MBA Eval for Tepper

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KyleW: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:50 am

by KyleW » Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:12 pm

I am trying to get into a good school that gives me a fighting chance to get into IBanking as an Associate. I have a little over 3 years of professional experience with two different companies. I started off as an Equity Trader at Fidelity, nondiscretionary trading, and later onto Chase as a Financial Advisor. I was laid off by Chase back in April of this year and believed it to be my best option to hold out for an Analyst role however that has proved fruitless. In the meantime I have started a very small arbitrage business for real estate. Also I have most recently started a non-profit and trying to do as much volunteer work as I can between now and applicatons.

Numbers:
Age: 28
Undergrad: Medium sized no-name state school with 2.9 GPA (may be explanation behind low GPA, not sure if I should include explanation or not) in Math
GMAT: 680 first attempt, planning on retaking in December
I do have my financial licenses (7, 63, 66) etc...
Extracurricular: Worked throughout college on developing a Learn to Skate program for local community and small ice rink at my state school
I took time after college graduation to travel (i.e. South America, Middle East, Mexico).

I am looking for full-time programs. Given my situation and the fact that I absolutely don't want to get back into retail banking. My rankings are:

1. Tepper (Dual degree MBA/MSCF)
2. Stern (far fetched?)
3. Darden

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Kyle

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:12 pm

KyleW: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:50 am

by KyleW » Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:39 pm

Also, I was a math undergraduate major however I barely squeeked by on Calculus coursework and Differential Equations. Would it be beneficial for me to retake these courses or to prove my aptitude by taking other courses that I have not yet attempted (i.e. Accounting, Econ, etc...). And if I do retake the math courses again should I start off at Calc 1 and retake them or should I go for Differential Equations and ensure I get an A?

Again, Thanks!

GMAT/MBA Expert

Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:18 am

Dear Kyle,

I don't think Tepper, Stern or Darden are unreasonable for you, especially if you break a 700 on your next GMAT. However, I do encourage you to add some schools outside the top 15 to your mix to give yourself the best chance of being in business school. As you already know, presenting your career path to date and academic history in the best light will be critical to your applications being successful at any program. With regard to courses you will retake, it is hard to say without actually reviewing your transcript. Since you have a math degree, it is important to look at your performance in all of your math classes. If you did less than a B in all of your calculus and algebra courses, then I suggest taking a calculus class. However, if you had 1 C but otherwise A/B in algebra and calculus, then taking an economics, accounting or finance course would be fine. Regardless of what you take, you do want to earn that A.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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