Profile Evaluation: Submarine Officer, 3.56 GPA, 7yrs WE

[manbear67]

Hello mbaMission!

Just looking for some feedback into my application process to make sure I am on the right track and to make sure I am focusing my efforts in the right areas between now and R2 deadlines….here’s a little about me:

-I’m an officer in the US Navy, graduated from the US Naval Academy, GPA 3.56 (majoring in computer science). I’m white and an American citizen (male).

-I will be resigning from the Navy in May and I’m targeting to matriculate with the class of 2017…I’ll be 28 years old at matriculation.

-7 years of work experience in the submarine community:

-->Before I got to my first boat, I went through about a year and a half of nuclear power training (Nuclear Power School is a fairly rigorous academic experience….and from my understanding, nuke officers are valued highly in the civilian world). My nuclear training concluding with qualification as an Engineer….basically the level of qualification required by the navy to become the department head responsible for operating/maintaining a nuclear reactor.

-->Plenty of experience and potential in terms of leadership….I led a few different divisions on my submarine, with anywhere from 5 to 20 people. Stood watch as both “engineering officer of the watch” (guy responsible for operating nuclear reactor) and as “officer of the deck” (guy responsible for entire submarine, 180ish people and worth over $2 billion). Also hoping that being an alum from USNA will help with leadership (they did call the whole school a “leadership laboratory” after all).

-->Interesting mix of work experience (in a non-leadership sense). I ran the quality assurance program for my submarine (which included training, qualifications, audits, surveillances, and day-to-day operation to ensure the integrity of submarine components that directly interfaced with seawater…in other words, the program that made sure maintenance didn’t sink the submarine). On shore duty, I have acted as the lead Navy representative on some interesting, multi-million dollar projects that interface simultaneously between different branches of the military, federal government, and local/state government employees. I am also responsible for my department’s $300k+ budget. I am hoping I can spin some of these experiences in a manner that would make them relevant as a candidate for an MBA.

Now for the challenges (I think) I face…

- I don’t really have any community service / extra-curricular activities

- I scored a 680 on the GMAT on my first attempt a couple weeks ago. I was basically on a self study plan for 3 months before my first attempt…so I think my studying process has room for improvement. After scoring a 680 on my first attempt, I decided to delay my applications to R2 and to take the 9-week Manhattan Complete Course online. I’m hoping to score 720+ when I retake the test in October.

- I should have 2 months to complete applications before R2 deadlines.

I am shooting for the top….Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg, Booth, etc. I know that I need to narrow this list down and add one or two lower-tier schools…I also realize it doesn’t even really make sense to apply to all of these schools, since they are inherently different in their location/curriculum/culture. But, to be honest, I am still answering the golden question: what do I want to do with my life? I have been spending several hours each day reading and watching YouTube videos about various post-MBA options. I am definitely interested in Entrepreneurship/startups….the idea of being my own boss is alluring, as I am sure it is for most ex-military guys (who are tired of military lifestyle and federal government red tape). I am also interested in venture capital, since that seems like an extension of the “entrepreneurial spirit” without the huge risk….and with a salary. I’ve been learning about management consulting…an industry that is very interesting to me, and where having a military background might not be a disadvantage (like it probably would in finance, since I don’t have a finance background).

In short…I can’t quite narrow down which schools yet, because I don’t know exactly what I want to do post-MBA. But I am certain that a top-tier MBA is the right move for me, because I know it will open the right doors.

So…given that I narrow my choices down to perhaps 4 or 5 schools that “make sense” together, what do I need to do to improve my chances at one of the top three (HBS, GSB, Wharton)? I am particularly worried about my lack of community service/extra-curriculars/showing “initiative”…..should I try to find a meaningful non-profit to work at for the next 5 months, so that I can at least check the box? Or would adcoms see right through that? Also, how critical is it to score 700+ on the GMAT for my application/target schools? I am investing a great amount of time and resources (with the MGMAT course) into hitting a 720+, but I don’t want to spend the next 9 weeks stressing about the second attempt. I know that a 680 is right on the cusp for the 80% range of most schools.

Thank you for reading this post…I know it is a bit long. I am definitely considering using an admissions consultant once I polish off the GMAT….I made the mistake of trying the GMAT on my own the first time and here I am, spending another 2+ months so that I can retake it. I won’t have the same time luxury with the rest of my application…so I want to do it right, the first time!

Thank you so much,
Shawn

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi Shawn,

Thanks for your post and all of the insight into where you are at right now; your strengths & weaknesses; your challenges and questions/concerns. It shows a certain level of self-awareness that is important for b-school applications.

So generally when coming from a military background, a few key points I like to remind applicants include:

-spend some time really brainstorming about the skills you've gained during your military time, specifically leadership, teamwork, people & project management skills

-also brainstorm specific examples of how you've developed and used those skills, to be ready to tell stories and anecdotes demonstrating those experiences and skills

-If you are able to do the 2 points above, military experience is appreciated and generally you DO have a lot of skills that would translate to management.

-You also want to ensure that you show that you've done some research, and that you know what you are getting into with the MBA, and that it's not just something you have chosen for lack of other alternatives. You want to show that you've put some thought into your next career steps, and that you KNOW you do NEED this degree and how it will help you!

Specifically related to your profile thus far, I would say you have the following strengths:

-solid GPA
-extensive/vast experience (and again military experience can be a plus if showcased well); nuclear training will likely be less common
-plenty of experience leading others, working with others, communication skills, etc
-quant/analytical skills
-budget responsibility


And the following challenges:

-First and foremost-- narrowing down your "why". ;) This is not an insurmountable challenge, nor a weakness- but just the reality that you need to work on your story/rationale/goals... but you know this and have been researching accordingly. This WILL be pretty important though and given how competitive admission to the top programs is-- if you don't have a compelling and genuine story in your essays/interview about the reason behind the MBA and what you feel you'll do next (to a certain degree), it could be tough to get in.

-Yes GMAT could be higher. 680 is respectable, but well below average at the top programs you mentioned... therefore the #s they admit with a 680 are much smaller than those closer to or above the average. Your prep course will likely pay off.

-Yes more involvement would help, but also a bit late to add...military is a bit different in the lack of time to do other activities though so somewhat understandable.


I think at this point you are seeking the 'what can I still change' answers... and it's the GMAT and your essays.... including your own 'story' of where you are at and what you'll bring to the class; why you need the MBA; why this is the right time for you and what you'll do with it.

If you would like to discuss further, we do offer a free initial 30 minute consultation at any point if you would like; it's entirely a chance to ask questions and discuss anything you like, you would register at http://mbamission.com/consult/, we'd be happy to help. And/or you're welcome to post back here with more q's at any time. And I agree a consultant can help you maximize your chances in terms of helping you identify the best experiences and life stories to share, how to showcase who you are and what you'll bring to a class, how to tell engaging stories that set you apart and help you be remembered.. and just serve as that additional outside perspective on what you've put together and how it comes across.

Let me know if you have any additional q's, good luck, and keep us posted!