Consultant/Corp Dev Mgr in Media

[blueking]

Hello

I'm not sure exactly how this forum works but hopefully if I put down some facts about myself an expert might be able to suggest what things to emphasize more/less.

>American, from NYC, living in England (London) for 7 years (3: college, 4: work)
>Studied International Relations at the London School of Economics (BSc). Transcript a bit all over the place but emerged with an Upper Second Class Honours, "2.1", the second-highest degree available. I am a little nervous about admissions committees interpreting my English university transcript where getting a '60' in a course is the equivalent of a B+ and I have a fair few grades in the 50s!
>GMAT 730 (Q48/V42)
>BCG Associate (London) for 2.5 years - worked on broad range of projects (financial services, pharma, energy, PE, consumer, media)
>Corporate Development Manager for large diversified media company in the Europe & Asia regions (project-based role involving strategic, operational reviews, M&A analysis) current role (1.5 years). projects include significant M&A transactions, re-org of division
>Strong possibility of earning sponsorship for MBA if admitted
>Started smoothie business in downtown NYC over a summer in college (produced annualised revenues of $100k)
>Account Manager for non-profit that does media/PR for other non-profits (6 months), helped prominent NGO reach target impact in annual campaign.
>CFO of small film production company (helping a friend start up, have built 12-month/5-yr business plan) but only just started this 4 months ago so first film not yet produced. $200k of start-up capital raised (part of which was contingent upon business plan I produced)
>Student tutor/mentor at BCG/college
>News Editor of college newspaper

Schools going for HBS, Stanford, Wharton, Columbia, MIT Sloan

Thanks
John.

[Tani]

Hi John,

First, the GPA issue. All the top schools are experienced at dealing with GPAs from different systems. Also, your undergraduate college should be able to advise you on translating to the American point system. If those options don't work, there are independent groups that will translate your GPA for a fee. You can always ask your target schools what services they recommend.

Your GMAT is great and you have an interesting background with a combination of entrepreneurial and large-corporation work. Your smoothie experience is great and the fact that you raised significant start-up capital will be impressive even though you have not gone into production yet. And, company sponsorship is compelling because it reassures the school of your ability to pay, because it offers the sure prospect of post-graduate employment, and because it endorses your performance in the clearest possible manner. Also, top schools relish their connections with top employers and you have the potential to add to that.

Business schools are looking for three things:
1) intellectual chops - can you handle the classroom work - your GMAT score says "no problem"
2) leadership - management is getting things done through people. Presumably, if you were selling $100K (annualized) of smoothies you led employees through the start up process.
3) potential contribution - Schools want people who are going to contribute in the classroom and in their careers. The background from which to bring a diverse perspective to the classroom is crucial. Your range of activities and experiences should be helpful.

All in all, you are the type of applicant the top schools are looking for. That does not mean you are a shoo-in. There is no such animal. The top schools have many thousands more attractive - even exciting - applicants than they can accept. You will need to tell your story in the strongest, most persuasive terms to rise to the top. An experienced admissions consultant can be a great help in identifying your story and putting it in the most compelling form. If you are determined to go to school next year, you need a balance of stretch, sweet spot and safety schools.

Good luck,