Mr. Research Analyst

Your profile is just about perfect for CBS and Columbia should welcome you with open arms. Why? You went to a public Ivy and came out with a 3.9 GPA, well above the 3.6 class average, and then notched a 740 GMAT, eight points over the 732 average. Then you landed a highly selective job, beating more than 500 other applicants to get it. And in the three years you have been in that job, you have clearly distinguished yourself, in party by pitching investments that made made it into your firm’s hedge fund. What’s more, your first choice school is the quintessential finance school and completely aligns with your post-MBA goal. Your extras show you have heart, but they are not going to make all that much of a difference to your candidacy. See you in New York.

Hey Mr. Research Analyst, Julie-Anne Heafey here with mbaMission. Gosh, I love your profile — high GPA, solid GMAT, all 3 levels of CFA already, board positions, and a stellar job. Well done. I can understand why you’re targeting Columbia, the Mecca of value investing. The main thing working against you is the numbers – so many finance types apply that it can be tough to break through…do not assume the Columbia will be a cake walk for your (stellar) profile; the field is crowded. Explaining your motivations and showing personality can make a difference, as well as demonstrating fit and strong connection to the school and the city…I recommend that you leverage the network, attend events (online for now) and apply Early Decision! Good luck!

Very impressive stats Mr. Research Analyst! It’s Lisa Cummings of Stratus Admissions. Your numbers are at the high end of Columbia’s students so why the 40% rating? While you will be a very solid contender, Columbia’s uber selective process means that under 20% of applicants get an offer of admission. That percentage includes all applicants, even those outside the mid-range, so I am giving you double the odds of an average applicant given your above average stats. Your strong track record and ability to have an impact in the workplace will also resonate with the admissions committee at any school you may apply to. As a sports enthusiast myself (mostly tennis these days) I do like your dedication to basketball but think that schools will also notice and value your work around literacy. Columbia and other top schools get tons of applicants with great grades and scores, you need to be looking for ways to help differentiate yourself and you should have no problem doing so based on what I am seeing here.

If Columbia is indeed your top choice, you may want to consider applying there through their Early Decision process to signal that you will attend CSB if you are given the opportunity. Good luck – stay safe and sane. I hope you can work from home these days.