Minority Advantage?

by **harvardorbust** Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:59 am

I was wondering what type of advantage or disadvantage it is to be a minority. I assume b-schools try to form a diverse group from all type of backgrounds, but can being a minority (Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander) help make up for other deficiencies. Is it something I should focus on or is this non-factor for admissions?

I have a low undergard GPA 3.1 but attended a top tier undergrad (Harvard/ Yale/ Princeton) while being a student-athelete. Did the typical investment banking route for past 3 years and intend on scoring in the >730 range.

I am aiming for a top 10 program with a focus on Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, Chicago.

by **MBAApply** Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:10 pm

The whole issue of ethnicity amongst American applicants in the business school admissions process is overblown (note I'm talking about business schools, not undergrad or other grad admissions). From a practical standpoint, it really doesn't make a difference. Go to any top b-school and you'll see that the African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian-American, etc. have similar backgrounds as their Caucasian-American counterparts -- most have strong academic records, high GMAT scores, and blue chip experience -- they went to the same kinds of schools, got the same kinds of jobs, similar kinds of leadership experience and so forth.

In your case, you'll be competitive at all the schools you mentioned -- and not because of your ethnicity, but because of your career/academic background.

Good luck

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com