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UNCBOUND
Current Student
Joined: 15 Apr 2013
Last visit: 24 Oct 2019
Posts: 34
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 13
Location: United States (TX)
Concentration: Finance, Healthcare
Schools: Duke '20 (WL) Kenan-Flagler '20 (M)
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V41
GPA: 3.35
Products:
15 Jun 2016, 11:30
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hello!
Thanks in advance for your response, it is greatly appreciated.
Profile:
- Age: 25 (27 @ matriculation)
- Male
- U.S. Resident
- GMAT 710 (Q47, V42)
- Undergraduate Institution: Ouachita Baptist University (liberal arts school in Arkansas)
- Undergraduate Degree: Biblical Studies, 3.35 GPA. Graduated in 3.5 years.
- Business coursework outside of major: Microeconomics (B), Accounting I (A), Accounting II (A), College Algebra (B), Personal Finance(A)
- Extracurricular in college: president of fraternity which grew from 12 members to over 80 while I was a member. Various community service leadership opportunities.
- W/E:
o 2 years at one of the top 5 Health Insurance companies in the U.S. I was a Disability Analyst. Various leadership opportunities.
o (Current) 2 years at a Insurance Brokerage and Consulting Firm as a Consultant (boutique firm likely never head of by admissions committee). Work with company executives to customize benefit program that will make them an employer of choice. Consult regarding Affordable Care Act compliance, as well as be the liaison between various other vendors. Various leadership opportunities, etc. Company size- around 20 employees.
o Both positions held in a major metroplex. Would likely have great recommendations from management.
- Community Involvement: Served as Associate Pastor for organization my wife and I started called Grassroots Christianity. Organization is focused on changing people’s perception of Church structure and function. Various community service events held.
- Target Schools (I will likely declare a Healthcare concentration if available):
o UT McCombs (in-state tuition. #1 choice)
o UNC
o Vanderbilt
- Stretch Schools
o Duke- Fuqua
o Cornell- Johnson
o Virginia Darden
- Less Competitive Target Schools
o SMU
o Rice
o A&M
- Timeline: I will apply in the fall of 2017 in order to matriculate in the fall of 2018 (class of 2020)
- Career Aspirations: Healthcare Consulting (not on the insurance brokerage side), but to be honest it is a bit undecided. I’m not completely aware of the paths available to me given my background.
Concerns:
- Undergraduate Degree: Will having a religious degree be the diversity that schools are NOT looking for? I know diversity is a big focus of MBA programs. The degree was from a Liberal Arts institution, thus I studied in multiple areas which allowed me to truly foster a passion for learning.
- Work Experience: I’ve definitely shown progression in both positions (both in salary and promotions), but Insurance is often seen as an industry anyone can walk in to. Not sure how my experience will be viewed by ADCOM at the programs I mentioned.
Questions:
- Given my somewhat low quant score (Q47), would you recommend I take a few business/math course prior to my application? I’m thinking maybe Calc. for Business, Stats. for Business, and/or some other finance course.
- My current company is somewhat small and the advancement opps are limited because of that. I’m considering looking for another company to work for during the two years leading up to matriculation.
o If I’m right at 2 years before switching companies, would that look negatively to ADCOM(job hopping)?
o I have a relatively large network, and my first thought is I would try to work for one of the big 4 consulting firms in an analyst type role. I think this would be a good opportunity for me personally, but would me taking a role like this hurt my “diversity factor”, since so many MBA applicants come from that background?
- Are there other schools that you feel like my profile fits? My family (wife and 1 year old daughter) is flexible on location. Outside of the obvious stats(GMAT, GPA), do you feel like I would be a competitive applicant at the schools I listed?
Thank you for your time.
Thanks in advance for your response, it is greatly appreciated.
Profile:
- Age: 25 (27 @ matriculation)
- Male
- U.S. Resident
- GMAT 710 (Q47, V42)
- Undergraduate Institution: Ouachita Baptist University (liberal arts school in Arkansas)
- Undergraduate Degree: Biblical Studies, 3.35 GPA. Graduated in 3.5 years.
- Business coursework outside of major: Microeconomics (B), Accounting I (A), Accounting II (A), College Algebra (B), Personal Finance(A)
- Extracurricular in college: president of fraternity which grew from 12 members to over 80 while I was a member. Various community service leadership opportunities.
- W/E:
o 2 years at one of the top 5 Health Insurance companies in the U.S. I was a Disability Analyst. Various leadership opportunities.
o (Current) 2 years at a Insurance Brokerage and Consulting Firm as a Consultant (boutique firm likely never head of by admissions committee). Work with company executives to customize benefit program that will make them an employer of choice. Consult regarding Affordable Care Act compliance, as well as be the liaison between various other vendors. Various leadership opportunities, etc. Company size- around 20 employees.
o Both positions held in a major metroplex. Would likely have great recommendations from management.
- Community Involvement: Served as Associate Pastor for organization my wife and I started called Grassroots Christianity. Organization is focused on changing people’s perception of Church structure and function. Various community service events held.
- Target Schools (I will likely declare a Healthcare concentration if available):
o UT McCombs (in-state tuition. #1 choice)
o UNC
o Vanderbilt
- Stretch Schools
o Duke- Fuqua
o Cornell- Johnson
o Virginia Darden
- Less Competitive Target Schools
o SMU
o Rice
o A&M
- Timeline: I will apply in the fall of 2017 in order to matriculate in the fall of 2018 (class of 2020)
- Career Aspirations: Healthcare Consulting (not on the insurance brokerage side), but to be honest it is a bit undecided. I’m not completely aware of the paths available to me given my background.
Concerns:
- Undergraduate Degree: Will having a religious degree be the diversity that schools are NOT looking for? I know diversity is a big focus of MBA programs. The degree was from a Liberal Arts institution, thus I studied in multiple areas which allowed me to truly foster a passion for learning.
- Work Experience: I’ve definitely shown progression in both positions (both in salary and promotions), but Insurance is often seen as an industry anyone can walk in to. Not sure how my experience will be viewed by ADCOM at the programs I mentioned.
Questions:
- Given my somewhat low quant score (Q47), would you recommend I take a few business/math course prior to my application? I’m thinking maybe Calc. for Business, Stats. for Business, and/or some other finance course.
- My current company is somewhat small and the advancement opps are limited because of that. I’m considering looking for another company to work for during the two years leading up to matriculation.
o If I’m right at 2 years before switching companies, would that look negatively to ADCOM(job hopping)?
o I have a relatively large network, and my first thought is I would try to work for one of the big 4 consulting firms in an analyst type role. I think this would be a good opportunity for me personally, but would me taking a role like this hurt my “diversity factor”, since so many MBA applicants come from that background?
- Are there other schools that you feel like my profile fits? My family (wife and 1 year old daughter) is flexible on location. Outside of the obvious stats(GMAT, GPA), do you feel like I would be a competitive applicant at the schools I listed?
Thank you for your time.
15 Jun 2016, 19:50
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi there,
Thanks for your post. Overall it sounds as though you've done a lot of self-analysis of your profile thus far, and I feel your analysis is right on-par..... I think your best chances will likely be in the approx 10-30 ranking (US News) give or take, given that you have a solid GMAT, grades, work experience, and from your description, leadership examples (though I don't know full context obviously). Top 10 (again give or take) could be tough just given that it's SO competitive and many applicants have that much stronger specific profile aspects, just a touch more memorable or outstanding etc.... but overall I support your school list. To your specific q's:
- Undergraduate Degree: Will having a religious degree be the diversity that schools are NOT looking for? I know diversity is a big focus of MBA programs. The degree was from a Liberal Arts institution, thus I studied in multiple areas which allowed me to truly foster a passion for learning.
**I do not feel that this will be a problem/concern; I'm sure the schools would all say they will not be biased for or against any particular religious affiliation or study. They do assess the academic rigor of each university and major etc, so there's always the chance that others rate slightly higher in that regard but that is separate from the religious aspect.
- Work Experience: I’ve definitely shown progression in both positions (both in salary and promotions), but Insurance is often seen as an industry anyone can walk in to. Not sure how my experience will be viewed by ADCOM at the programs I mentioned.
**Again it's all relative; you may come out more competitive than some who do not have said progression or leadership, but less so from others with different paths.... all you can do is really emphasize what you DO have to bring to the class. And since you have time before you apply, continue to seek out ways to make an impact and go above and beyond what is expected on the job.
Questions:
- Given my somewhat low quant score (Q47), would you recommend I take a few business/math course prior to my application? I’m thinking maybe Calc. for Business, Stats. for Business, and/or some other finance course.
**Honestly, IMO I don't feel that is needed at your score level. You can always see if you can chat with an admissions rep at a specific school, say after an info session or online chat etc if you want to hear directly from them.
- My current company is somewhat small and the advancement opps are limited because of that. I’m considering looking for another company to work for during the two years leading up to matriculation.
o If I’m right at 2 years before switching companies, would that look negatively to ADCOM(job hopping)?
**I don't worry as much about 2 years (vs 1 year).
o I have a relatively large network, and my first thought is I would try to work for one of the big 4 consulting firms in an analyst type role. I think this would be a good opportunity for me personally, but would me taking a role like this hurt my “diversity factor”, since so many MBA applicants come from that background?
**Think about what makes the most sense for your overall long-term story and career goals. If you can explain your rationale for the choices you make and how it fits in to the big picture, that is one of the more important pieces of the puzzle.
- Are there other schools that you feel like my profile fits? My family (wife and 1 year old daughter) is flexible on location. Outside of the obvious stats(GMAT, GPA), do you feel like I would be a competitive applicant at the schools I listed?
**I do feel your school list is appropriate, and if you were looking at others they'd be in that same competitive range. Of course you may want to narrow it down!! Most apply to 3-6 schools, and if more than that they would likely be spread over multiple rounds, keep that in mind (each app is quite time consuming).
PS-- congrats on your 1 year old! I have one as well, so much fun.
Good luck! Keep us posted on how we can help and further q's!
Thanks for your post. Overall it sounds as though you've done a lot of self-analysis of your profile thus far, and I feel your analysis is right on-par..... I think your best chances will likely be in the approx 10-30 ranking (US News) give or take, given that you have a solid GMAT, grades, work experience, and from your description, leadership examples (though I don't know full context obviously). Top 10 (again give or take) could be tough just given that it's SO competitive and many applicants have that much stronger specific profile aspects, just a touch more memorable or outstanding etc.... but overall I support your school list. To your specific q's:
- Undergraduate Degree: Will having a religious degree be the diversity that schools are NOT looking for? I know diversity is a big focus of MBA programs. The degree was from a Liberal Arts institution, thus I studied in multiple areas which allowed me to truly foster a passion for learning.
**I do not feel that this will be a problem/concern; I'm sure the schools would all say they will not be biased for or against any particular religious affiliation or study. They do assess the academic rigor of each university and major etc, so there's always the chance that others rate slightly higher in that regard but that is separate from the religious aspect.
- Work Experience: I’ve definitely shown progression in both positions (both in salary and promotions), but Insurance is often seen as an industry anyone can walk in to. Not sure how my experience will be viewed by ADCOM at the programs I mentioned.
**Again it's all relative; you may come out more competitive than some who do not have said progression or leadership, but less so from others with different paths.... all you can do is really emphasize what you DO have to bring to the class. And since you have time before you apply, continue to seek out ways to make an impact and go above and beyond what is expected on the job.
Questions:
- Given my somewhat low quant score (Q47), would you recommend I take a few business/math course prior to my application? I’m thinking maybe Calc. for Business, Stats. for Business, and/or some other finance course.
**Honestly, IMO I don't feel that is needed at your score level. You can always see if you can chat with an admissions rep at a specific school, say after an info session or online chat etc if you want to hear directly from them.
- My current company is somewhat small and the advancement opps are limited because of that. I’m considering looking for another company to work for during the two years leading up to matriculation.
o If I’m right at 2 years before switching companies, would that look negatively to ADCOM(job hopping)?
**I don't worry as much about 2 years (vs 1 year).
o I have a relatively large network, and my first thought is I would try to work for one of the big 4 consulting firms in an analyst type role. I think this would be a good opportunity for me personally, but would me taking a role like this hurt my “diversity factor”, since so many MBA applicants come from that background?
**Think about what makes the most sense for your overall long-term story and career goals. If you can explain your rationale for the choices you make and how it fits in to the big picture, that is one of the more important pieces of the puzzle.
- Are there other schools that you feel like my profile fits? My family (wife and 1 year old daughter) is flexible on location. Outside of the obvious stats(GMAT, GPA), do you feel like I would be a competitive applicant at the schools I listed?
**I do feel your school list is appropriate, and if you were looking at others they'd be in that same competitive range. Of course you may want to narrow it down!! Most apply to 3-6 schools, and if more than that they would likely be spread over multiple rounds, keep that in mind (each app is quite time consuming).
PS-- congrats on your 1 year old! I have one as well, so much fun.
Good luck! Keep us posted on how we can help and further q's!
UNCBOUND
Current Student
Joined: 15 Apr 2013
Last visit: 24 Oct 2019
Posts: 34
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 13
Location: United States (TX)
Concentration: Finance, Healthcare
Schools: Duke '20 (WL) Kenan-Flagler '20 (M)
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V41
GPA: 3.35
Products:
16 Jun 2016, 06:40
Kudos
Bookmarks
Thanks mbaMissionJenK ! I appreciate your thoughtful response. Very helpful.
