Profile Eval Request

[exswoo]

Hi guys, just got back from taking the GMAT and was wondering how my chances look at getting into a top 20 school.

I am interested in applying for entrance in 2011 so I still have time to improve whatever aspects I'm lacking. The main challenge is that I am currently an expat working in Tokyo and this brings up additional challenges when trying to beef up my volunteer activities and the like since opportunities are quite limited and work often keeps me in the office late into the night...any suggestions will be most appreciated though.

Some quick points :

Age : 27
GMAT : 710 (Q-49, V-38)
Major : Computer Science from a Tier 2 school.
College GPA : 3.3 (Although I had a 3.5 in my major)
Work Experience : Spent approx 1 year working at an IT consulting firm in the US but moved to Tokyo 4 years ago to work in Finance developing their software systems. I'm currently working at a major European bank working on their Derivatives risk systems.
Outside of Work : Pretty active in sports on the weekends (Capoeira) and helping to setup workshops locally. Also helping out on the occasional charity events...but nothing too special, unfortunately.

Some Target Schools : NYU, Haas, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, INSEAD

[mbamission]

Hello,

In terms of strengthening your application, the first thing that I would encourage you to do is pursue opportunities to show leadership at work. Since you have a technical background it will be important for you to show how you excel in a non-technical way, demonstrating people leadership and that you have a positive impact on the people and teams you work with. I do not know what opportunities exist for service in Tokyo, but I would encourage you to consider the options you have to become involved in activities that allow you to make an impact outside of work, even if they are not service oriented. This could include the organizations that you are already involved with like capoeira. Good luck to you!

Sincerely,

Akiba Smith-Francis

MBA Mission

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