dennis2085 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Is it even seriously possible to start studying > for the GMAT and finish b-school apps by October > 1st? I don’t think you can do a full GMAT Prep. proper research of programs (this is a massive investment; due diligence required), and write a quality application in that time. However, I think you can do it by the end of Round 1 in early January, though.
DirtyZ: You and I have the same goals. Top 10 outside of H/S. I assume you have a finance tilt (i.e. UChicago over Northwestern). I was researching NYU this weekend and I am really impressed. They are not regarded as an “elite” program, but their finance placement is outstanding. Significantly better than MIT Sloan. Better than HBS for Wall Street (HBS is better for PE & HF).
dennis2085 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Is it even seriously possible to start studying > for the GMAT and finish b-school apps by October > 1st? It’s possible. But it’s always preferred to use ample time to put together solid apps. Which schools are you looking at?
I will be taking my GMAT end of this month and apply for H, S, and Booth by round 1. Definitely doable. Editing is important but I think the essay with the most personal touch is the one with the fewest edits, just as long everything flows grammatically.
Congrats Dermot8! I am also starting the p/t NYU Stern program in the fall, perhaps we will meet.
dennis2085 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Is it even seriously possible to start studying > for the GMAT and finish b-school apps by October > 1st? It better be, else I’m in trouble…
phBOOM Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I will be taking my GMAT end of this month and > apply for H, S, and Booth by round 1. Definitely > doable. Editing is important but I think the essay > with the most personal touch is the one with the > fewest edits, just as long everything flows > grammatically. What if you only get a 640 (which is a good score by most measures)? Do you have back-ups?
I know my strength. As long as I don’t create excuses, 700+ is within reach.
How many schools are u guys applying to? And how are u guys researching specific strengths about the schools? Right now my list is: Haas, UCLA, USC, NYU and columbia.
Just me, but I think research is all bluff. We know and they know that we are paying the big $$$ for the brand and connection, who cares about where you live, how you live, where are the school parties?? The only fit that is important is what you want and which school offers the best program for that. Done. Rest of the research is just to help us write BS for the essays.
$tarving_Banker Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > dennis2085 Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Is it even seriously possible to start studying > > for the GMAT and finish b-school apps by > October > > 1st? > > It’s possible. But it’s always preferred to use > ample time to put together solid apps. Which > schools are you looking at? H/S/MIT (or bust, unfortunately) Here are my credentials (do I have a shot?): Undergrad GPA: 3.7 (with a double major in management and psychology) School: state school, but a reputable one Age: 23, 2 years of back-office work experience at a noted (investment) bank Projected GMAT: 710-760 Took L3 of the CFA, waiting for results (i heard this doesn’t matter, but maybe my age combined with the fact I did the Dec 07/June 08 double will help?) Leadership: This is dicey. Due to the CFA I haven’t had time since I graduated school, but while in school I did plenty of leadership activities, as well as served as a liaison for recruiting/career advice. Within work, given my age, a lot of people came to me for CFA advice and I’ve helped…I think this shows leadership potential (?) Essays: working on and I really have a unique idea for the future Recommendations: going to try for one of the partners at my firm, and then a professor and co-worker. Slight intangible (tangible(?), depending on how you look at it): I’m a ethnic minority. I think based solely on my credentials (strong undergrad, double major, CFA prowess) I should have a good shot, but I’d like advice if you’re willing to give it.
Top B-schools don’t accept academic rec.'s… Going to lay this out there. You have two major things working against you 1 - you are really young 2 - B.O. 2 years - lacking solid work experience You are going to be going up against a lot stronger applicants. GMAT’s only matter up until a certain point. A.k.a. once you hit the average, getting a 760 vs. a 710 doesn’t matter much if you lack solid work experience and leadership experience. Adcom’s are basically clueless about the CFA. I went on 4 interviews with top 20 programs and they really weren’t impressed with / nor did they ask about the CFA program. Also, everyone who applies to these programs has a solid undergraduate background (okay everyone who is serious).
ValueAddict, in your experience, do you know if actuarial credentials (ASA, FSA, or ACAS, FCAS) are “impressive” or at least something to differentiate oneself from the average applicant?
I thought they were looking for younger applicants? This is such a Catch-22, if I pay my dues and wait it out for four/five years, maybe I could get into FO, but then I’ll be too “old” for H/S/MIT. But thanks for your candid advice. Honestly, is there anything I can do at this point?
Ok, im going to lay out my profile here: GPA: 3.6 School: think MIT, Columbia Work: 4 yrs at matriculation, top ranked global consulting firm GMAT: should be 700+ Credential: CFA lvl III candidate Extra curricular/community: none Intangible: ethnic minority, unique background Story: still working on it AIM: finance schools like Booth, Wharton, & Columbia, with H/S as cherry toppings I think I am a typical candidate this year, no guarantees to any school. The worst case is I work another year.
If I have glaring weaknesses, you have less of them. I’m curious as to what the feedback will be for both of us…
haha, we’ll find out before year end. Good luck to us both…
phBOOM Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > haha, we’ll find out before year end. Good luck to > us both… Haha yeah - def good luck to us both. Hey quick question. Why do you want to go to Finance related schools? I’m actually trying to avoid those because I feel like UG + CFA + MBA in finance heavy school could be overkill? I’m figuring you didn’t have UG in Finance b/c of the kind of school you went to, but care to fill me in on that? Thanks!
I don’t have the best personality for marketing/management. I like finance and my goal is to get into VC, M&A, or asset management.
IheartMath Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > ValueAddict, in your experience, do you know if > actuarial credentials (ASA, FSA, or ACAS, FCAS) > are “impressive” or at least something to > differentiate oneself from the average applicant? Sorry IheartMath - I don’t know the answer to that question. I applied this season (Class of 2011), and it was brutal. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that while actuarial credentials can’t hurt you, I doubt they will be a game changer. What I gathered from the interviews I was granted was that adcom members aren’t specialists in every field. Their job is to assemble a diverse incoming class on the basis of background, ethnicity, and geography. Not to be intimately familiar with every single field. CBS Interview - Alumni Interview - thought it was the best interview I had. The woman was a Charterholder and in the IM industry so we connected quite well but the emphasis was placed on why CBS - why now - demonstrate through an example of ethical leadership - and the infamous master plan. Cornell - On-campus interview with an adcom staff. Basically rapid fire questions with little room for telling a story or getting into too much detail over one topic. Relaxed but I think the adcom member didn’t even know what the CFA charter was. NYU - worst interview - adcom member drilled more into my plan - how NYU was part of the plan - SPECIFIC things I could take advantage of t NYU to ensure my career path takes course - clubs. Same deal - no knowledge of Finance or the CFA Program Georgetown - basically told my entire story and the adcom member said “oooh well finance is pretty bad right now - what about risk management”