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Profile:

Top 20 University
BSBA Finance
GPA: 2.24
Work Experience: 1 yr A/P Coordinator
6 months Staff Internal Auditor (with different company, better job and higher pay)
Both companies are very well known companies

Post Grad Transcript: Cost Accounting: A
Corporate Tax: A
Intermediate I Acct: A

GMAT: 710 (50Q, 36V)

CFA Level II Candidate

Seriously considering applying to CMU/ Cornell this year

Heres my question:
I had a very low GPA due to playing poker in college. I started with $50 on the internet and eventually was playing in $5,000 buy-in games. I traveled all over the country including California, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other places. One time I was playing in Las Vegas with a final the next morning.

During my 2nd semester senior year of college, I was playing at a local club at home while on Christmas Break. I left with $7,000 and was assaulted outside my brother's apartment (they actually followed me home). Two people fractured my eye socket and cracked my head pretty good with some weapon (22 stitches). However, after they left I ran into the parking lot and got their licensce plate number. I called the police and filed a police report. Right before going to trial, I settled out of court for 20k. (I know this sounds a bit unbelievable, but I actually still have the police report)

Either way, this event changed my life. I took the 20k from the settlement and 50k I saved from poker during college and put 100% towards my college debt (I know of time value of money but I did this to avoid the temptation of playing poker).

Is this a story I should include in essays or not? My father seems to think its a better idea to leave the situation out.

PS I do have good reasons for wanting my MBA now, why I'm ready, etc.
I'm just curious if I should tell adcomm about this story.

ABSOLUTELY TELL THIS STORY. with all apologies to your father, as an admissions consultant I can say without a doubt your story is memorable, has a real hook and ends with redemption (your succeeding in your career and giving up gambling). By all means, it's hard these days to have a memorable story and this is the kind of thing that can definitely get you into a good school, especially with your gmat and work experience. Thank you for asking.

Thanks a lot Bryant. I guess I will.

think about it this way... if you were in their position and you read that story... wouldn't you be interested in the candidate if he could back it up and show what he learned and how it was a catalyst for change? just be prepared to speak about it in an interview

i know i would want to meet this person if i read about them on paper