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Can anyone help me with an evaluation?

GMAT: 740, taken once

GPA: 2.75 from Cornell, but my last two semesters were 3.56 and 3.76 with above average courseloads and while working part-time. Prior to those semesters, I struggled with clinical depression, took two years off, and came back to finish strong those last two semesters.

Work Experience: 3 years teaching test prep and English in Bangkok, Thailand.

Other: Advanced fluency in written/spoken Thai acheived through intensive study while living here in Bangkok.

MBA Goals and Career Plan: non-profit/NGO management and economic development related work in Southeast Asia.

I just submitted my application to Fletcher's MIB program. I think I'm a good fit but its very competitive. I want to be in Boston and am considering the last rounds for HBS, BU, BC, and as a backup, Hult. I am also considering Columbia and Stern as I could also be in NY.

Am I wasting my time with HBS, Columbia, and Stern?

Hi,

As you probably know, most schools have an 'optional essay' which asks for any information not presented in the main essays. This is a great space to discuss any weakness in your application (i.e. gaps in employment, low grades/GMAT, etc). In your case, I would strongly urge you to discuss your college grades - and if you feel comfortable - explaining why you took two years off (you can just say for health reasons).

It will be very difficult to get admissions into a top 15 MBA program in R3. If you have your heart set on attending a higher ranked school, then you might want to wait and apply next year (if possible)

Regards,

N

Thanks for the advice. I wrote such an "optional" essay for my Fletcher application and definitely will do so for any other applications.

Fortunately Columbia, BC, and Hult have R3 deadlines after I learn the results of my Fletcher application, but Harvard, BU, and Stern have March 15th deadlines which are a bit daunting given that Fletcher is my first choice and I'm extremely busy with work at the moment. I think I'll drop Stern at least because I much prefer to be in Boston.

Best of luck!

NP