Very low GPA, do I have any chance?

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Very low GPA, do I have any chance?

by MBAoneday » Tue May 04, 2010 5:23 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 5:28 am
I should add im interested in:

Yale, UNC, Duke, Darden, Georgetown.

Thanks!

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by Stacey Oyler » Tue May 18, 2010 12:57 pm
Hi,

Thanks for your post. Overall your profile is quite impressive. You have great professional experience to date (especially the entrepreneurial bit), and solid extracurricular activities. Adcoms are very much attracted to this type of profile.

In regard to your academics... You certainly have the right idea in regard to taking college courses. Be sure you take this at an accredited university and plan to earn A's in each course. I recommend taking statistics, economics, accounting and finance. Since you aren't applying for a few more years my hope is you will have time to do this. Earning A's in these courses combined with your your GMAT score of 720 will certainly help demonstrate to the adcom that you are capable academically and that you will likely be successful in the classroom.

Keep up all the good work!

Best,

Stacey
Sign up for my MBA admissions course, featuring me and other Clear Admit experts, by visiting: https://www.udemy.com/business-school

Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

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