Profile Evaluation: 760 GMAT, big impact at a small company

Question

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mbaMissionJenK · Answer

Hello,

Thanks for your post and congrats on the great GMAT score. It sounds like you'll have no problem demonstrating the quantitative, analytical and finance skills to handle those aspects of the MBA degree, so that's a great start. I like the strategy experience, and the impact you've made with your data analysis in the recent job. However it's tough to assess from this summary whether the true scope of how your leadership skills and experience will come across in your applications. It is a nice plus that you've done some recruiting and training since that can speak more to your 'people' skills and communication skills. The tutoring is a small plus, better than no community volunteering... running is a passion you can share but not a huge game changer. Your long-term goals could become more relevant (not mentioned here?) since your short term goals are somewhat common. You'll also really want to show a good 'fit' with each school you apply to as that can help as well. Overall your school list is challenging but you may have a shot at some on the list, and the only one that's more of a safety option (as long as your application is done well to support your GMAT and resume etc), is UNC. With Booth/Kellogg/Sloan being the tougher end of your list (and statistically MIT can be quite challenging to get in; class size is definitely smaller than Booth and a little smaller than Kellogg as well).

Keep us posted on how else we can help, and best wishes!

cdf123 · Answer

xxx

mbaMissionJenK · Answer

Hi there, Leadership can be shown in a variety of ways.... certainly some degree of leadership can come from a specific role managing others. It can be demonstrated via heading up a team, a project, an initiative, a hiring or training process. It can be less formalized, but still evident through, by example, coming up with and suggesting an initiative to your team or company or supervisor, that was then acted upon. It can often be various examples where you go above and beyond your standard job responsibilities. It could be mentoring others. It can also be shown outside the work place in extra curricular activities or the community. Lots of ideas to brainstorm about.

With regard to goals, it's most important that they make sense for YOU given your background, your story, and your interests. You should be able to clearly explain in a compelling way what your goals are, and how your past plus the MBA leads to those future goals. You should be able to make a case for needing the MBA to reach those goals. You want to be fairly specific if possible but also realistic. Ideally you've done your research on potential post-MBA roles and potentially your long term goals too and know how realistic or challenging it will be to reach those goals, and/or what you need to do to get there. Informational interviews can be useful for this purpose. Demonstrating 'fit' with a school can also be through a variety of factors. Top priority might be that you show why THIS school more than others is most helpful for you and for your goals. You can and should show how well you know the program in your essays and interviews. And why you feel it's the best place for you! Classes and clubs can be part of that; often there are other factors that may even be more subjective that come into play... such as the values or student culture of a school; the feeling you get from speaking with a variety of current students and alum; experiences on campus; etc. The more you get to know a school the better you can showcase how well you can see yourself fitting in there. In terms of your school list, a lot of that is personal preference... for better chances you may want to swap, and of course with a great GMAT as you go down the list selectivity-wise, your odds of scholarships can also go up a lot if that matters to you. But if you feel you'd regret not applying to specific schools and want to give it a shot I'd say go for it.... and factors such as your essays and recs and interviews can make a big impact! Particularly when your GMAT is already strong etc. You also need to think about your timing of apps and how many in total you want to apply to, and you need to consider each school on it's own-- ask yourself if I ONLY got into this school and no others, would I definitely go there? And don't apply anywhere that you can't confidently say 'yes'! Good luck and if you'd like to chat with one of our consultants at any point, we do offer a free 30 minute consultation option, at https://shop.mbamission.com/pages/free-consultation. And/or feel free to post here as well.

cdf123 · Answer

Wow, thanks Jen for the detailed response. I'll continue researching and will definitely consider setting up a consultation. Thanks for your help!

mbaMissionJenK · Answer

You are most welcome, good luck and keep us posted on how we can help.

Profile Evaluation: 760 GMAT, big impact at a small company

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