NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 26 Apr 2024, 09:30 It is currently 26 Apr 2024, 09:30
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

Want to apply to HBS - Pretty discouraged

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
avatar
quorky
Intern
Intern
Joined: 28 Dec 2009
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
Want to apply to HBS - Pretty discouraged [#permalink] New post   28 Dec 2009, 15:53
Hi All,

Have been reading the forums for a little while now and I find the level of information to be of great help. Having said that, here is my concern:

Graduated Pace University here in NYC in 2004 with 3.51 (Cum Laude) with Finance / Management Science Majors (Math / Eco Minors)

Right after graduation I was hired by a relatively small fixed income asset management shop (~3 billion under mgt). Started as an analyst focusing on pension valuation / asset allocation modeling. During my tenure, I completed the CFA charter and now carry the designation.

Over the years, I was promoted to Trader, then Assistant PM and now a Portfolio Manager focusing on fixed income, investment grade credit portfolios.

I will be turning 29 in march and want to apply to HBS this coming september (for matriculation in 2011). Recently, I have read / noticed that the admission process has shifted to younger applicants. This concerns me a great deal, since I am over the average age of 27. If I am accepted, I will be 30 when I enter the program.

I have 9 months to build a strong application, with a GMAT score targeted in the 700 - 750+ range. I want to know what your thoughts are on the hindrance of my age on the application.

Do you think the CFA Charter will benefit my application process?

Thank you for all your help!!! :-D
User avatar
eminent
Current Student
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
Posts: 343
Own Kudos [?]: 40 [0]
Given Kudos: 22
Schools:Columbia Business School - Class of 2012
Send PM
Re: Want to apply to HBS - Pretty discouraged [#permalink] New post   28 Dec 2009, 17:34
My hunch is that HBS will be very difficult for you. You may have a good shot at Chicago, Columbia, NYU or Kellogg

Posted from my mobile device
avatar
quorky
Intern
Intern
Joined: 28 Dec 2009
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
Re: Want to apply to HBS - Pretty discouraged [#permalink] New post   28 Dec 2009, 18:11
Thanks for the reply. Can you please elaborate on what you mean? Specific areas that may present difficulty would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
eminent
Current Student
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
Posts: 343
Own Kudos [?]: 40 [0]
Given Kudos: 22
Schools:Columbia Business School - Class of 2012
Send PM
Re: Want to apply to HBS - Pretty discouraged [#permalink] New post   29 Dec 2009, 17:21
Well a simple sanity check for HBS is: have there been people from your undergrad or your firm admitted there? If so, what got them in and what were their profiles like?

If you can't find anyone from either your undergrad, OR your firm who got in, your chances probably aren't amazing unless you have some sort of stardust (3.8+ GPA, 760+ GMAT, proven leadership experience, founded a non-profit, world-class athlete, etc.).

I didn't sense any stardust. The undergrad/firm question is one for you to probe on your own. I would also go ahead and ask some consultants what they think (Sandy Kreisberg is a straight shooter and he knows HBS inside and out, for example).

From my knowledge, HBS and most of the top programs really don't care much about the CFA charter or give it much value. They'd much rather hear about extracurriculars, non-profit work, or leadership in the workplace. (do a search on these forums for some of the older threads)

Sorry if this is tough to hear. Most of us are "brought down to earth" very early on in the application process. You're probably a star in your circle of friends and at work, but your profile is very standard for a top 10 program. You're within striking range for any program outside of Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: Want to apply to HBS - Pretty discouraged [#permalink]
29 Dec 2009, 17:21

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions