Cornell / Johnson - 08-06-2021 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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August 5, 2021 7:31pm ET

Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, NYU Stern, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2022

Pre-MBA Career: Asset Management

Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking

GMAT: 700

GPA: 2.9

Years of Work Experience: 5

Location: New York City

Post MBA Location: NYC

Notes:

Hi Alex and Graham, I wanted to first start by thanking you both for all the amazing work you do for us future applicants! I listen to your podcast every Monday, and I am excited to finally submit my profile. I have 5 years of WE, and currently work in an Asset Management firm in a portfolio analytics role. I have been fortunate to hold several leadership positions (i.e. leading a project with analysts from overseas offices) and also received several promotions. I went to a top 20 undergrad (according to the US news) and majored in Economics. I completely understand that my GPA is a big red flag, and I plan to address this in the optional essay (family related issues). I have an upward trajectory in my GPA, and I was heavily involved in the school community (i.e. president of an org, led orientations etc). I don't have any notable volunteer experience, other than some pro bono projects I got involved through work. I understand my GMAT score (700 Q:48 V:37) isn't stellar either, but I was really hoping to apply in R1 since I am an ORM (East Asian Male). I want to take the next 2 months to really focus on my essays and also take MBA Math. I am hoping to get into Investment Banking after school, and come back to NYC. If i strike out on my schools this year, I do plan to reapply next year and give GMAT another shot and get more involved in the community. However, if you have any tips that you could share that would help me become a successful candidate this cycle, I would love to hear them. Thank you again!

Like (1)

Show Comments (6) Last: August 18, 2021

anon20467 Likes Earned: 9 OP: I forgot to mention that long term goal is to go into teaching, which is a little strange pivot from IB. I volunteered at an orphanage during college where I really learned to appreciate the importance of education, and I am hoping to contribute as much as possible down the line. For now, I am very much focused in my job and I am excited explore this field further. I am confident that I can get great recommendation letters, actually from people that have graduated in those MBA programs I am targeting (Not sure if that would add any benefit?) (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 For the long term goal, might want to focus on opening and running a school, rather than teaching? Something on a little larger scale? And then the question, why IB in the short run, or what’s the pathway from IB to teaching? Doing MBA Math helps, for sure. The GPA will be tough to overcome (would have helped with a slightly higher GMAT). But strong WE, backed up by strong recs, will be important. (1)

anon20467 Likes Earned: 9 OP: Thank you for the comment Alex! I will definitely think more about the long term goal and how to connect it to my short term goal of IB. I Hope all is well in the UK! (1)

grichmond Verified User. Likes Earned: 1245 Thanks so much for your comments about the podcast! We're thrilled to know that you tune in weekly! It sounds like you have a decent plan in place with respect to applying early and presenting a logical set of short-term career goals (as they follow nicely from your work experience to date). With that said, the long-term goals definitely need some work, as I worry that the presently risk coming across as being for show (e.g. the banker looking to infuse his or her candidacy by doing some 'good') - unless you can more effectively tie your past experience and work in finance to something in education. I also agree that your numbers are concerning, and that the 1-2 punch of a below average GMAT and sub-3.0 GPA could push you out of the running (even with a compelling optional essay). You may want to consider noting (hopefully) high marks in MBA Math in the optional essay alongside a planned October/November retake of the GMAT...such that the schools may at least hang on to see if you can push your score up. Best of luck and thanks again for your post!
(1)

anon20467 Likes Earned: 9 OP: Thank you for an honest feedback Graham! Totally agree on everything you said, especially on the long-term goals. I am also currently taking an accounting course from UCLA to (hopefully) further ease my low GPA concern. I do agree that I need to give GMAT another shot and will put more thoughts into your suggestion. Lastly, I have been recommending this podcast to ALL my peers at work that are thinking about pursuing an MBA (some already knew!). Again, really appreciate everything you both do, and I will hopefully provide an update down the line. (1)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 More details on this candidacy in this episode of Wire Taps: https://www.clearadmit.com/2021/08/episode-180-wire-taps/ (0)