What are my chances for Top 10

Question

Hi

I would appreciate if someone could tell me how good and realistic my chances of getting into a Top 10 or Top 5 program are.
I am 27 years old, European, and have four years of work experience. 3 years as a systems analyst for a Fortune 500. 1 year as CEO of my own startup. I speak four languages fluently.
Undergraduate degree: Minnesota State University, Computer information Science, 3.85GPA
GMAT: 710

Thank you very much,

Peter

peterpan · Answer

BTW, my GMAT breaks down into 47Q and 40V

Hjort · Answer

What distinguishes you from other candidates?
How would an MBA help your career?
Which country in Europe?

peterpan · Answer

Country: Germany
Company: CEO of less than ten employees
Career: MBA would help to grow my company from small to big
Distinguishment: Travelled every continent, entrepeneur, won several global business plan competitions (Stanford, Oxford, Singapore..)
community service: project manager for building house for poor old lady, led 50 people

Thank you

Hjort · Answer

So far so good . . . however, some observers would want to know more about your business since it has existed for a relatively short time. Could you demonstrate to the admissions cmmte that it is a serious endeavor and that attending a top business school would have a meaningful impact on the business?

peterpan · Answer

The business has actually existed for 3 years. I quit my full time job almost a year ago to run it, so hopefully that would show that it is a serious endevour. 
I want to go to business school to learn core business skills since I do not have any from my ndergad degree, plus establish networks with future clients/partners. I was born in Poland, would mentioning that help my application vs. Germany? 
Do you think I have any chance? Does it make sense applying for 2nd round(I have everything ready, essays, etc.) or do you think I would stand a better chance in Fall of next year? Is my GMAT score too low?
Thanks Hjort, I really appreciate your comments

peterpan · Answer

Hjort

I would also like to send my essays to you guys before submission for advice on improvement. Are you guys able to review them within a day? Application deadline for some schools is the 5th.
Thanks

Peter

Hjort · Answer

Hi, 

Just to be clear, I am not affiliated with Accepted.com.

I think that mentioning that you were born in Poland would enhance your diversity especially if you can speak both Polish and German.

peterpan · Answer

Thanks Hjort. Sorry I thought you were with accepted.com, since you were the only one who replied and the topic is "Ask Accepted.com", so I assumed you were affiliated with them. I apologize. So in the end, do you think I have a shot for a top B school if I manage to differentiate myself and explain my reasons thoroughly? Will the 710 GMAT be a problem, do I need more?

Accepted.com · Answer

You have a competitive profile for the top ten and are applying appropriately if you are applying to top ten schools.

Good luck!

peterpan · Answer

Thanks Linda Great! I really needed to hear this from someone else than myself and my friends :-D

Hjort · Answer

I concur that you appear competitive for the US elite schools. 

Hjort

peterpan · Answer

Do you guys think I am too old to be accepted into Harvard or Stanford? I read in someone's posting that those two schools prefer younger applicants. At the time of entry I would be 27 years and 10 months old.
Is that a problem?

Hjort · Answer

You would still be close to the average age of matriculating students so this should not be a major concern. Further, schools are willing to be flexible to admit desired candidates.

peterpan · Answer

Awesome! Thanks for your advice.

What are my chances for Top 10

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