Hi Scott,

I am trying to get an idea of the suitability of applying to business school. I would like to be admitted to either Sloan/HBS/Wharton/Booth because I would like to get a joint MBA/MPP and those are the programs which 1) offer the concurrent degree or joint degree and 2) will give me the most value for the two degrees. Absent having a realistic shot of being admitted to these schools, I'd probably save the money and not apply. My quantitative background is weak (no calc), I don't have many professional leadership roles, I'm already 27, and I have only 2 years of WE post UG.

Age: 27
WE: 2 Years/International Law Firm/Complex Civil Litigation Stuff (obviously as a junior associate, I'm not running meetings or a "manager" but I was able to take leadership roles over important projects).
UGPA: 3.8
Law School: Harvard/Yale/Stanford
Taking GRE (joint degree): Range of Quant scores: 690-720; Range of V Scores: 720-780
Race: African American
Gender: Male

I've had good leadership experiences, awarded a number of national and rigorous fellowships, started organizations in undergrad, national debate champ, worked for a high level member of Congress full time while in UG, worked as a prosecutor in law school, helped clear some innocent people from death row in a defense clinic, etc.

I don't mean to be a nag, but I will probably need to hire a consultant to help me with my strategy, essays, branding and framing. Because I intend to have my apps ready by October, I probably need to start hiring soon.

If you have any insight, please do share. Thanks

Hello,

You have an intriguing profile, and not many applicants go for a dual MBA/MPP degree every year, so that fact alone with help you. Why are you interested in the dual degree? In our experience, an inability to articulate that is where a lot of otherwise promising candidates have a hard time.

he "no calc" thing won't be a deal breaker by any means, esp. if you nail the GRE. If you don't, then you may want to take a college-level course or two in finance or accounting, just to show you have the chops.

Good luck!
Scott