Profile Evaluation

[gregory.chu]

Hi,

I'd appreciate it if I could get some advice on my chances of getting into b-schools.

Basics
26 yr old asian-american male (at matriculation)

Undergrad
Top 50 University
3.0 overall GPA / 3.1 major GPA
Major: Economics / Minor: Management

GMAT
1x: 670 85% (Q42 62% / V40 89% / AWA 5.0)
2x: 640 75% (Q37 49% / V40 89% / AWA 5.5)

I am concerned that my score went down the second time, and that my Quant score is below average both times. However, my track record in undergrad math classes isn't too bad: all A's and B's. I don't plan on taking the GMAT again b/c I don't think it will go up anymore and I'd rather focus on the apps now.

Work Experience
4 years FT at matriculation

2007-2008 - Management Trainee Program for a Retail Bank

I was recruited for a 1 year training program for a retail bank. Basically, the plan was to become an assistant manager of a branch within that year. Having no prior bank experience, the trainees were expected to learn all the positions (teller, banker, assistant manager) within the year. I finished the program and was promoted to an assistant manager within roughly 10 months.

2008-present - Assistant Manager

In my current position, I am in charge of basically managing a standalone branch in all aspects. The manager is focused mainly on sales only, so everything else is filtered to the assistant manager. I directly manage the tellers in sales, customer service, and operations. I also have my own individual sales goals to meet as well as ensuring the branch meets its overall goals as well.

Community Service
By far the weakest aspect of my application. I know it's late, but I've been planning to get involved in a couple of nonprofits, so I will hopefully have about 5-6 months involvement.

Currently, all I have is involvement in my local church, teaching students for Junior Achievement day a couple of times, and some involvement in networking activities (Chamber of Commerce) on the side for work.

Target Schools

Reach: Berkeley / Michigan / UCLA / Carnegie Mellon
Competitive: USC / Georgetown / Rochester / Boston U
Safety: Boston College / Univ of Washington / Pepperdine

I will cut out some of these schools, but I'd like to see what my changes are in all of them. I plan on spreading them out between R1 and R2.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

[mbamission]

Hi gregory.chu,

Thanks for writing in. It seems like you have a good grasp on your strengths and weaknesses, and your GMAT is already in range for most of those schools, so spending your time on your essays is a good idea.

In regards to your community involvement, schools can often tell when an applicant started community service just to put on their application, so I would be careful about starting a new activity just a few months before applying. Instead, try to focus on stories where you have demonstrated leadership, whether it be in your Junior Achievement work, your Chamber of Commerce events, or even in the office if you can't think of anything else applicable. Community service is just one aspect of your application; if you feel it is a weakness, you can offset it with other strengths.

Best of luck with your application,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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