Columbia - 06-15-2025 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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June 14, 2025 9:09pm ET

Applying: Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Emory / Goizueta, Georgetown / McDonough, Georgia Tech / Scheller, Michigan / Ross, Minnesota / Carlson, Northwestern / Kellogg, Notre Dame / Mendoza, NYU Stern, U. Chicago Booth, U. Washington / Foster, UNC Kenan-Flagler, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden, Washington U. / Olin, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2026

Pre-MBA Career: Strategy Analyst

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology

GPA: 3.5

Years of Work Experience: 2

Notes:

I’m planning to apply for MBA programs in the U.S. for Fall 2026, and I’d really appreciate your thoughts on my profile, program fit, and any chances for scholarships.

Highlevel Profile :

Education: B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in Data Science. Graduated: Spring 23 with GPA: 3.5 (from a Private Christian university in Tulsa)

Research: Participated in two data science research groups during junior and senior years. One project was published on the Human Kinetics Journals site in December 2022.

Nationality: International student from Japan

Work Experience: Currently working as a Strategic Analyst at a lead gen marketplace startup (featured on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies), based in Tulsa, OK. I work extensively with SQL, Excel, Tableau, and occasionally do projects/work (data science) in Python and own data-driven strategies for a revenue-generating business category, translating insights into operational improvements and stakeholder decisions. Will have 3 years of full-time experience by Fall 2026.

GMAT/GRE: Just started studying a month ago. Aiming for a GMAT ~700. Haven’t taken the test yet.

Why MBA ?

Originally started thinking about grad school as a backup plan after not getting selected for H-1B. I may have another chance next year, but as I reflect more, I see this as a great opportunity to pivot more into a strategy or product-related role, expand my network, and strengthen my leadership skills.

Would love your thoughts on chances, scholarship possibilities, and any other program recommendations I should consider. Thank you!

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Show Comments (5) Last: June 16, 2025

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1784 A couple of questions. Do you have a longer term goal? In 10 Yeats, what would your ideal career look like? Do you participate in any activities, outside of work, any additional hobbies and interests?

Key will be to do really well on the GMAT, and show impact and growth at work, supported by strong recommendations.

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truly_genius_18 Likes Earned: 1 I don’t have a crystal-clear plan yet, but I’m aiming to move up the ladder into a Director-level role in either strategy or product. I haven’t had many extracurriculars since undergrad, so I’m curious about how that might affect my chances. I know the GMAT is another factor, but given my lower years of experience, I’m wondering if I should slightly adjust my target schools to be more realistic.Thanks. (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1784 If you do really well on the GMAT, and can show impact and growth at work, even with only 3 YOE, then I’d think top 16 and top 20 tier would be decent targets for round 1. Is it critical to start your MBA program next fall? (0)

truly_genius_18 Likes Earned: 1 yep 700+ is my goal for GMAT and definitely target top 15~20 schools. Yes. I will need to be accepted just in case I don't get my visa extension. will try to shoot for R1 if not R2 at latest (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1784 Round 1 will provide you the opportunity to adjust your strategy for Round 2, if necessary. (0)