Evaluate me please (Low GPA applicant, great qualifications)

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Hi, Stacy, Lisa, and Tani,

Could you please evaluate my credentials when you have the time? I would like to know what my chances are. My only insecurity is my undergraduate GPA, which is the main reason I am opting to delay my application until I have at least 5 years of work experience. I certainly do not believe my GPA is an accurate reflection of what I'm capable of (higher core GPA than overall GPA; will not list GPA as this industry is very small with a tight network). I'm also very excited and happy with my current position, which I strongly believe will lead to many grand opportunities in the future.

Age: Late 20s
GMAT: Realistically targeting 700+
Education: Bachelors in Biochemistry

Target MBA programs: FEMBA at Marshall or Anderson for Fall of 2012 or 2013; may consider Pepperdine (Graziadio) if rejected from both Marshall and Anderson

Current industry: Biopharmaceuticals
Specialization: International expansion into emerging markets, project management, large molecule drug product engineering & process development

Work experience: 4 years of very valuable experience in two fortune 500 companies (pharmaceutical industry)

Career goal: Become a global leader in expanding manufacturing of large molecule parenteral drug products into emerging markets, especially China; eliminate inefficiencies in the current global biomanufacturing network, build relationships and a strong reputation to ensure compliance and to maximize competitiveness and profits for shareholders and business partners.
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by Tani » Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:22 pm
Hello,

You are wise to wait for at least 5 years of experience, that will make your UGPA less of an issue. I won't however, go away. You will need to be prepared to explain why you did not step up to the plate during your undergraduate career. That dose not mean you won't be accepted, but the admissions committee will question your ability to handle the coursework. A stellar GMAT will be double important.

Your work experience appears strong as well as representing a key industry. That will help your candidacy. You also have a clearly defined career goal, which is in your favor. IN the end, with one "hole" in your application (the UGPA) the rest of the package will need to be outstanding. You should consider using an admissions consultant to be sure you put your strengths and achievements in the strongest, most persuasive possible terms.

Pepperdine will be a much easier nut to crack than USC or UCLA, but with a great GMAT, none are impossible.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff