Help evaluate a very non-traditional candidate...

[NonTraditional]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum and would be extremely grateful for some feedback.

Male - 29 yrs old - Pakistani-American

BA Philosophy(Gov.'t minor) from a top public university

Low GPA - 2.3
-had severe health issues throughout undergrad. At the time, I lacked the judgment to withdraw from school, get healthy and then return, rather than continually let my academic record be damaged. I take full responsibility and for the apps I will attach optional essay/addendum to explain my circumstances.

Plan to take GMAT in October.
-practice test range is 690-720, have consistently scored over 700.
-optimistic goal 740+

Work Experience
-2 years management experience for construction supplier
-7 months Construction Manager for commercial development firm
-9 months Volunteer English Teacher - Masai Tribe, Tanzania, Africa
-CURRENT - Financial Coach and Mentor for Non-Profit working with low socioeconomic background clients.

Alternative Transcript
-Microeconomics at local community college - "A"
-plan to take Fin. Accounting and Calculus in the Fall
-would these 3 classes with "A's" suffice for an alternative transcript? I considered taking Statistics as well but I do not want to overload myself in the Fall and risk not getting an "A." Otherwise I would have to take Statistics after I have already submitted my applications.


1) Given that I score within my practice GMAT range, or hopefully better, is a top 20 B-school realistic for me?

2) I won't be ready to apply in Round 1, should I apply in Round 2 or 3? I know 3 is more competitive, but it will allow me to add more time to my work experience and maybe take Statistics as well.

3) Does legacy count for anything? My dad has an MBA and PhD from Wharton, could this help me get an interview?

Sorry for the length and thanks for any help!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear NonTraditional,

You have some interesting work experience that you should leverage to your advantage in your applications. I think the 3 courses you are taking are enough for your alternative transcript, so I don't think the statistics class is necessary unless you want to take it for your own preparation. With regards to your other questions:

1) Given that I score within my practice GMAT range, or hopefully better, is a top 20 B-school realistic for me?
Perhaps. A high GMAT score (>720) will mitigate your low GPA to some degree, but there is no guarantee you will receive an admission offer (much less an interview) if you score over 700.

2) I won't be ready to apply in Round 1, should I apply in Round 2 or 3? I know 3 is more competitive, but it will allow me to add more time to my work experience and maybe take Statistics as well.
It is best to apply in round 1 or round 2. The difference in work experience of a few months is negligible, so apply as early as you feasibly can.

3) Does legacy count for anything? My dad has an MBA and PhD from Wharton, could this help me get an interview?
Maybe--it is no guarantee of an interview or admission at any school. However, it is usually noted and gives your application a thorough screening.

Good luck,
Lisa

[NonTraditional]

Thanks Lisa, I really appreciate your insight