Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi Stacy,

I am an african american female that would like to attend Berkeley for a full-time mba, ideally, no later than fall 2009. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

I have done much research on top mba programs and to my dismay many of them have extremely low admittance of under-represented minorities. Seeing as though I am one, I need some advice to what my chances are into getting into my dream school.

I have begun studying for the gmat and my practice scores are averaging in the mid to high 500's, which is far from the average 700 gmat that Berkeley has. ....!?

My gpa is relatively low as well. I have been seriously thinking about enrolling in some graduate school classes for accounting, statistics and finance, so that I would be able to show that I have completed some graduate classes and did well in them, which might overshadow my undergraduate gpa. Or would it be better for my to take undergraduate classes?

The Meat and Potatoes::

Education: I graduated last year with a degree in finance and a gpa of 2.94. I financed my education myself by working in the accounting department as an accounts analyst at the university hospital and by selling things on ebay. (I graduated loan free!) My gpa fluctuated between a 3.12 and a 3.20 until my senior year when it dropped to a 3.00 and finally a 2.94 due to my parent being ill.

Work Experience: I worked in accounting, Johnson & Johnson doing accounting and finance. Since graduation I am working at one of the leading secondary mortgage companies doing accounting/finance.

Volunteer: I devote a lot of my time to volunteer work because I have received help every step of the way from others to help me succeed. I participate as a tech for an emergency hotline for violence against women, a higher achievement program for middle schoolers teaching them technology, math and literature, and habitat for humanity. While at Johnson & Johnson I organized and led an educational excursion to a reforming institution for women and coordinated and facilitated fundraiser events for United Way.

My Interests: I love ballet. I have been dancing since I was in grade school. I recently have participated in a program with the National Ballet. I am an accomplished flutist and have been recognized by the state and won countless awards. I also love art, specifically, mosaic tiles and ceramics. I participate in a local group that spruces up neighborhoods by creating amazing pieces of mosaic sculptures.

Why MBA: I've always had a keen interest in international development. An mba from Berkeley would allow me to focus on that specific path. Especially since they have such an amazing program! Throughout my international travels it has just made me want to focus on my dream job that much more. I have had several life changing moments and have met some amazing people, which makes pursuing this career that much more rewarding!

So, what are my chances of getting into Berkekley fall of either 2008 or 2009, if I were to increase my gmat score and take some graduate classes?

I would REALLY appreciate your advice!