Ask Stacy Blackman

Greetings,
Here is a summary of my profile and experience:

Born: Detroit, MI
Ethnicity: Biracial
Legacy: 3rd to graduate HS, first to attend college

Undergrad: University of Michigan
Degree: Biochemistry
GPA: 2.7 (family medical problems last 2nd-3rd year & immaturity)
EC: multicultural affairs counsel, programming counsel - student representative (gave student organizations funds), organic chemistry tutor/lab assistant, IM Basketball, worked 20-25 a week

Work Experience: Medical Service Corps Officer, 82nd Airborne Division, US Army. Deployed twice to Iraq. Handful of awards and recognitions. Consistenty working in positions normally held by higher ranking officers.

Since I'm always training or deployed, I cannot take courses through local colleges/universities. I took Accounting, Statistics and Calculus 1 (again) through an online college (UMUC) to build an alternative transcript. I received As in all. I will take the GMAT upon return to the US (still in Iraq). I would like some target school ideas assuming I score in the 680 range. I'm realistic on account of my UG performance and know I need to do extremely well on the GMAT.

I would like to transition into the civlian world via an MBA. Right now I'm looking into operations and SCM. Areas similar to what I've done in the military.

Any other suggestions/advice? Thanks.

Hi acw,

As you know, your GPA is low. Taking classes was exactly the right thing to do, and in combination with a short essay describing your mistakes in undergrad and examples of your increased maturity, you can help mitigate that weakness.

Otherwise I think you have an interesting background and should be able to write compelling essays with your military experience. I would think about targeting a range of schools actually - perhaps one or two top tier and then several second tier. The sticky thread on school selection may help you start the process.

Good luck!

Amy