Please evaluate my profile and chance to get in top program

[andreg]

Dear Stacy,

I am applying this year for a full time mba at NYU, Columbia, Wharton, Harvard and Standford. I know that my profile is not very common and that my undergraduate grades will not help. Do you think I still have a chance?
As a backup, I am also applying to MBAs and Masters in Finance in the two top French business schools. However, I would prefer to stay in NY as my wife works there.


Here is my profile:

Academics:
-Born and raised in France where I studied until high school.
-BA in Finance '04 from top 30 university with a terrible GPA of 2.8 (some family and financials problems interfered with my studies, should I mention them in my applications?)
-GMAT: I am taking it on December 26, I am scoring 680-700 (quant:48-52) consistently on my practice test. My goal is 720.
-Speak fluently 4 languages.

Work Experience:
-2 years tutoring in French and Math during college (20hrs per week) to help me pay my tuitions.
-6 month internship after graduation in top NY art gallery
-1 year as a real estate broker
-April 2005, started from scratch my own company specialized in trading luxury vintage watches. I invested 100k, I have now 1 million in sales this year and I am entertaining buy out offers.
My goal post MBA is to start a fund specialized in acquiring art and antiques.

Extra curricular:
Team captain for soccer and fencing during college
Strong involvement in non for profit organizations in France and US



Thank you for your help,
I look forward to reading your assessment.

Cheers,
Andre

[Amy]

Hi Andre,

It sounds like you have a very interesting and successful work background, and you are right that it's unusual. I think you will possibly have an issue with your GPA, depending on how the GMAT works out. I would focus on putting together a strong rationale for your background, variety of experiences, and how it has led you to your future goals.

Good luck!

Amy

[andreg]

Thank you Amy for your reply,

My reason for my poor gpa is that I had to start working after the first year to pay for my studies. I ended up tutoring up to 20 high school kids a week and I became more interested in that then school It also taught me that i wanted to start my own venture after college.
I am taking my gmat on the 26th and I hope to score above 700, do you think it will be sufficient?
All the best and happy holidays,
Andre

[Amy]

Hi Andre,

A strong GMAT score can certainly help. You will definitely write an optional essay about why your GPA was low, but make sure to avoid excuses and instead discuss why you have changed and what will make grad school different.

Good luck!

Amy

[andreg]

Thank you Amy,

The big day for the gmat has arrived...6h and I wil be answering the first essay...
I have cold but I feel confident!
Happy holidays,
A.


Ps: hopefully you will see a post in "I just beat the gmat" section 8)

[Amy]

Hi Andre,

Good luck!

Let us know how it goes.

Amy

[andreg]

710 Q:49 and V: 37

I am happy its over, I posted a long message on the other board to give some advices and insights on my experience.
I feel closer to my goal now!
Best,
Andre

[andreg]

Just submitted my applications for HBS and Wharton!
And so the wait began...