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Any Advice For My MBA Application would be GREAT

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Any Advice For My MBA Application would be GREAT

by mike22629 » Wed May 27, 2009 6:23 pm
So here is what my profile looks like (definitely is weak in most areas):

Undergrad Degree in Finance: Top 10 School GPA 2.3

Work Experience:
6 months in accounts/ payable department of Fortune 100 Company

3 month Internship with Investment Firm

GMAT: 710 (Q50 94%, V36 78%)

Alternative Transcript: Cost Accounting A
Corporate Partnership Tax A
Intermediate Acct I A
Intermediate Acct II A

First of all, I would like to say that I am not planning on applying for at least 2 more years to gain more work experience and hopefully a position with more responsibility.

My Target Schools (all full-time programs):
1) Cornell
2) Duke
3) UNC
4) NYU

My Questions:
1) Are these 4 classes enough or should I take more to help with my low GPA? And if so, what classes?

2) Is my GMAT score good enough? (even though I really do not want to take it again)

3) Is it really helpful to get involved in extra curricular activities?

4) Will 2 and a half or 3 years of work experience be enough?

Please be brutally honest, I am not a sensitive person and can handle it.

Any additional advice on what I can do to get into any of these schools would be great. And if you think that these schools are out of my range, please let me know.

Thanks a lot!
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assessment

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Thu May 28, 2009 12:49 pm
GENERAL COMMENTS:
Great that you went to a top 10 school, but GPA is definitely a negative. GPA is one indicator (along with GMAT) that a candidate can potentially handle the rigors of MBA academics. good news is, your GMAT will help counter balance lower GPA. Also, if you showed upward mobility in grades as you hit major level classes, an adcom can usually be more forgiving. They really just want to be assured you can handle drinking from the proverbial fire hose.[/i] As for your work experience, it's not as much the quantity as it is the quality. Make sure you challenge yourself over the next couple of years and try to get accolades and increased responsibility at work as you indicate to demonstrate value for class discussions and team study. Showing leadership, maturity, innovation and accomplishment will impress a committee.

My Target Schools (all full-time programs):
1) Cornell
2) Duke
3) UNC
4) NYU

Assuming you do as you plan and garner some more good work experience you should be on your way to a competitive application at these schools. In my experience, even though there is no formula, I would say that GPA is the most forgivable of the application variables (compared to quality of undergrad school, work experience, GMAT and recommendations).

My Questions:
1) Are these 4 classes enough or should I take more to help with my low GPA? And if so, what classes?

It seems the classes you listed are all accounting oriented--is this because you did poorly in accounting classes as an undergrad or because you need the accounting training for your current job? If you haven't had any calculus, I would definitely take an intro or business calc class. Statistics would also be very very helpful.

2) Is my GMAT score good enough? (even though I really do not want to take it again) In short, yes, your GMAT score is competitive and does not warrant a retake.

3) Is it really helpful to get involved in extra curricular activities? YES! The adcoms all want to see that you have demonstrated a well roundedness and willingness to get involved in your community. Good business leaders (and therefore good b-school admits) are people who give back and focus on more than just the bottom line. If you have not demonstated a history of such endeavors, you should get busy over the next two years doing so.

4) Will 2 and a half or 3 years of work experience be enough? Three is better than two and is still below average, but if you cast a compelling story for why at that time you are ready for MBA and cast a good post-MBA plan for yourself, it should not be a big deal to come in under 5 years. Again, it's what you have done with the 3 years that counts. As Indiana Jones said "it's not the age, it's the mileage." Don't just tick of the time, go get some good highway miles on your early career. They want to bring in students who can add depth to class discussions and case analysis

Since I went to Fuqua, I can tell you that they are BIG on fit. They really want a well rounded, balanced student who is smart, yes, but has dimension and personality. The same can be said for Keenan Flagler. you should visit in person over the next couple of years and get more insight into what makes each school tick and then align yourself with their core culture in your application. hope this helps. Good luck. [/i]
Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant


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by mike22629 » Thu May 28, 2009 4:23 pm
Thank you very much! In short, you told me exactly what I needed to hear. I have already started on getting involved in extra curricular activities and will follow the rest of your advice as well.

Thank you again!
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by mike22629 » Thu May 28, 2009 4:31 pm
I would appreciate if you have the time to answer one more question.

My goal has always been to enter the financial side of the hospitality, more specifically the casino, industry. My career goal is to one day become CFO of a major casino in Las Vegas (obvsiously a career goal that will take MANY years to accomplish). I have looked at the profiles of many current CFOs in Las Vegas and they all seem to have a CPA and an MBA. Would it serve me best to pass the CPA exam and get some experience at a Big Four Firm? Would this better help me get into a top tier MBA program since this is my career goal?

Once again, thanks a lot!
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good question

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Fri May 29, 2009 4:09 am
Experience at a top Accounting firm and a CPA designation would not only be very valuable for your potential career goal, it is a great backstop for your career in general. Good accountants and financial gurus are always in demand, so if your route to Casino career heaven is either derailed or detoured, you should be able to continue building a solid career in finance and accounting elsewhere or in a related position. As for b-school, my feeling is that it would come in handy if you couch it as contributory to your classmates. Schools like to diversify the student body with folks from all different backgrounds, and demonstratiing core competency (or even better advanced skill) in accounting would add value to you as a team member in b-school. Make sure you acknowledge that even though you would likely skip the core accounting class at some b-schools, your skills would help classmates in other classes where there is an accounting component.
Bryant Michaels
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by mike22629 » Fri May 29, 2009 4:24 am
Much thanks Bryant! You have given me the inspiration that I need!
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