Hello, I guess I am another high GMAT / low GPA story (2.5/770). Hopefully you guys can help me determine what is realistic for me and what I ought to be looking at based on my interests.
The numbers
About 4 years ago, I graduated from one of the lower Ivy league universities with a GPA of 2.5. Honestly, the school was a horrible fit for me and I have a million excuses as to why I did poorly, but the fact remains that I only have a 2.5 GPA. I've matured greatly since then and recently received a 770 on the GMAT (50Q / 47V / 6.0).
My background
Pretty normal at the start. Im a Caucasian male from the US. After college, I spent 3 years working in Japan. I became a teacher over here and have taught overseas for a few years. I have learned the language and should be fluent by grad school. I talked to a few colleges and they recommended that I take some undergraduate classes in order to create an additional transcript. Currently I am attending a top 3 college here in Japan and should have a GPA between 3.75-4.00 by the time I write my application.
The extras
Nothing too, too special here. I do a lot of volunteering in Japan teaching under-privileged youth. I run a self-defense seminar which I helped create. I am a part of the university's martial arts team and participate in some amateur basketball leagues here. I am a part of a few chess clubs and some minor stuff like that as well.
The Questions
Im looking at a few American business schools and a few international ones too since honestly, I am enjoying living overseas... plus, my interest is in international finance. As of now, I am looking at the following list:
1) University of Chicago
2) London School of Business
3) CEIBS
4) Columbia Business School
5) University of Oxford - Said
I have 1-2 extra that I am pretty sure I can get into; however these are my ideal schools. Any ideas on the possibility that I can get into atleast 1 of these schools?
Also, any suggestions on what I can do to counteract my low GPA would be helpful.
The numbers
About 4 years ago, I graduated from one of the lower Ivy league universities with a GPA of 2.5. Honestly, the school was a horrible fit for me and I have a million excuses as to why I did poorly, but the fact remains that I only have a 2.5 GPA. I've matured greatly since then and recently received a 770 on the GMAT (50Q / 47V / 6.0).
My background
Pretty normal at the start. Im a Caucasian male from the US. After college, I spent 3 years working in Japan. I became a teacher over here and have taught overseas for a few years. I have learned the language and should be fluent by grad school. I talked to a few colleges and they recommended that I take some undergraduate classes in order to create an additional transcript. Currently I am attending a top 3 college here in Japan and should have a GPA between 3.75-4.00 by the time I write my application.
The extras
Nothing too, too special here. I do a lot of volunteering in Japan teaching under-privileged youth. I run a self-defense seminar which I helped create. I am a part of the university's martial arts team and participate in some amateur basketball leagues here. I am a part of a few chess clubs and some minor stuff like that as well.
The Questions
Im looking at a few American business schools and a few international ones too since honestly, I am enjoying living overseas... plus, my interest is in international finance. As of now, I am looking at the following list:
1) University of Chicago
2) London School of Business
3) CEIBS
4) Columbia Business School
5) University of Oxford - Said
I have 1-2 extra that I am pretty sure I can get into; however these are my ideal schools. Any ideas on the possibility that I can get into atleast 1 of these schools?
Also, any suggestions on what I can do to counteract my low GPA would be helpful.
It frightens me the awful truth of how sweet life can be
