Profile Eval Please - 700, Non-profit manager

[pacersbr]

Thanks so much in advance for your help! Here is my profile:

GMAT: 700 (44Q, 42V) (one attempt)

Undergrad GPA: 3.72 at the University of Massachusetts (Sport Management major, which is in SOM, and Econ minor)

No advanced math courses (i.e., nothing more difficult than Intro to Stats) but never received lower than an A- in any math-related courses (e.g., stats, finance, etc.).

Work Experience: Currently the Operations Manager at a non-profit with 5.5 years experience, all with the same organization. Will have 7 years experience by the time I start (Fall '13).

Expect to receive a very strong recommendation from the CEO of the non-profit.


Two questions:

Should I bother applying to the top 5 schools? Do I have a reasonable shot at getting in?

Can I expect to get into at least one top 15 school?

Thanks again! This is incredibly helpful.

[rachel]

Hi! From the information you provided, I believe you could be a viable candidate for a top-15 business school. What will be key to your application is your ability to highlight your professional accomplishments and show your career growth over the last five years. In addition, Admission Committees are very focused on applicants' leadership potential - you don't need to be managing anyone but you must show you have that potential. You can showcase that by telling them about times where you took initiative or made decisions. Outside of your professional experiences, you also need to have solid outside activities where you also have taken on leadership roles. Look for instances when you have organized events, facilitated groups or raised money. Lastly, strong recommendations are so important. It's not just about who is writing the recommendation but whether they can speak to your strengths and can talk about stories where you have had impact.

Best of luck,

Rachel Beck

http://www.mbamission.com

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