Hi! I just started listening to your podcast and have found it helpful as I consider crafting my application.

I decided late this spring that I want to apply to business school this fall. I'm going to apply Round 2 because I need to time to take the GMAT, make my materials the best I can, and I recently joined my new firm and would like a few more months to get to know potential mentors and recommendation letter writers.

I haven't taken the GMAT yet but am studied. My cold score with 0 prep was 650. My verbal was really strong and I'm confident that with a brush up on high school math I can get into the 710+ range before January.

About me, I graduated from HYS cum laude in Literature with a focus on women and Latin America. I also did significant coursework in economics and statistics. After college, I completed a fellowship year in a major Latin American city working for a startup and freelancing. Since then, I have worked in consulting for a small firm, primarily on FAANG+ clients. I recently moved to another firm with a focus on healthcare. I'm active in my work community and lead social activities, CSR, and trainings for junior employees. Post MBA, I would like to work at the intersection of tech and women's health in a product marketing or strategy role.

My manager at my previous firm was extremely supportive of my move and I consider her a mentor. I believe she will write me a great recommendation letter. I'm still getting to know senior consultants at my current firm and hope that by the time of Round 2 deadlines, I will have another great recommender.

Outside of work, I take art classes, play in a women's sports league, and run 5ks alongside an active social life. A potential weakness of my application is a lack of consistent volunteering post-graduation. I've participated in one-off events, but I'm looking for more official volunteer opportunities I can do now.

It's important to me to be near family and my partner, so I'm only considering schools on the East Coast near Boston/DC. I'm not willing to move to New York and prefer schools outside of major cities.

I think I have a strong profile but need to work to overcome my volunteering gap outside of work and to stand out as a Round 2 applicant. I would really appreciate any advice or thoughts you and the Clear Admit community might have! Thanks so much for reading.