Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

31 yr old White Male
730 GMAT
2.7 Undergrad GPA in English Lit. from Hampden Sydney College
Currently I'm an Options Risk Analyst for an Options Volatility Arbitrage Hedge Fund
Former Options Trader on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade

My undergrad GPA was largely influenced by my alcoholism and drug abuse(heroin, methamphetamine)during college. After graduating my parents kicked me out of the house becuase of my substance abuse problems, I was literally homeless for nearly a year. At the age of 24 I went into a rehab program and have been clean ever since. I assume I need to mention this in my optional resume. As far as my career path goes- how an english major becomes a derivatives risk analyst: I started clerking on the trading floor of the CBOT after leaving rehab, became a market maker (trader) after 1.5 years clerking, and I have spent the past 3.5 years as a trading risk analyst/hedge trader for a hedge fund with 200 million in Assets under management.
What are my chances at Chicago, Wharton, and MIT?

Well you certainly have a unique story to bring to your essays and the low GPA will not effect you as much since you've been out of school for awhile.

I would say you have a shot at the top schools, such as Booth, but this is mostly opinion and not based on what I've seen with others, since your background is so unique, does that make sense?

There are other variables that play a part (obviously), such as your desire to get an MBA and how well you tell this unique story. I'd say, and I usually do, the best way to really know is to apply. Does that help?

mpt78:

Not sure what happend to my previous message - so I'll write it again.

Your admission depends upon various factors - including the type of work experience, diversity factor, number of yrs you've worked. etc.

We all have ups and downs in life. However, what defines you as a person is that you are past that stage and you stand as an inpiration for others now who look up to you for guidance. Do not let one incident in the past bother you, spin your story around and give it a positive twist!

Feel free to directly email if me you have further questions.