Solid experience, poor academics.

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relinquo: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:42 pm

by relinquo » Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:52 am

I have excellent work experience (deals and relationships internationally), but poor academics from a little known university and I'm wondering about my business school applications. I'm not from the US.

I managed to start my career in real estate private equity despite not having completed my degree (dropped out of final year due to family issues). Its been 7+ years now, during which I've invested over $2 billion internationally (good returns) and have sourced deals in several different countries, including establishing the international division for my employer, winning cross-border mandates and a stint at a mid-sized Sovereign Wealth Fund. I don't have much in terms of extra curricular activities to note, but I have passed the 1st level of the CFA programme to show that I have academic aptitude.

I'm applying to top 5 MBA programmes in the US (Ivy League). I would be 33/34 by the time I graduate. I am targeting the usual suspects for finance / real estate (Wharton / Harvard / Columbia / MIT).

Long term goal is to run my own real estate investment business (possibly focusing on Private Equity and Distressed Debt), a Masters/MBA from a top school would be useful if I'm going to try to raise a fund.

How do you think my profile would be considered at top 5 MBA programmes? Any input / advice would be appreciated.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:52 am

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Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Fri Dec 02, 2011 5:15 am

Well, have you EVER completed your degree? Because if not, it's not gonna be possible for most schools as they do require a bachelors degree to apply in most cases.

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relinquo: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:42 pm

by relinquo » Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:14 pm

Thanks for the reply Jon. Much appreciated.

I haven't been awarded a degree. I have written to my former university to ask if I can take exams in June in order to be awarded a BA (I only need a few credits); if they won't award a degree at least it might demonstrate that I can do well academically at that level. I am not aware of any reputable short programmes that would allow me to demonstrate my academic ability (It's too late to apply to LSE's diplomas for 2012 exam dates).

It's an odd situation. Two years ago I was interviewing MBAs from Columbia and the like, but now I'm applying to business schools. I suppose an executive MBA / further education is an alternative. I'm not sure I can take 3 years away from work to do a further year of undergraduate study full time prior to full time business school.

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Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Thu Dec 08, 2011 7:15 am

Hmmmm. Tough stuff. I think trying to finally get your BA awarded would be the most painless route, so I would definitely recommend going that way (or trying). You might be able to get some stuff you have already done validated, and rather than take a year off, maybe even do some correspondence courses. If you are willing to pay tuition, I don;t see why not. If it doesn't work out then you'd have to really go through programs to see who would accept candidates without an BA.

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relinquo: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:42 pm

by relinquo » Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:44 pm

Yes. I think that's the approach I will take.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

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GMAT/MBA Expert

Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Sat Dec 10, 2011 2:18 am

You got it, dude. And keep us updated. We're around

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