Hi,

I just took the GMAT for the first time and I am planning on applying second round to 6-7 schools. I would really appreciate some feedback on the possibility of being admitted. Here is some background information:

Age: 27

Undergraduate Degree: Generals done at University of Utah, Junior and Senior year done at Brigham Young - Finance Degree (Marriott School of Business)

Calculus - A
Macro/Micro Econ - A/A
Investment Analysis - A-

GPA: 3.7 Overall

GMAT: 690 - Q42 60% V42 95% (88th percentile overall)

Work Experience: 2 years at $3 billion team at Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group in Los Angeles (1st year as analyst, 2nd as Senior Analyst)

Series 66 and Series 7 certified

Volunteer Experience: Two year service mission in Leon, Mexico. Fluent in Spanish. Served communities across central Mexico area. Held highest leadership position that can be attained during that service. Responsible for training and organization of 150 service volunteers.

Currently serving as Scout Master in Los Angeles to 8-11 year old kids (1 year) and as Director of Community Flag Football League (3 months).

I know that was a bit more detailed than you are accustomed to seeing, but I include that information because I feel it is what will have to overcome my low quant score. Below is my list of schools. Please let me know if you think I am realistic in applying in the second round.

Far Reach: Wharton

Target: Dartmouth, UCLA, NYU

Safety: USC, BYU

Thanks so much for taking the time to give me a response. I really appreciate it.

Buzz

Hi Buzz,

Thanks for writing in and I appreciate the detail. I think you have a very realistic assessment of your profile. You can point to your strong quant transcript as a counterweight to your low GMAT quant score, and the stories surrounding your mission should give you good examples of Leadership and international experience.

Your GMAT is still a bit below what we like to see for what you called your "target schools". You may want to consider something in between an NYU and USC. Indiana or Emory could fit that bill? And of course, make sure you define your career goals and how they specifically match up to each school -- this can help you overcome any GMAT hesitation at all levels of school.

Best of luck,

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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