Thoughts and criticism on my profile?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>First time poster here. I need some advice and some criticism on what you think my chances are at the top MBA programs. I will not be applying until I have more working experience but would like to improve my creditials in the meanwhile. Here's my story:</p>

<p>AGE: I recently turned 25. </p>

<p>UNDERGRADUATE: I graduated in 2008 with a 3.73 GPA on a decent private college (Marketing/Finance) with the most rigorous courses available to me. I had some academic recognitions like Dean's List, Beta Gamma Sigma, etc. </p>

<p>GMAT: I have yet to take the GMAT but I am in the process of preparing for it. </p>

<p>WE: Since graduation, I have been working at a top 25 asset management bank right (2yrs) as a financial analyst. I have gotten an award here an there...but no promotions but I should have no problems with recommendations.</p>

<p>ECs: During undergrad, I don't have any ECs other than a few clubs here and there - no leadership role so nothing worth mentioning. Recently, I am starting to doing some volunteer work (a recently developed passion). I am working on developing more on this as I think this is my big weakness right now.</p>

<p>What do you think? I know I have a lot of variables still to be determined right now but let me know what you think. I am open to all comments. My choices so far are HBS, Sloan, Kellogg, BU, Wharton.</p>

2

<p>A lot of this depends on your GMAT score. However, unless you get 730+, I don’t think you have much of a chance at HBS, Sloan, Wharton, or Kellogg. Your problem doesn’t have much to do with your undergrad, it’s that you haven’t been promoted. Most of the people that go to business school after 2 years moved up very quickly at very prestigious firms (GS, BCG, etc.). I think you could probably get into BU (depending on GMAT), but my advice would be to gain another 2 years of work experience. If you can get promoted in two years, it will greatly enhance your profile, and you will likely have even better LOR.</p>

3

<p>Thank you for your response, Jay. I appreciate your input.</p>

<p>I would like to amend my working experience previously stated. I have worked 1 year at my current position. My previous job before this was at another asset management company. I have been there for 1.5 years - also a top 25. </p>

<p>I probably won’t get a promotion soon because it’s only been one year at my current workplace. In addition, turnover is very low. That said, I am the star of my department (new department) right now…so we’ll never know! =)</p>

<p>Any other inputs are welcome!</p>