<p>Please give your honest opinion supplemented with research.</p>
<p>I plan on majoring in finance and minoring in mathematics. I also plan on further pursuing a master’s degree in finance or quantitative analysis. I want to work on wall street.</p>
<p>The big catch is that I have been out of school for about 7 months and I plan on applying starting November this year. I’ve read several articles published by Harvard and other publications that state that taking a year off is actually encouraged, but I am still having some doubts. What will admissions think when I apply almost two years after I graduated? Should I include in my essay details of my mother’s death? of her importance in my life? how this loss has affected me? Please let me know if I should, and also let me know if you think this leave of absence will exacerbate my chances or simply maintain my chances? Thanks.</p>
<p>–Stats–
GPA: 3.3
HPA: 4.2
Class Rank: 18
SAT I: CR-710, M-800, W-690</p>
<p>SAT II: Math Level 1 - 790, Math Level 2 - 800, US History - 660</p>
<p>AP Classes: World History - 4, Human Geography - 5, Music Theory - 3, Microeconomics - 5, Macroeconomics - 5, Statistics - 5, English Language and Composition - 4, Calculus AB - 5, Calculus BC - 5, and English Literature and Composition - 3, Italian Language and Culture - 3
(so 10 in all, micro+macro are one technically one course)</p>
<p>Community Service Hours: 1972 (I know it seems like too much, but I volunteered playing guitar for local events, was the chief salesperson for my school store, and led several fundraisers)</p>
<p>Extra Curricular Activities: Treasurer of SGA (money, budgeting, accounting), President of Math Club, I did the morning announcements through the PA (not visually), I lead the pep rallies senior year. </p>
<p>Sports: Cross Country (obviously 5k or 3.106 miles), Track (one mile, and 800 meters)</p>
<p>Internship: I’ve had an internship with Merrill Lynch from January last year to now. I basically stir up business for the brokers, but this one broker has sort of taken me under his wing, mentored me. I have learned much from him about the market, investing, personal finance, etc. I also get to attend ceremonies and lectures. Overall, I’m very glad I have had this opportunity.</p>
<p>Awards: Science Fair 2nd place (who cares, right?), Business Pathfinders Award</p>
<p>Random interests and hobbies: cycling, jazz guitar, weight lifting</p>
<p>Those are all of the categories I can think of right now. Thanks for your help.</p>