finance program. Would that negatively affect my Marshall MBA application? 
I would say its not a positive because it shows a bit of indecision of your career plans, I'm assuming they have separate admission's committees reviewing the applications but many schools will still ask you if you have applied elsewhere. You are a strong candidate so think you should still be in good shape here. Also, if you have a preference for the MBA if there is an opportunity to convey that do it, but let the opportunity come to you

Chances (Haas/Anderson/Marshall/Foster)

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