Profile Evaluation Request

[meenie]

Hi Stacy,

Was wondering if you could evaluate my profile.

Applying for 2011 admittance
Age: 24
GPA: 3.12 from the University of Toronto (B.com)
GMAT: 640
Work Experience: 1 year, 10 months at Hyundai Auto Canada (was promoted after a year and a half to an Analyst role)
Extra curricular: Currently volunteering with Big Brothers & Big Sisters, I play sports, sing and choreograph dances (just as a hobby)

I recently left my job in order to improve my GPA as it was quite low. I started doing this in Jan/2010 while I was working but wanted to finish upgrading before the final rounds were up for 2011 admittance, so I left my job and am currently attending university full time.

Schools that I'm applying to:
Richard Ivey School of Business at Western
Queens
Rotman at U of T
Degroote at McMaster
Laurier


Do you think I have a chance?!

Thanks a lot!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear meenie,

While I understand your thought process in wanting to take some additional coursework, these courses will not change your GPA unless you are actually earning another bachelor's degree. They will, however, show you have the ability to excel in the classroom. In my opinion, I think the schools will actually be more concerned by your amount of work experience and the fact you have left your job than your GPA. You do not have much work experience, although the promotion will help to show the quality of your experience, but I think you should be prepared for questions in your interview(s) on why you made the decision to leave your job to attend classes. With a great set of essays and recommendations, as well as a strong interview, I do think you have a chance at your target schools. Like most applicants, the key will be in how well you convey why you need an MBA, why now, and how the MBA is the next step in achieving your career goals.

Good luck,
Lisa