Non Traditional Student Profile Evaluation

[mpt78]

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?

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. Your story is certainly unique and one that you should share (at least in part) with the admissions committee. Anytime there is a red flag in an application it is always best to explain it rather than allow the admissions committee to draw their own conclusion. Your low GPA will need to be explained. You may choose to write about your struggles with alcohol and drug abuse in one of your essays, however, either way, you should plan to write a brief optional essay for each school explaining your low GPA.

Your recovery and subsequent career success is certainly inspirational and will demonstrate your drive and ambition which all three programs will find desirable. However, even though your past is quite different and can certainly help distinguish your application, you will want to be sure that your short and long term goals for the future are sound. While we all grow and learn from our past, bschools want to know who you will be in the future.

If you can develop solid essays and convincing goals you could be competitive for admission at the programs you've listed.

If you'd like a free, detailed assessment of your profile please send your resume to [email protected].

Best,

Stacey