Chances at a Top-10 Business School?

Question

Could use opinions on whether I have a shot at a top-10 business school? I'm currently in sales but looking to get an MBA in finance.

White Male, 25

GMAT: 700

GPA: 3.99 from a private Division III university

Work Experience: 3 years in software sales at two different companies. #3 salesperson out of team of 150, promoted to sales manager and led team of 8-12 sales representatives. Switched companies for more potential and to learn enterprise sales ($1M+ deals).

Extracurriculars: Good in college but a little light since then. I started an investment blog that has a monthly readership of 1000+, and have been published on several financial news websites for stock writeups/analysis. Proven and verifiable stock trading record of beating the market over the past 15+ months.

I'm hoping to use my blog and trading background as a reason for going back to b-school for a degree in finance. Overall goal is to join a hedge fund or start my own.

Chances? Any hopes at getting a fellowship or other financial aid?

DuckPond · Answer

Yeah, I'd say you have a shot but its hard to put a number on it.

Your short explanation makes sense and it sounds like you'll be able to make a strong case in the why MBA/why now essays that almost every school has.

Another thing that will influence your chances is what school you went to. I bet a 3.99 at Amherst/Williams goes a long way while it wouldn't stand out at a less competitive school.

In the end, if you put time and effort in your apps, I'd say you have a chance at a top 10 school. If I had to put a number on it, I'd say 60% but that's just a guess. Def apply to schools in the 10-15 range as well. The oppertunities there can be simialr to those in the top 10 depending on your goals.

DrSues02 · Answer

I scored a 700 with little preparation and plan on taking the test again. After studying for a few months, I'm confident I should be able to raise my score.

How high do I need to shoot for to have a 75% or greater chance at getting in? 750? 720?

shadow · Answer

in my opinion, i don't think that a higher GMAT would necessarily put you in another "bucket" so to speak. the one thing that might stand out is your desire to break into hedge funds without any real finance experience. just to get some perspective, the HF industry is one of the toughest and most highly sought-after industries, and very few students at top schools (even ones like HBS and stanford) manage to break into this industry. those that do generally have some sort of experience in an investment bank or other financial firm.

anyway, i'd try and get some feedback from an admissions consultant, since i think you might be doing yourself a disservice by focusing your essays on a goal like that. i'm not trying to deter you from your dream, but rather making you aware that if you choose to focus your essays on that, you'll really need to go into detail as to what steps you are going to take in order to accomplish your goal.

SianFJ · Answer

Hi DrSues02,

Firstly, is that your name or are you naming yourself after the genius writer 'Dr Suess?'

Secondly, you've got a great profile - all of your online accolades are impressive - so much so that if you're interested in beefing up your extra curricular we'd love for you to come and write about your business school search/application experience on our website   <REDACTED>   - would you be interested in blogging on a site like ours?

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Chances at a Top-10 Business School?

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