Profile Evaluation

[smbaker1]

Hello -

I plan to apply to bschool for fall of 2010 and would appreciate any input in regards to my admission chances based on my profile below:

28 year old white male
3.2 GPA from well known university in northeast (Providence/Villanova/Loyola)
GMAT - 660 V40(89%) Q41(61%)

Work experience includes three years as a full-commision financial advisor with top three insurance company. Earned various certification such as Life/Health Insurance License, Series 7/66 and special care planning designation. After surviving training program (only 2 made it from group of 18) formed DBA with two other advisors - basically ran our own shop. Had initial run of success but were forced to shut down for financial reasons. Left there to work as an advisor with top broker where I have been for the past three years. Focus is on building and maintaining relationships with high net worth clients by providing ongoing financial advice and investment solutions. Have received various accolades for consistently finishing among top producers in the firm.

Extracurriculars/Community Service includes various intramural sports and club lacrosse in college as well as providing free financial planning services for familes with special needs children post college.

Target schools are UVA (top choice), UNC, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown

My questions - 1) Based on my profile are my target schools realistic? 2) I know my GMAT quant is a glaring weakness, and I should note that I have taken the test four times. I have registered to take it a fifth time this weekend but I can't say with great certainty that it will definetly improve. Should I take it for the fifth time or is it time for me to move on and focus on my applications? If I should take it, should I reschedule as I am not certain that the score will improve? I'm growing concerned as round 1 deadlines are quickly approaching.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

MBAHopeful

[mbamission]

Hello,

Thanks for providing smuch detail. You may have already taken the test, but it may not have helped you. Unless your scores have consistently improved, I am not sure that taking the test a fifth time will help you. If your quantitative score has not improved, I recommend addressing the weak score by presenting the quantitative nature of the work that you do. Or perhaps by highlighting any As that you might have earned in college in quantitative classes. Cornell, Fuqua and Darden might be a bit of a reach for you unless you can present your academic abilities elsewhere in your application and showcase your leadership at work an outside of work (since college). I think you have a good mix of reach and competitive schools.

Sincerely,

Akiba Smith-Francis

MBA Mission

646-485-8844

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