Please evaluate my profile...thanks.

[cl_lai]

Please assist to evaluate my profile:

-graduated from Carleton University, Canada with a Bachelor of Commerce (4 year program, honour, average GPA of B-)
-Returned to Hong Kong and worked in UBS (back office, wealth management) for 20 months.
-Taken GMAT 3 times with the last result being 690 (Q49, V34).

I wish to apply for a MBA or Financial Engineering program (either one). Could someone advise which schools I should attempt to apply given my profile and the application deadline? Many thanks!

Any advice is welcomed! Thank you!

[rachel]

Hi! Your GMAT score puts you in the range of many top-20 US MBA programs, especially because your quant score was extremely strong. I think the most competitive schools will be more difficult for you to get into because your undergrad grades are on the low side, but you could be a contender for those in the middle of the pack of the top 20. It's always difficult for me to give names of schools because applicants are looking for different things in MBA programs. I suggest beginning a list of what's important to you - location, class size, teaching method, urban or campus, concentrations, etc. That will help you to narrow your list down once you determine what you really want out of an MBA program.

What will make you a strong applicant for a top-20 business school is your ability to tell the AdCom about your professional accomplishments, not responsibilities. Also, look to highlight examples of your leadership or leadership potential, which you can do through stories of when you took risks or initiative or made decisions. Remember also that AdComs will look at you holistically - they want to see someone who is an achiever at work as well as in their extra-curricular activities, who comes with strong letters of recommendation and who has solid GMAT scores.

Best of luck,

Rachel Beck

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[cl_lai]

thank you Rachel, your advice is comprehensive and helpful. I have been worrying since I started to apply for school. Actually I have registered for a phone conference with you. I am looking forward to our conversation later. Thanks in advance.