Any advice here will be greatly appreciated!
Asian/Female/24 almost turning 25... struggling whether I should apply 2nd round this year or 1st round next year.
-I grew up in China and came to the US at 17.
-Went to a top public university (GPA 3.5 - double major in Math and Finance) and then a top financial engineering master's program (3.6)
-Worked as a big bank quant research analyst in New York - built models and wrote research reports; will be 2.5 years WE upon matriculation in 2014. Interned at this position too.
-Had many volunteering and leadership activities at school as student club leaders etc; won a couple of trading competitions; had many internships/part-time jobs; but nothing super impressive.
-Post MBA plan: PE/hedgefund
What do you guys think my best chances are? I'm thinking maybe Columbia/Stern, but my dream schools are Harvard and Stanford. If I'm going to apply next year, is there anything I can do between now and then to increase my chances? Anyone think there's not gonna be a big difference applying this year VS next year?
Thanks!