MSRED/MBA Profile low GPA

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MSRED/MBA Profile low GPA

by faraji13 » Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:49 am
Hi Stacy. I was wondering if you could give me some feedback on my profile. I'm less interested in an MBA than getting a Master of Science in Real Estate, but I'd like a general sense of how my profile stacks up

-29 years old
-African American male
-680 GMAT Q42 V41
-5 Years Work experience, all of which was in Student Financial Aid sales (Sallie Mae, Nelnet, etc.) Promoted (really in name only) to Vice President at Nelnet
-Have owned a profitable Real Estate Development sole proprietorship since 2005 with over $1m of real estate -assets(current valuation). Managed everything from locating property to renovation to marketing, dealing with city hall, finding tenants, legal issues, and property management. Am currently negotiating with a large Real Estate developer to sell one of my properties, at a 300k-500k profit.
-Built website myself using Mac iWeb (www.5wide.com)
-Have consulted on sales and marketing for two condo projects in Washington DC
-embarked on a failed development effort to build LEED certified prefab townhouses in DC and almost lost my shirt
-member, Urban Land Institute And US Green Building Council
-Chairman of marketing commitee in DC Main Streets project which turned around the U Street corridor
-Published Author (One of a compilation of essays about social aspects of hip-hop, available in B&N, Borders, Amazon, etc, several magazines and online magazines. Good reviews, and most reviews mention my essay) "Beats, Rhymes, and Life: What Ew Love and Hate about Hip-Hop" Shameless plug, I know
-Licensed realtor
-Have lived and attended primary school overseas in Zambia, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Guinee.

My issue is I took five and a half years to get through undergrad (Morehouse College), switched majors three times, and failed a bunch of classes. Came out with a B.A and a 2.7 GPA. That said, once I got my act together, my last two years, I was at about a 3.3 GPA taking the hardest classes and overloads. I still worry how much of this is a handicap. I think my entrepreneurial experience speaks for itself, but I would be lying if I said I don't lose sleep over it.
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by Amy » Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:22 am
Hi faraji13,

Our expertise lies in MBA programs. I'm not sure how your profile stacks up for a MS in Real Estate.

If you were applying for MBA programs, you are correct that your undergrad experience is a little troubling. You do have a fascinating range of work experience and will likely get the adcomm's attention with your background.

I would do some serious work on the academics to have a stronger chance of MBA admission - there is a sticky thread on low GPA to look at - but generally building an "alternative transcript" is the strongest way to mitigate that weakness.

Good luck!

Amy
Amy
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting