Columbia - 04-18-2021 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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April 18, 2021 6:21pm ET

Applying: Columbia, Northwestern / Kellogg, U. Chicago Booth, UPenn / Wharton, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2022

Pre-MBA Career: Asset Management

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey

GMAT: 730

GPA: 3.87

Years of Work Experience: 4

Location: NYC

Post MBA Location: NYC

Notes:

Hi all -

I am currently based in NYC, working in Asset Management. I am looking to apply to MBA programs this fall, with the hope of transitioning into consulting in the short run. I have been doing some non-profit consulting on the side of work to help improve my skillset (since my day to day at work is more financial markets focused).

I am ideally hoping to get into a firm with a strong financial services practice. In the long run I want to use these skills to work in a strategy role within a FinTech firm or more established financial firm.

My top choices for schools are Kellogg, Chicago, Columbia, MIT, and Wharton. I did an undergraduate business degree at a pretty highly regarded school, so want to attend a school with a more flexible curriculum. I am wondering if I should apply to Columbia's binding early decision program given that I look to stay in New York after MBA. I have the two Chicago schools slightly above Columbia in my list, but would be happy to end up and any of these. I think applying early decision will help boost my odds of getting into Columbia, but I won't be able to then compare potential offers. I really want to get into a school this cycle for next year, so my gut tells me that might be the safest choice for increasing my odds at getting into a great program that has a lot to offer for consulting and FinTech. Appreciate any thoughts!

Like (1)

Show Comments (9) Last: May 7, 2021

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1572 It will increase your chances of getting into Columbia. So if that’s an option you would be very happy with, it might be worth it. While it is “binding”, others have walked away from the offer to go elsewhere. I’m not going to address the two-sided issues that that might raise, but it happens. Your numbers are great. Impact at work, and outside of work, will be important. (1)

grichmond Verified User. Likes Earned: 1145 Thanks for sharing your profile. I agree that everything looks to be in good shape overall. Your GMAT will put you right around the average for the top schools on your list, and your GPA - being from a high caliber undergraduate institution, and with business-relevant coursework - should help complete a solid academic profile. I do have some questions for you: 1. how are your outside activities - both college and current? 2. do you fall into an over-represented category in the applicant pool (e.g. white, male, NYC based)? The answers to these questions may help shape your odds and application strategy, even with respect to ED at CBS. On the surface, it would seem to me that you could be competitive at any of the schools on your list, so I'd encourage you to look carefully at culture/fit, fintech strengths, and any other factors (FYI: I don't think MBB placement will vary enough across these programs for a leader to emerge). As to your NYC question, while CBS is fantastic for those wanting to be in NY post-MBA (for obvious reasons), the truth is that loads of Wharton and Yale SOM grads end up there too, so I don't know that I would use that as a criteria. In short, if you want to be in NYC after business school, all of the schools on your list (and especially those in the NE corridor) are absolutely fine in that domain. Any reason you don't have MIT or Stern on your list, given Fintech strengths? Best of luck!
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anon28227 Likes Earned: 2 OP here - MIT is also on my list. I am in an over-represented bucket. I think my outside activities are good, but not amazing. I was the leader of a club during undergrad and was also a teaching assistant for a class, which I intend to highlight. I have been doing some non-profit consulting work on the side outside of work as well to both give back and help to broaden my skills. (1)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1572 I’d lean ED. (0)

anon28227 Likes Earned: 2 OP again - Thanks a ton for the help. I do agree that it gives me the best opportunity for getting into an M7. My one fear is that I have been in new york working and in university, so perhaps I should use this time as a way to get out of the city. From a life perspective that may make a lot of sense. But if I were to look at the odds and be purely utilitarian, ED CBS I think gives me higher chances. (1)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1572 If you don’t apply ED, you’re letting Colombia know they are not your first choice, bare that in mind. (0)

anon28227 Likes Earned: 2 Thank you - assuming I don't ED to Columbia, are there any schools that you think would make sense to add to my list? I was thinking Fuqua could be a great school for FinTech/Consulting. I am not too interested in Stern, but Fuqua is probably a similar tier? (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1572 Fuqua and Stern are in the same tier. Stern might actually be a great option, offering in semester internships, etc (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1572 More details on this candidacy in this episode of Wire Taps: https://www.clearadmit.com/2021/05/episode-160-wire-taps/ (0)