Ms. Ultimate Frisbee

A Northwestern history major who plays serious Frisbee? You are the quintessential poet among many quants here. Your first choice may be Wharton but you really feel like a Kellogg or UCLA MBA. Having done your undergraduate studies in Evanston, I can see how you might want to study in a new city. Nonetheless, let’s look at how you size up at Wharton. While your GPA is just a tad under Wharton’s latest class average of 3.6, your GRE score is slightly above Wharton’s class average of 324. If your splits are in good shape, I’d say that you’ve passed the basic hurdle on raw stats. So then it comes to your professional background. You say: “After coming to data analytics and loyalty/CRM from media, I was promoted after just over a year in my role for my new approaches to analyzing problems and my client-facing skills. I have managed a $2MM media budget yearly.” That is super impressive. As you well know, data analytics is hot and having someone in the class who has actually done it, for real clients with real results, is a major asset. Besides all that, you’ve been a coach which demands leadership skills. I think Wharton is going to love you.

Hi Ms. Ultimate Frisbee! Kate Richardson, Senior Admissions Consultant, here. When I saw your candidate name, I had to weigh in because I have played ultimate frisbee too and think it’s an awesome sport for developing the camaraderie and leadership that a school like Wharton values. Especially at the level you’re playing and leading teams. Your work experience in data analytics sounds very strong and it’s a hot field right now, so I think Wharton will like that background too, plus the fast progression you’ve had and high level of responsibility. I’m curious how you got from History major to a role involving such complex analysis — sounds like there’s an interesting story there! I think your GPA/GRE stats are solid for Wharton too. As far as your post-MBA goals, I personally think the people analytics field is fascinating, but it’s not the most popular for MBAs. If you can find some recent alumni from your target schools that are in those roles, then you should be fine, but if not it may be a safer bet to go with the Brand Management angle in your application (perhaps with some target companies that have strong people practices). And then you could certainly pursue both options once you’re in!

Hi Ms Ultimate, it’s Lisa Cummings of Stratus Admissions. Until a few moths ago, I had never seen a game of Ultimate and now I am hooked! The fact the games is self reffed says a lot about those who choose to play the sport and I think those values will work well at Wharton and other collaborative programs. I am intrigued by your coaching position and would like to hear more about the other “initiatives” you are involved in. Schools will like this leadership and I imagine there is/was some mentoring in there that you could pull out as well. I also like your liberal arts turned finance background which shows your adaptability and breadth of knowledge .Can you give details on what drew you to analytics and media and give specifics on your roles at work and the impact you have had – your promotion is impressive, how did you earn it? If you have already applied I would focus on either Brand Management or People Analytics. Although the two functions share some skill sets it will be easier for you to be specific on the Why MBA, Why Wharton questions if you have one goal that you are shooting for. Make sure you practice for the team based discussion portion of the interview. Good luck!