I already know that I have a long way to go to get accepted into a top MBA program, and I am looking for advice on how to achieve this goal. My current goal is to apply spring of 2015 for a fall semester start. Please bear with me...
I went to a well respected state university from 2003-2007 and did not graduate. I had a 2.5 gpa and basically failed a couple classes and ran out of time, money, and motivation at the end. I was a history major with a very inconsistent transcript- many A's and B's and some D's and F's.
Work history:
1/08-5/8 Internship with real estate company in Vina del Mar, Chile. Basic administrative duties, all spanish speaking.
9/08-5/09 Fuels Analyst for Energy Software Company. Was laid off along with 10% of company after 6 months.
Winters of 2009, 2010: Administrative Assistant at Large ski area.
4/2011-Present: Residential Real Estate Agent. Exceeded all sales goals in first year. Outperformed other full time colleagues with many more years of experience.
I have since become very motivated to get myself back on track and to move up in my professional career.
The local community college in my town now offers an accredited bachelor's degree in Business Administration and I have decided to enroll. First I thought some of the courses could be useful, but I have found that I am developing a passion for business. I am now in my second semester of going to school full time while continuing to work full time as a Realtor. I have a 3.96 gpa and feel very confident that I can maintain or improve this gpa.
I only need 6 credits to graduate from my original University and am in the process of doing this at the same time as continuing the business coursework at my local college- expected graduation is fall 2013.
Other info:
White female, age 28
currently living in remote ski town in Colorado
competetive mountain biker (local races)
at original University: 4 year rower for crew team, traveled and competed nationally, year round
volunteer work: have participated in Animal Assisted Therapy with my dog at a local hospital and local elementary school (2009-2011)
Fluent in Spanish
Trying to get involved in local organizations to showcase leadership skills. Just started getting involved in local Sustainability Council and plan to take on leadership roles.
GMAT: Anticipate over 700 based on practice tests.
Questions:
Which is better option?
1. Complete Bachelor degree in Business (exp. grad. date: fall 2014)to provide full alternative transcript/degree with close to 4.0 gpa
2. Take one more full time semester with quant. classes such as calc. and stats to show that I can get A's in these and then apply without graduating.
(both scenarios include graduating from original University)
Is working as a residential real estate agent good enough work experience? I am kind of limited on my options because of where I live, plus this is something that I love to do and am good at. But I want to be realistic about how this will be viewed by admissions.
What can I be doing in the next 2 years to make my application as strong as possible? I am open to just about anything.
I know my history is very rough around the edges, but I know I am smart, motivated, and have what it takes, and I am willing to work hard to get to where I need to be. But, do I have a shot of getting into my target schools? Will they be able to look past some of my past shortcomings?
Target schools: Haas, IESE, IE, HBS (Why not)
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to look my profile over and giving my advice. Please feel free to be harsh/realistic with me. I want this very badly but also don't want to waste time on a lost cause.
Thank you!!
I went to a well respected state university from 2003-2007 and did not graduate. I had a 2.5 gpa and basically failed a couple classes and ran out of time, money, and motivation at the end. I was a history major with a very inconsistent transcript- many A's and B's and some D's and F's.
Work history:
1/08-5/8 Internship with real estate company in Vina del Mar, Chile. Basic administrative duties, all spanish speaking.
9/08-5/09 Fuels Analyst for Energy Software Company. Was laid off along with 10% of company after 6 months.
Winters of 2009, 2010: Administrative Assistant at Large ski area.
4/2011-Present: Residential Real Estate Agent. Exceeded all sales goals in first year. Outperformed other full time colleagues with many more years of experience.
I have since become very motivated to get myself back on track and to move up in my professional career.
The local community college in my town now offers an accredited bachelor's degree in Business Administration and I have decided to enroll. First I thought some of the courses could be useful, but I have found that I am developing a passion for business. I am now in my second semester of going to school full time while continuing to work full time as a Realtor. I have a 3.96 gpa and feel very confident that I can maintain or improve this gpa.
I only need 6 credits to graduate from my original University and am in the process of doing this at the same time as continuing the business coursework at my local college- expected graduation is fall 2013.
Other info:
White female, age 28
currently living in remote ski town in Colorado
competetive mountain biker (local races)
at original University: 4 year rower for crew team, traveled and competed nationally, year round
volunteer work: have participated in Animal Assisted Therapy with my dog at a local hospital and local elementary school (2009-2011)
Fluent in Spanish
Trying to get involved in local organizations to showcase leadership skills. Just started getting involved in local Sustainability Council and plan to take on leadership roles.
GMAT: Anticipate over 700 based on practice tests.
Questions:
Which is better option?
1. Complete Bachelor degree in Business (exp. grad. date: fall 2014)to provide full alternative transcript/degree with close to 4.0 gpa
2. Take one more full time semester with quant. classes such as calc. and stats to show that I can get A's in these and then apply without graduating.
(both scenarios include graduating from original University)
Is working as a residential real estate agent good enough work experience? I am kind of limited on my options because of where I live, plus this is something that I love to do and am good at. But I want to be realistic about how this will be viewed by admissions.
What can I be doing in the next 2 years to make my application as strong as possible? I am open to just about anything.
I know my history is very rough around the edges, but I know I am smart, motivated, and have what it takes, and I am willing to work hard to get to where I need to be. But, do I have a shot of getting into my target schools? Will they be able to look past some of my past shortcomings?
Target schools: Haas, IESE, IE, HBS (Why not)
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to look my profile over and giving my advice. Please feel free to be harsh/realistic with me. I want this very badly but also don't want to waste time on a lost cause.
Thank you!!
