profile evaluation request

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profile evaluation request

by cuzimsomoney » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:50 am
Hi,
I wanted to ask for some advice with regards to my situation. My profile is below, could you possibly suggest schools which I would be competitive at. I have named some below but have concerns about shooting higher due to my low GPA and percieved lack of career progression

About me:
24 years old from a small european country which is very under represented in MBA programs. Lived in 12 countries growing up and have travelled to many more. Held leadership positions throughout college (all sporting) and contibuted to some academic societies.

Extra curriculars:
Very sporting. Play rugby to a high standard, Surf, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (have travelled to Brazil and Singapore to compete), Extensive charity work including a spell volunteering in Cambodia.


Work experience:
I currently have 1.5 years of work experience and would be planning on applying in another 1.5 years (giving me 3 years at application and 4 upon matriculation). Since graduating I have been engaged in a start up which focuses on the oil and gas industry. I have been employed in this role by two VP's who are very senior within the industry and their respective countries. Services include access to VC funding ($5m), international marketing for companies wishing to expand internationally, and the provision of executive consultative services. With work I have travelled to Singapore, Norway and Aberdeen. things are tough at the moment due to the economy and progression has slowed. I set up the business from scratch as the gents I work for remain fully employed.

I have also spent the past few months working with the head of a very large multi-national asset management firm to develop new investment vehicles. My work was presented to the board of directors and focused on Alternative investments within the energy industry. This will finish soon as my work is nearly completed.

I can provide excellent recommendations from both companies.

GMAT:
720

Future Plans:
Possibly an MSc in Financial services or International business
Studying for CFA Level 1
Some college level courses to address a low GPA


Weakness: Very low GPA due to illness. Problems which have since been addressed. not sure what it converts too from the european system but I would estimate around a 2.0.

Target schools:
In no order UT@Austin, Duke, Darden, Yale, Georgetown, ASU, UNC

I have a clear vision of why I want to do the MBA and where it would take me.

Thanks for any help,guidance or advice you can offer!
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by Lisa Anderson » Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:55 am
Dear cuzimsomoney,

Your GMAT does mitigate your GPA to some degree, as will an alternative transcript and a solid track record of professional experience. You have some interesting experience, that if presented well, should help to distinguish you from the competition. The schools you list in your post are not out of reach for you, but are not safety schools either. I think you probably have a shot at these schools if you have a strong application otherwise with the GPA being the only potential weakness. If you make a compelling case for your admission and present a solid rationale for your MBA, then you should be in the mix for consideration at these schools. It is always a good idea to have at least one safety school in the mix, so that would be my only suggestion if you want to add a school to your list.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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