Ask mbaMission

Hello,

I'm a college senior, and targeting the following programs:
HBS 2+2, IESE Young Talent Program, Yale Silver Scholar Program.

Personal Details: 21/Female/Residing in Malaysia, Indian Nationality.
Undergrad: University of Nottingham, Malaysia (with a year abroad in UK).
Course: BEng Electronic and Computer Engineering, 3 year course.
GPA: We don't have one, second year average is 76% which is in the top 10%.

Extracurriculars: PLENTY. Sports, Volunteering, Fundraising, Society Clubs.
Languages: English/Tamil/Hindi/German/French (the last two very basic).

Internships:
4 weeks at Deloitte (IT Consulting) in Malaysia.
12 weeks at PSI Metals GmbH (Process Consulting) in Germany.

Problems:
First and second year modules were compulsory, and there are some modules which I did not do well in. How can I explain this? Lack of interest in subject? Lack of effort?
I'm giving my GMAT exam in one month's time, however, not too confident of getting 700+.

Please let me know if I stand a decent chance at getting into the programs I've listed above. Thank you!

Hello mriiidula, thanks for your question.

It's hard to make a pronouncement as to your potential competitiveness without a complete picture (especially your GMAT), but I'll comment broadly.

I think you have impressive business experience so far, which indicates your potential. That said, I don't think your potential explanations for your low-performing modules will stand up. Lack of interest and effort do not seem like compelling excuses why you underperformed compulsory courses. They actually might be interpreted as a potentially negative attitude, so I would actually avoid saying anything along those lines! Rather, I would reference another analogue that is a better representation of your academic ability and potential.

Best of luck,
Brian