Profile Evaluation Request

[Nismail8]

Hello,

I recently made the decision to get an MBA and am curious what range of schools I might have a chance of getting into. (My top choice is Columbia but I have no idea if I have enough experience to get in).

Background: Minority, Female, 24 years old
GMAT: 680 (plan to take again in September)
Education: BA in International Relations
GPA: 3.89

Work Experience:
- 4 months working as Technical Director for family-owned company
- 2 years working as a Program Officer at small law firm where I managed the needs of a development finance organization funded by the US govt.
- 1 year interning as Fundraising Assistant at non-profit and working as contributing writer for same organization
- 1 year working as contributing writer for newspaper abroad

I also recently founded a charity that facilitates the delivery of humanitarian assistance to a specific developing country.

Short term goal: Work at family business and other social enterprises with a focus on international development
Long term goal: Manage innovative social enterprise in developing country

Activities:
- On board of nonprofit that provides probono legal help to charities
- ESL volunteer teacher
- Participate in modern dance ensemble

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing! As I see it based on what you provided, the strengths of your profile are:

-GPA
-work in non-profit and less-traditional industries compared with many applicants
-charity you established, particularly if up and running successfully
-dance and volunteer experience
-female, minority (though particular nationalities can be an extra draw, to be honest... b-schools do like to put together a diverse class in all ways possible)

Weaknesses:

-Goals, while admirable and ambitious, could be flushed out more

Questions & unknowns:

- were all of your work experiences you describe full-time? (just checking at only age 24)
-GMAT is borderline, getting over 700 would def help bump up your chances at top 10-15 programs
-essays/recs/interview-- will likely be primary deciding factors here!

Especially if you bump up the GMAT by 30+ points, Columbia could certainly be in reach with strong essays that really showcase who you are, what makes you unique, how the MBA fits into your career goals, and why Columbia. Otherwise, do some research and determine what you are looking for in a school-- what geographic region and setting, class size, class profile, teaching philosophy, student culture, diversity, curriculum, hiring profiles, etc. Yale jumps to mind due to your non-profit/social enterprise interests, along with Haas; maybe Darden, Kenan-Flagler.

Let us know how else we can help! Good luck!