Seeking comments on candidacy and BSchool suggestions

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Hi Stacy;

I'd very much appreciate it if you would take the time to evaluate my candidate profile and perhaps suggest a few schools that might merit consideration to round out my applications.

In short,

- I am a 23 year old Caucasian female looking for a full-time MBA or MA Sports program.
- Graduated with a 2.9-3.0 GPA from Queen's University in Kingston, majoring in Economics. One failed Statistics course (did not drop in time, achieved 85% upon retake).
- I have yet to write the GMAT, but have scored in the 680-710 range in practice tests (97th% V, much weaker Q).
- In terms of work experience, I have nearly 4 years of part-time project coordinator work of some responsibility. I later spent nearly two years rapidly advancing to the role of Commercial Account Manager with an internationally based Fortune 500 Bank. Unhappy in the banking industry, I then chose to leave my position, travel, and prepare my BSchool applications.
- Much closer to my real passion for sports, I am heavily involved in the Special Olympics. I have held a demanding volunteer position at an international event and continue to serve on the governing committee of a local club chapter. I have much additional volunteer work, mostly with organizations benefitting the disabled or homeless.
- I am a certified hockey coach, and participate in a number of recreational sports.

In reading these forums earlier this year, I decided to try to mitigate my low GPA by building an "alternative transcript" of two courses, Financial Analysis & Accounting as well as Mathematical Finance, through a local college. I expect to achieve 95%+ in both courses and hope to get a letter of recommendation from the Dean.

I intend to apply second round to the following schools:
- Boston College
- Boston University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Chicago
- SDA Bocconi
- Oxford

How do you perceive my chances for acceptance, and do you see any obvious weaknesses in my application that I should continue to address? Additionally, are there are other programs (particularly those with a focus on sports) that merit consideration for application?

I thank you for any and all help!
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:26 pm
Dear esthero_101,

You have done a good job of self-assessment and seem to have a handle on the strengths and weaknesses of your profile. Your school list is is an appropriate mix, although your GMAT score will be a critical piece in finalizing the list. The only potential weakness I see, based on your post, is your work experience. It appears you have only two years of full-time, professional work experience and then have been unemployed for some time. This tenure will raise a concern, so you need to explicitly address why you left your job and what you plan to do between now and business school.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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