Hi,
I was hoping someone could give me a profile evaluation specifically related to Berkeley, Columbia, and Stanford in each of their last rounds.

I am 25 years old, male with Bolivian and Syrian origins. I speak Spanish fluently and have spent a great deal of time in Bolivia and other Spanish speaking countries, including some time doing volunteer work.

I graduated from University of Illinois with a major in finance and a minor in spanish and a 3.66 GPA. I worked in Investment Banking for 3+ years. 2+ years as an analyst and then was promoted to associate at a different company where I stayed for around 1 year. I left the second company in Sept of 2009 to pursue personal real estate investments and business opportunities and to travel.

I took the GMAT yesterday and got a 710 (74%Q/95%V).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Typically I might say that you would be competitive for Haas and Columbia, assuming that you have something going out outside of work – it seems like you might have a real estate business going, but I’m not sure. I think that Stanford would be a reach, though it is a reach for most people. However since you are applying in the last round for each of these schools, it makes it much more challenging. Since most of the spots have been offered, the schools are just trying to fill out their classes and you won’t know what they’re looking for. I think that the third or fourth round in the case of Haas, will be very challenging. That has more to do with the fact that you’re applying in the last round than anything to do with you. If you can wait until next year to begin school, I might suggest waiting until R1 to apply, which will help your chances for admission.


Sincerely,

Akiba Smith-Francis

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