Where Do I Stand?

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Where Do I Stand?

by Zdiolla » Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:12 pm
Hi Stacey,

About me, I have a 2.55 GPA from a top 10 Undergraduate Business Program. I'm currently studying for the GMAT, and I consistently test in the 680-730 range. I have no excuses for my poor grades in undergrad. I had some solid semesters, and some horrendous ones. I failed one course - Managerial Accounting. The course was actually one of the easier courses I had taken, but I just didn't put the time in. Even worse, when I retook the course I only got a C. The course consisted of a mid-term and final. The second time around I got a 93 on the mid-term, but got very sick a couple days before the final, didn't get a minute of sleep the night before, and ended up getting a 60 on it. This gave me a C overall for the course the second time around. I look back on this, and I get depressed. Major regret. I did take financial accounting afterwards and got an A in it.

As for my WE, I work for my family business in retail. I'd really like to try something new, hence my desire to go for my MBA since getting a job with no corporate experience outside of a Smith Barney internship in college has proved to be a challenge.

I do have an interesting story, with my father being an immigrant from an aristocratic Afghan family and my mother being a blue-collar 14th generation American. Family gatherings are a unique experience, let me tell you. =)

Lastly, I'm not sure who to ask for recommendations. I have a finance professor that I did very good research for. Although it's been a few years since I've spoken to him. As far as work, my Dad is my boss. So having a recommendation from my father might be a little strange.

I am close to a community college, and am thinking about taking night courses. Assuming I score in the 700 range and take some night courses, do you think I'll have a competitive application for a top 30 MBA program?

Thanks!
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by Lisa Anderson » Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:34 pm
Dear Zdiolla,

If you score over a 700 on your GMAT and earn A's in some quantitative courses at the community college, then I do think you have a shot at some top 11-30 programs--assuming you will have a strong, compelling set of essays and recommendations. As for a recommendation, you cannot ask your father. Is there a non-family member that you work with closely you could ask? What about a customer, client or vendor? The professor is not a great option as it is too far back. If you are heavily involved in an extracurricular or community service activity, then you might also think about someone from that experience.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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