-I transfered to UCLA as a Junior and graduated UCLA with a 3.2 GPA in Political Science (had a 3.7 at my previous college) Took one math class through UCLA extension last quarter and received an "A" to show I had the ability to do math. I was also very involved in a number of political, academic and social organizations while at UCLA and held leadership positions in them all.

After college I spent 3 years in Washington DC working in politics for the US Senate and a major party campaign committee where I directly advised US Senators and candidates on aspects of their campaigns. After the 2006 elections I moved back to Los Angeles where I currently work at a family business and directly supervise 25 employees and sales have increased 30% under a marketing plan I created. I also created a shop safety program to ensure OSHA and enviormental compliance. I continue to be active in cultural, political, and fraternal organziation in Southern California.

Assuming I score in the 680-720 range will I be competative for schools like UCLA, Chicago, Dartmouth, NYU, Cornell, Columbia or other top programs?

Also, a close relative does alumni interviews for one of the above mentioned schools what is the best way to leverage that connection?

On the surface, assuming your GMAT is in range you should be competitive (i.e. worthwhile to at least give the schools you listed a shot).

As for alumni interviewers, the fact that one of them is a relative really doesn't help. Interviews are just one aspect of the application, so there's nothing to "leverage".

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

Thank you for your reply. A few quick questions to follow up. Is it worth giving higher ranked schools a shot (Harvard, Whaton etc) with my background?

Also how would an admissions consultant help with the application process and if people go through MBA Apply do we work directly with you or with staff members? I briefly glanced at your website and would like a more information material to review before spending several thousand dollars on a program.

If you would love to go to those schools and will regret not even trying at all, by all means go for it (with the mindset that you're applying to other schools as well).

As for how I can help, best bet is to just email me.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com