Evaluation and advice would be greatly appreciated

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Hi,
I wanted to ask for some advice with regards to my situation. My profile is below, could you possibly suggest schools which I would be competitive at. I have named some below but have concerns about shooting higher due to my low GPA and percieved lack of career progression

About me:
24 years old from a small european country which is very under represented in MBA programs. Lived in 12 countries growing up and have travelled to many more. Held leadership positions throughout college (all sporting) and contibuted to some academic societies.

Extra curriculars:
Very sporting. Play rugby to a high standard, Surf, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (have travelled to Brazil and Singapore to compete), Extensive charity work including a spell volunteering in Cambodia.


Work experience:
I currently have 1.5 years of work experience and would be planning on applying in another 1.5 years (giving me 3 years at application and 4 upon matriculation). Since graduating I have been engaged in a start up which focuses on the oil and gas industry. I have been employed in this role by two VP's who are very senior within the industry and their respective countries. Services include access to VC funding ($5m), international marketing for companies wishing to expand internationally, and the provision of executive consultative services. With work I have travelled to Singapore, Norway and Aberdeen. things are tough at the moment due to the economy and progression has slowed. I set up the business from scratch as the gents I work for remain fully employed.

I have also spent the past few months working with the head of a very large multi-national asset management firm to develop new investment vehicles. My work was presented to the board of directors and focused on Alternative investments within the energy industry. This will finish soon as my work is nearly completed.

I can provide excellent recommendations from both companies.

GMAT:
720

Future Plans:
Possibly an MSc in Financial services or International business
Studying for CFA Level 1
Some college level courses to address a low GPA


Weakness: Very low GPA due to illness. Problems which have since been addressed. not sure what it converts too from the european system but I would estimate around a 2.0.

Target schools:
In no order UT@Austin, Duke, Darden, Yale, Georgetown, ASU, UNC

I have a clear vision of why I want to do the MBA and where it would take me.

Thanks for any help,guidance or advice you can offer!
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Sat Dec 26, 2009 9:29 am
Hello,

Your overall profile looks compelling except for the one weakness you note, the GPA. It's low enough to give adcoms pause even with the other strengths. However, since you have some time before you apply, you can take advantage of one opportunity to somewhat, and possibly largely, mitigate the low GPA: you can create an alternative transcript. I suggest that you take some college level courses in areas where you performed poorly in your undergrad, and earn A's. If you do not have access to schools that would enable you to take courses individually without matriculating, you can take courses (2 or 3 would be ideal) from the more reputable online programs, such as UCLA. This effortlook self-crtitique (a hallmark of maturity and of a leader), recognize your weaknesses, take efforts to address those weaknesses, and are serious about doing pursuing your MBA.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com