Profile Evaluation please

[s.lee-quick]

Hi there, I would be grateful if you can evaluate my profile.

I am a 30 year old Singaporean female. I completed my undergraduate studies Law in the UK from one of the leading universities in London in 2004 and graduated with second lower class honors. GMAT score is 720 (I think the breakdown is Q49, V40). Planning on retaking the GMAT as I scored 720 without my studying and believe I can better my score with more effort.

I have been working for about 5 years with the majority of my experience with 2 investment management firms in London. In spite of my law background (i.e. lack of proven quant skills), I managed to interview successfully with finance firms and make the transition into finance.

First job was with a growing fund of hedge funds in London where I was heavily involved with reviewing hedge fund managers and building out the firm’s risk management platform.

Second job was with a multi-family office in London where I helped managed portfolios for endowments and families across all liquid and alternative asset classes. At that time, the firm was also expanding. I quickly became a senior member in the team and was involved in leading and training new analysts.

I recently moved to Seattle, WA (personal reasons - husband is based here) and found a job with a leading wealth management firm where I continue to review and analyze funds for client portfolios. In my current role, I frequently conduct training sessions for the firm’s clients and other employees on investment-related topics.

My community activities include occasionally teaching junior achievement, raising donations for the local cystic fibrosis foundation’s gala and auction, and occasional pro-bono paralegal work. I am also currently studying for the CFA.

My goal for bschool is to develop a career in non-profit and perhaps help manage the investment portfolios for non-profits.
I am hoping to apply to Harvard, Columbia, Chicago, Berkeley, Kellogg in 2011.

My concerns are:
1. Are my grades good enough?
2. What are my chances?
3. Am I too old for bschol?

Thanks for your thoughts!

[mbamission]

Hi s.lee-quick,

Thanks for writing in and sharing your information. In regards to your questions:

1) You don't mention a GPA but you received some form of distinction from a top London school, so I don't think grades will be a weakness.

2) You are applying to top-tier schools with low admit rates, but you seem to have some interesting work experience and strong extracurriculars, so I think you should be competitive.

3) There is no such thing as "too old," but you will on the older side of the applicant pool. Since age is one thing you can't change, if you think you're ready to go this year, there's no point in waiting. You'll want to emphasize in your essay why now is the right time in your career to make this transition.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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