Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi Stacy,

First of all - thanks for your great advice. I'm sure I'm not the only appreciative one. I was hoping you could give me a sanity check in regards to the schools to which I'm hoping to apply (top 10/15). Also, if you could give me any advice about my "approach," or things I should emphasize/neglect, during the application process, I would appreciate it.

I graduated from Stanford with a degree in Management Science/Industrial Engineering. While I had originally planned on majoring in something like International Relations, I ended up switching majors late sophomore year. Luckily I had AP credits from high school that eliminated some prerequisites I would need to finish my major in my last two years. I graduated with a 3.45 GPA. After graduation, I decided to try the advertising field (specifically, media planning, which is the optimization of advertising channels based on a client's budget) because I wanted to apply my technical skills in what I thought was a more dynamic field. Despite no prior experience in the field, I was quickly promoted, given more responsibility, led client presentations, etc. After about a year a half at a major advertising agency, I decided I had hit a plateau and wanted to challenge myself technically again (something I thought was missing in advertising). I entered financial services and started as an analyst in a boutique valuation shop . Again, I was promoted within eight months to an Associate position, despite being told the average promotion takes two years. Have been in a small shop now for a few years, I have enjoyed the benefits of more responsibility, client interaction, management duties, etc. I think I have found what I really enjoy as a career, and therefore am now taking the step of applying to get my MBA.

I got a 770 on my GMAT (95% in math, 99% in verbal, 99% overall). I speak four languages at least conversationally (three near fluently) and am actively involved in playing music as a hobby. I have also done volunteer work.

I would specifically be interested in hearing your thoughts about whether my relatively lower GPA is a sizable detraction, my career transitions, and also how important a role things like hobbies (music, art, languages, but for the most part unrelated to business) are. Thanks again, Stacy!