Seeking counsel from the Savants of SBC

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Seeking counsel from the Savants of SBC

by rjimports » Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:56 pm
Salutations,

I have been partaking in the application process for over a year. While not one to frequent the forum community, free professional advice will draw my eye.

I am a 24 year old Asian Male, born and raised in the States. I graduated with a particularly low GPA (2.8) from a highly regarded University on the west coast. To maintain a degree of anonymity, I will withhold the institution's name, but it has been ranked in the top 25 colleges in the nation for as long as I can remember.

That is my extentuating circumstance. I do however have an excuse: disheartened with academia, I began working during my junior year. My GPA markedly lowered. I had 3.2s my freshman and sophomore years, then my GPA tanked miserably. Additionally, the major that I chose is particularly known for its difficultly (a pre-med biological science).

Aside from my sad 2.8 GPA from a top 25...

I received a 700 on the GMAT with a 44 quantitative and 40 verbal breakdown, scoring perfectly (6.0) on the AWA. While not staggeringly impressive, this score may glean some insight towards my potential-at least more than my GPA.

3 years ago I started an entrepreneurial venture that has since markedly grown. The reason I want an MBA is I have additional entrepreneurial opportunities and an MBA would provide the skills to grow them. I believe this to be somewhat unique.

I have also worked in the sports and recreation industry for the past 5 years (through college, and in conjunction with my started business) and have received highly regarded certifications in the field. I believe that this is also unique.

I am an active participant in minor public speaking events in the community, and I would like to think I am somewhat of a prolific writer. This may be unique as well.

I'd like to believe I am especially personable, as I have catered my life towards developing my understanding of others. Coupled with my rhetoric, and general enthusiasm, I believe myself to be, hopefully, pleasantly unique.

I have interviews looming around the corner, and knowing my relative position would bolster my self-confidence. Unless, of course, it is mollifying.

I thank you most kindly in advance, I know you are busy people.

Regards,

E

P.S. The Schools Applied: UCLA, UNC, Indiana, USC, Emory, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt. I sought not the lofty expectations of Ivies nor crumbling of my ego thereof. But let me know if I should have.
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Addendum

by rjimports » Wed Oct 29, 2008 10:20 am
I imagine that it would be helpful to add the following:

-I speak 3 languages including English (fluent in 2, conversational in the other)

-My business is one that imports and resells goods; it has been a conduit of international networking.

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by Lisa Anderson » Wed Oct 29, 2008 3:24 pm
Dear rjimports,

I think your schools choices are appropriate and you do stand a good shot at many, if not all. You have a good range of schools between UCLA and Notre Dame, so I would be surprised if you do not have multiple offers of admission. Be confident in your abilities and background and what you bring to the program--all schools want interesting, involved students. Practice your answers and know what examples you want to give prior to your interviews--you'll do great.

Best of luck,
Lisa
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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RE:

by rjimports » Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:17 pm
Lisa,

I appreciate your prompt reply and vote of confidence. Thank you for your time.

E