How steep is my challenge for top 5 MBA schools - v.low gpa

[tron]

Hi,

I am a very new member to this site. I just stumbled upon on it yesterday. First, I would like to thank all the people who contribute to the site. I am just plain amazed, at the tips/advice/strategies people post here, its overwhelming - but its awesome.

The reason I joined this site, is to receive feedback on how to improve my scores, and as I gain experience provide feedback to the community. Its a two way street and I do understand.

**READER BEWARE - this Post is long*** - Summary is in the bottom ****


Here is the challenge in front of me.

I have a very specific list of 3 Ivy league schools that I want. They all are Tier-1, and I have to overcome the odds, and get admitted. They all are in the top 5 in ranking wise.

I do know the fact to even show competitive application, I have to GMAT Score in the range of 730+ (I want 760+), as my GPA in undergrad was around 2.5 Overall and major GPA was 2.75 - yes its that damn low.

Reasons

I moved to US in 95, and got admission in college by '97 - but I graduated in 04 with B.Sc in CSIS from a normal university (but now its definitely ranked---its quite big university now).

Why it took me so long to graduate - first 3 years, I had no idea what the hell I was doing? I really had no guidance - hey its tough being new to the country and understanding the ways of life here.

But the next few years, I focused on my main skills which was in computers - I became Linux Certified, and AIX certified before it became the norm. I did fall in love with Linux/UNIX OS by 98....and wowed to master it, as I knew it would become a dominant force in IT.

While in school, I managed to get a 2 year full-time co-op at one of the biggest IT companies being AIX (UNIX)/Network Engineer - I was literally managing million dollar systems and network operation/infrastructure in 5 cities. It was the dream job, that I always wanted - at that time.

I knew back then, since I had low GPA - I working full time, and taking classes at night is gonna be damn tough (I only aced all the computer classes)...I knew in IT industry, they look at experience - not the school name (that was my understanding at that time)....and yes it did help me - the company's name, and experience was launching pad for me after I graduated. I nailed jobs at the big 4 accounting firms- but after consulting gigs (I hated to fly every week), I am now doing patent work in networking field. I also did some entrepreneurial work on the side.

Graduated in 2004

Major work Experience starts from 2001-present

You all might say, I should do LAW, or more comp sci. But no, I want to get into very specific industry in finance - yes I found my new love for finance in 06 during my travels and the rabbit hole for me gets deeper by the day. Computers has always and will always be a hobby for me, and now I want to go higher to truly what I really enjoy. Its more of a calling than anything.


In Short -----

I am not going to get disappointed with my low GPA of 2.5, and lose hope - but what other challenges am I going to face to get selected by those schools?

With my background, do I have a fighting chance to gain admission or do I have to work on something else.

Current GMAT range is - so-so. I have forgotten lot of material, and I do know I have to practice a lot . Math is definitely a weakness, vs verbal. Will be taking my first CAT this week.

[tron]

Any Feedback? Its greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Ttronn]

The problem with top-5 MBA programs is that you really can`t afford to have any element of your application that is significantly below the 20 level of their 80/20 range. Above and beyond that, admissions at these programs are also a crapshoot meaning that many many many qualified applicants don't get in while others that have eerily similar stats get in. Even with a perfect GMAT score, wonderfully fluid and pointed essays, sparkling references, and a great interview, the very real possibility that you won't get accepted is still there.

I suggest not dwelling too much on this right now and focus all of your efforts on that GMAT score as you will likely need a score above the school's median to get noticed. After you get that score (provided it is 700+) I would start thinking more about what you want from the MBA program, what you want from your post-MBA career, and what specialization/institute/club you may be interested in and then conduct some very in-depth research to find schools that suit your needs. Saying I want school A/B/C but not being able to adequately ascertain why that is a dangerous position to be in while applying, and even worse would be getting accepted by and attending a school when you aren't sure whether their program satisfies your needs regardless of its prestige.

[Stacy Blackman]

Hi Tron,

For now, it is a good idea to focus on the GMAT test, as your score will play a role in your application. At the same time, you should begin considering ways you can discuss your low GPA in your application. This will be a concern for MBA admissions teams.

We worked with a client who had a sub 3.0 GPA, and he was admitted into both Columbia and Chicago. You can read out strategy here; it will be applicable to your candidacy:

https://www.stacyblackman.com/comprehens ... ies/case5/


I hope this was of help Tron. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Best,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

[tron]

Thanks for the great feedback. I will double up of my efforts on my GMAT study. As I intend to take up the exam in Apr-May time frame, and then work on my application (I intend to apply by this fall).