The Application Process

Hey guys!

I have found myself in a strange situation and I need some help or information. I am currently 23 years old and in what was supposed to be my senior year. I had planned on applying to top tier U.S. business schools next October 2012 and I fear that my current situation may have derailed that plan. I am unable to maintain any course load this year due to health problems. As a result I cannot graduate until April 2013, at the age of 25. I am hopeful that I can still apply during what is my "senior" year and not have to lose a year. Below I have provided some information on myself and would appreciate if anyone with knowledge can shed some light on whether I should not be concerned, or if I shouldn't waste my time/money applying in October 2012.

GMAT: not currently taken

Work Experience: 2 small and successful startups during high school (if that matters). I've worked 5 years full time for a property management and development company. I hired and managed 25 employees, as well as managed $10 million in assets and over $2 million in projects over the last 4 years of my employment at the company. I have since made a transition and started my own company producing interior architectural products. I am still in the preliminary stage, however a factory and other infrastructure is in place already. The company is incorporated and I will own the patent for my product. I am the only company in Canada that will produce both the materials to be used and the final product. If I am to apply for R1 in October 2012 I will be applying with 6+ years of continuous full time experience.

Undergrad: I am majoring in Science and Technology Studies at York University in Toronto. My degree will be a 3-year B.A. The purpose of the program is the study of technology and it's development, etc. Throughout the years I have been a part time student, and have been in school on and off. The reasons for that being of course my heavy job duties and various financial reasons. I have paid my way through school entirely. If I am to apply in October of 2012, during my senior year, I will have a GPA of 3.5-3.6. This of course does not include the marks to be attained in that final year (it will be less than a full course load). My final GPA may very well be 3.7+.

Community: In 2005, during 11th grade I had started and organized an initiative to clean up polluted areas of a local moraine. I ran this from 2005 until 2010. I have personally contributed over 300 hours of physical service, while the initiative has contributed over 2,500 hours with 45 volunteers over the years. I also have a few hundred hours volunteering at hockey schools helping children aged 10 and under.

Misc.: I am completely bilingual in both English and Russian. I had also played Junior A hockey until 2006, and briefly in 2008.

I am confident that my work experience and GMAT score will suffice, but I am concerned that top programs such as M.I.T. or NYU may frown upon the fact that I am still a senior when I apply. I am aware that I am still relatively young, however I have yet to graduate and I feel that I am at the point in my life and career where it is appropriate and somewhat crucial to get my MBA. I am very concerned that I have lost a year because of my illness. I choose not to discuss the specifics of my health problem, but suffice it to say that it is substantial and does allow me to continue to work. If anyone can shed some light or has any questions that may help me I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you!!
Eric

Hi Eric

There is nothing to worry about the AdCom taking it negatively. Believe me, year on year we get to know applicants who had faced similar problems and were admitted without any discrimination. I personally feel you have a good profile and will be a top contender for MIT and likes.

Control the controllables. Concentrate on your GMAT and come back with a good score.

Your optional essay will convince the adcom of the plight like it has moved me.

Best of luck