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Hi Experts,

Profile:

Male (26 years old) Canadian

University of Toronto Undergrad (Commerce)
cGPA: 3.31
Last year GPA: 3.51

GMAT: 730 (Q48; V42) AWA 6

Work Experience: 2 years total (3 years once MBA starts)
1 year at large Canadian Bank in a development program. Worked in many parts of the bank including a 3 month charity secondment where I did business Intelligence for top Hospital Charity
1 year and current at family business that sells accessible products in a marketing manager role (also worked here throughout University, 10 million+ revenue company, so not known but also not tiny)

Extra-Curriculars:
-Very involved in various charities as a member
-Leadership positions in particular a charity where I run groups for young adolescents who have lost a loved one recently, also run groups for all ages that lost someone to suicide. I've done this for a few years and am now joining the Board as the youngest member

Caveats:
I hate to use it as a crutch, but I lost my Mother just before University. It really affected my grades, went to part-time and even failed a course trying to make it up in summer.
However, I finished strong in last 1.5 years. Also hoping GMAT helps fight low GPA. That said, I did finish with 3.31 overall.
It is also the reason I got involved in running those groups and being a Board Member in this NGO.


Targets: (I want to work at a large NGO [or NGO consulting], or large marketing company if NGO doesn't work out at first)
Rotman MBA
Schulich MBA
Cambridge MBA (probably need more exp.)
Oxford MBA ((probably need more exp.)

Questions:
1) Could I get in
2) Is it too early in my work experience to apply
3) How do I address the poor 2nd year and failed course
4) Are there other schools I should consider for NGO or Marketing industries

Thank you

Hi there,

1) I would say your profile presents you as a competitive candidate for these programs.
Regarding your GPA, one method of addressing the issue of a low GPA is taking some pre-MBA courses and ace them. That shows your current capabilities as a student.


2) You are at the low end of the spectrum when it comes to experience. The extra curricular activities help you though.
One very important question to ask yourself before applying to an MBA is, why is this the right time to get an MBA?

3) First of all, condolence on you loss. Secondly, It's important that you don't try to make excuses for yourself. However, these are the realities and it's important to be honest and accurate. If you want to address it, you can do so in the essay. You can address it briefly in a short paragraph in a very unapologetic way.

4) Of top MBA programs you might want to consider Kellogg School of Management for marketing industries.
If you have your heart set on NGO, Yale is a great option.

If you would like more in-depth insights that are relevant to your individual situation, sign up for a free consultation,

https://www.mbaitnow.com/contact-bedford/

I hope my reply offered you a little clarity on the matter and wish you the best of luck!