Profile Evaluation

[saads1987]

Hello,

Im taking the GMAT next month, I have been scoring in between 670 and 690 range on my practice tests. Could you please help me evaluate my profile?

I migrated to the United States when I was 14 years old

Age:23

Undergrad: Went to a small school in Oklahoma, where I was president of the student body, transfered to a top 50 school where I majored in finance graduated in 2008 as president of my graduating class.

GPA: 3.3~3.4 - Worked 40 hours a week to finance my education

Work Experience: Working at a big bank for about 2.5 years, received a promotion after 13 months to AVP, average range being 24 - 36 months in middle office. Received a global recognition award and organized cultural events for the firm. Lead a team of 2 people for 3 months in event organization.

Volunteer work: Co-founded 2 non-profits and serve on the board of 2 more. 1 of the non profits was covered by NYT, Forbes and MTV. I have organized events that have raised $2.3 million in a year and a half.

My concerns are my low GPA and low GMAT Scores, Im shooting for Wharton Columbia Harvard and Yale. Do you think I have a shot at these schools? Also do you think I should wait for another couple of years to go to B-School and get some more experience under my belt?

Thank you so much for your help!!!!

[mbamission]

Hi Saads,

Thanks for writing -- it sounds like you've accumulated some great experience at a young age too. You don't mention why you are seeking an MBA though; if you can clearly explain why now is the right time for you to get the degree, then you can combat fears that you need more work experience. But if your goals don't really depend on getting the MBA now, then you might have a better chance at these top schools with another year or two under your belt.

While a lot of the top schools are accepting more younger candidates, it would certainly help your case if you can top 700 on the GMAT to show that you can handle MBA-level classes.

Still I think your story -- if laid out properly -- could be compelling enough to be competitive at the schools you list.

Good luck!
Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[saads1987]

Daniel,

Thank you so much for your response. As for my goals after business school, I would like to develop the business and financial skills that I can use to help start up non-profits with raising money, allocating capital and resources to be as effective as possible. I would kinda like to be a venture capitalist for social organizations.

Business School would definitely be for a career change. I'm debating if I should continue to practice my GMATs and trying to break 700 and get more experience or just apply for next year.

Thanks a lot for your help Daniel!!!