Waitlisted Profile Review Request

Question

Hello,

I' am now on waitlist of Haas, wondering what's the main weakness and how i can improve that, could you take a look at my profile and let me know what you think?

-B.S: top local university, literature 
-International applicant (Chinese female)
-Work experience: over 6 years in marketing, from agency to international brands (Leo Burnett, HP...).No subordinate, but supervise agencies and vendors
-GMAT: 720 (Q 97%, V76%), TOEFL:108
-GPA: around 3.3 if converted (first 2 years 3.0,last 2 years 3.7), lots of student association participation in college
-1 year international exchange student
-Not much of a volunteer work tho....

Scheduled an interview, and I am thinking taking an online course to improve my Q ability, but not sure about re-take GMAT? 'cause that gonna take all of my time and i m not sure if i can get higher score in a short time.
As for the low GPA, i will add some explanation in the personal statement letter, hope that helps....please let me know if you have any other advise?

Also, I was considering to apply INSEAD in the meantime, would you recommend me to try INSEAD in Round 3 (for Jan Class 2017 intake)? do i have a shot?

Thanks in advance!!!

VeritasPrepEdison · Answer

Thanks for sharing your profile.

For INSEAD, you have a shot, crafting your stories carefully to highlight unique qualities and experiences that will help you stand out will help boost your chances. Your stats are within the range of the typical profile. Highlighting fit with the school and showing how it would help you reach your goals, and what you can contribute as part of the student and alumni community would be critical.

Volunteer work and leadership experience looks to be the weaker part of your application so look for examples to demonstrate community involvement to show your ability to lead or work with teams. You may have some stories to use from managing relationships and projects with the agencies and vendors to show your high level of interpersonal skills and maturity.

Wish you all the best and look forward to hearing your updates!

TTin · Answer

Thanks you so much for the prompt reply!

i noticed that you did not mention anything about Haas, any suggestion or advice on waitlist improvement in my case?

Also, is INSEAD round 3 not recommended for Chinese applicants (as the US schools)?
If so, since INSEAD round 2 is in April, what's your suggestion about which school should i invest the most effort and energy? (Haas waitlist or prepare INSEAD round 2)

VeritasPrepEdison · Answer

Regarding Haas, if there are developments in your career, such as promotions or projects handled in recent months that you were not able to communicate when you submitted the application, you can mention this when you follow up on your application and reiterate your interest in the program. Related to my suggestion in the previous post of demonstrating community involvement, you can relate these experiences with your continued growth as a leader and ability to work with teams.

In terms of effort, it would be easier to follow up Haas than starting and completing an INSEAD application. You may wait for the final decision at Haas, before determining if you need to exert any effort for INSEAD.

However, applying in Round 2 at INSEAD will give you a better chance with scholarships. If submitting within two weeks is too tight, you may submit in Round 3, I believe you will be eligible to do so as we recently had a Chinese client who successfully submitted in Round 3 for the Sep 2016 intake.

Wish you all the best!

Waitlisted Profile Review Request

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