Profile Evaluation, Please!

[BrittanyD477]

Hello,

Undergrad GPA 3.5 from University of Wisconsin. Full-scholarship Division I varsity athlete for first two years of college. Elected VP of Finance for undergrad Women in Business club - focused on soliciting corporate sponsorship and managing the club's budget. Worked part-time throughout college and was involved in other extracurriculars.

Expected GMAT score 720-750 (based on previous standardized tests - was a national merit scholar).

I am 26, will be 27 when applying.

I worked for 3 years as middle market I banking analyst (real estate group) and am now a first-year investments associate at a $20 billion AUM real estate PE firm. I currently serve as the social chair of my associate class and have been active in organizing junior team and women in investments events.

Was a junior board member (for two years) for a charity focused on underprivileged children and families in the Chicago area - our board of ~15 people planned two annual events raising over $30k each year & organized regular volunteer events at children's centers.

Previous college athlete and active marathon runner - have completed 5 marathons and qualified for the Boston marathon. Was an all-state skier and all-conference distance runner in high school and was captain of both my cross-country and track teams.

Taking the CFA Level 3 in June - hopefully will have official CFA designation by the time I apply.

Career goal is to pursue entrepreneurship in the real estate / finance industry.

My target schools are HBS, Standford, Booth, Kellogg, and Wharton.

What GMAT do you think I need to be competitive at the top five schools? Does my undergrad GPA / school and prior work experience (middle market vs. bulge bracket IB) preclude me from Harvard / Standford?

Thanks!!

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have worked hard thus far in your academic and professional career, and gotten quite involved in activities and sports, showing dedication and commitment, as well as some leadership experiences. The CFA is also a plus, good luck as you wrap that up. And the board involvement is good experience. In terms of whether you are 'precluded' from HBS/GSB, I wouldn't say that as there are a range of successful applicants at both schools. But you would know they are both reaches (which to be honest they are for most people), so you'd be best served applying to additional types of programs that are more within reach for best overall chances. In terms of GMAT, the higher the better such that you stand out from the 'average' crowd, so sure a 730, 750+ would be ideal... but of course we can only do the best we can right, so give it all you've got, and if afterwards you feel you could improve further you can give it another shot as schools take the highest score.

Good luck, keep us posted on everything and let us know if we can help further!