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Low GPA, admission chances?

Launched June 18, 2009
Expert replies
by MBAoneday » Tue May 04, 2010 5:24 am
Hi All,

First I wanted to let you know that I think these forums (and your site!) are great and a wealth of information for all applicants. However, im writing becasue I would like your professional opinion on my chances of admittance into a good MBA program.

About me:
Im 24 years old and am from a small under represented western european country. I have lived in 13 countries and travelled to many more (35+). I speak French and English (Mother toungue).

Work Experience:
Currently two years, although I wouldnt be aiming for admission for another 3-4.
1 years 6 months: I was employed by (and cofounded) a startup which focused on providing VC, Executive management expertise and international marketing to small to mid-stage growth countries. We had a VC fund of $5million, which I founded and my work took me to Norway and Singapore regularly.
5 months: I worked for a senior figure within a multinational asset manager to create and develop new investment vehicles which focused upon the alternative energy industry.
Present: Work for another multinational asset manager in a global business development role. On a daily basis I am in contact with colleagues around the world, from Europe to Asia to the USA.

Extracurriculars:
College: I played rugby for the school team, I also managed one of the intramural teams (Got the squad together, liased with other teams, secured sponsorship etc). I was also a member of the management society.

After College: I sit on an alumni committee for my university which gets events going in and around the capital and which also seeks to increase alumni involvement with the university for mutual benefit. Ive also founded an alumni association for my old secondary school. I play rugby for a local team and also coach their U14 team. Participate in charites, most recently volunteered to build and orphanage in Vietnam.Continue to travel as opportunity allows, have also competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Singapore and Brazil.

Qualifications:
Im hoping to have CFA levels 1 and 2 (at least) finished by the time I apply.
I have a BA degree in business

Weaknesses:
My GPA is very low...I dont know what it translates to in the American system but its extremely low. This can be attributed to both ill health and immaturity. To combat this I will take college level classes and get A's...im also hoping that the CFA will help show that im academically capable and that the GPA, which will be along time ago by the time I apply, doesnt reflect the person I am now.

Reason to do the MBA:
Well, Its always been an ambition of mine. I would also like to use it to project myself into alternative energy focused Venture capital with the long term aim of starting my own fund which focuses on emerging markets and aims to help those in developing countries.

GMAT: 720

I would really appreciate your input with regards to my chances of admission.

Thanks.
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Source: — Ask mbaMission |

by MBAoneday » Tue May 04, 2010 5:29 am
I should add im interested in:

Yale, UNC, Duke, Darden, Georgetown.

Thanks!
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by jkhousto » Wed May 05, 2010 11:45 am
Dear MBAoneday -

Thanks so much for your message and detailed profile of yourself. You seem to have made strides in preparing yourself for the MBA track. Professionally - American business schools like international students with impressive and varied professional experiences, and yours definitely meet these criteria. Assuming you remain in asset management, over the next year or two before you apply, concentrate on assuming larger leadership roles on certain projects or clients. Use your extensive network to develop an expert status or deep knowledge of a certain investment/product/industry.

Kudos to you on some eclectic and extensive extracurriculars. These really round out a candidate's story and can add an extra dimension to the essays that ask for your personal story and character traits. As you continue to work with your university as an alum, work to assume a leadership role within this group - it sounds like you have, but just keep it up! The volunteer work in Vietnam is very interesting - again, these add important personal angles for essays.

As for your numbers, the CFA (Levels 1 and 2) and your GMAT score above 700 should help balance out concerns about your GPA. You probably should also use the Optional essay - not to make excuses for your GPA - but to directly explain why you think that it does not reflect your capabilities. Also, if your grades improves over the course of your university experience or if you made better grades in courses in your major, you may be able to tell a story that also casts your GPA in a more favorable light.

In short, assuming you remain on this impressive trajectory, and while the schools that you are interested in applying to are certainly competitive MBA programs, you have a solid chance at them.

Hope this helps and good luck!
Jennifer


Jennifer Houston, MBA
Consultant
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Jennifer Houston, MBA
Consultant
mbaMission


Our Mission is Your Mission


www.mbamission.com

Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (14 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter
Download the mbaMission Webinar, Demystifying the MBA Admissions Process
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