I am beginning the process of applying to grad schools and I am a bit worried about my application package/story. I wanted to hear a counselor's opinion on my chances of acceptance, and what I can do to put together the most convincing application.
A bit about me:
I'm a white male, 32, gay (not sure if this matters). I attended the University of California - Irvine and received a BA in Theater (GPA - 3.005 - more on this later). In regards to my GMAT score, I am aiming for at least 700 (45/40 range - practice tests have been around there and I still have a month and a half before the test).
So my story goes that I went off to college, where I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I started in Pre-Med (hated it), and did fine my first year. However, it was during my second year that my father passed away (suicide). As to be expected, my grades plummeted. My brother became heavily involved in drugs, a white supremicist gang (long story). My mother was devistated. I was barely holding together. During the end of my second year, I changed my major to Theater, got decent grades, and was on the Dean's list quite a few times. I ended up graduating with a 3.005 after 5 years of struggling to bring my GPA back up (my father's passing was extremely difficult on my family and me).
Next, I moved to New York and persued the dream. However--as it most often does--the dream did not pan out. I worked for a major hotel in Times Square at the Front Desk for 6 years (the money was suprisingly good, and so regretfully I didn't take opportunities for advancement, although I was the Shift Lead and had the highest upsell record and enrollment in loyalty program 4 years in a row). This is a huge deal in the hotel, however I'm not sure how this translates to Grad Schools. Last year I transferred to a coveted Sales position at an even more prestigious hotel (very difficult to get into). Along the way within my company I cross-trained in several of our sister properties: 2 years in Marketing, 1 year in Copywriting, I took company sponsored Graphic Design/Marketing Courses at UCLA (all A's). I have 2 bosses that will no doubt write rave reviews for me. I have quite a few extracurricular going for me, as well: I was published in 6 literary journals, I wrote a novel (that never got picked up), I have been an accomplished pianist since childhood where I won countless competitions and recitals. As you can see, creativity and marketing is where I shine. I was a gymnastics coach and team captain in college, and was an assistant manager at a coffee shop during the same period. I am the first one in my family to graduate from college (let alone grad school), and took part in a Leadership Development Program at UCI.
So I'm at a point now, where I'm trying to weave everything together to exemplify leadership (ie: holding the family together after my father's passing, etc.) My doubts are that my GPA is clearly lacking, and also I'm not so sure that schools are going to be thrilled that I was a Theater major. Also I don't have any official management roles, mostly implied leadership roles, and those outside of work. I want to apply to top schools, but is it a lost cause? I have no doubt I could craft an outstanding essay, I'm just worried about how to phrase/spin the content. I wanted to apply to Columbia and NYU (both close to me), Georgetown, UCLA, USC, Cornell, and Booth. Boston University and Boston College (both backups). I will be applying first round. Any advice is much appreciated.
Also, I failed to mention that I began this whole application process 3 years ago, but ran into some medical issues. Which are now resolved. It's been a difficult life to say the least. But hey I'm still here. And that's somehing.
