Low GPA, profile evaluation please

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Low GPA, profile evaluation please

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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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 Tani » Thu Jul 08, 2010 9:41 am
You have done a good job of outlining your strengths and weaknesses. Your undergraduate GPA is unfortunate, but you are right that it will be less important several years from now. (By the way, your excellent GMAT score is only valid for five years, so that should affect your timing.) The GMAT is evidence that you are a better student than your GPA implies. Doing well in relevant college-level courses in the interim will also help.

Your work experience is interesting, but spotty. You should try to find a position in which you can put in at least 2-3 years steady work so that you will build up strong recommendations from supervisors. You have a clear career goal, but will need to demonstrate why that goal makes sense for you based on your abilities and experience. Be on the lookout for opportunities to demonstrate your interest in your chosen field.

Your extracurricular activities are great, and should be helpful. Of the schools you are targeting, Yale will be the most difficult, but not necessarily impossible depending on how you improve your academic profile. Since you are interested in alternative energy you may want to research those schools that are tackling that problem specifically. There are several resources including beyondgreypinstripes.org that evaluate a school's record on the environment.

Good luck!
Tani Wolff