Profile Eval for low gpa biotech BD guy?

[gmat18]

Dear All,

I'm in the middle of my applications and wanted to gather some opinions as to whether my aspirations for Bschool were overreaching. My story is somewhat unique in that I supported my way through college playing poker (explaining my low gpa, started in a scientist-bench role and transitioned into business development in the healthcare sector.

Profile:
Male, 27
GMAT: 710 (47Q/41V) 6.0 AWA
GPA: 2.7 in Biological Sciences, UCSD (c/o 2007)
Extracurriculars: 3 year board member of heart-disease research foundation, pop warner football coach, medical missions overseas

Work Exp: 4 years out of undergrad, with a unique mix of
- 2 yrs Business Development for a biotech company with 2 deals on deal sheet, with all the normal modeling and analytics to be expected from such a role
- 2 yrs as a preclinical scientist, conducting oncology experiments for an investigational new drug

Future plans: Continue in BD in Biopharma; have made some decent connections along the way from negotiations and conferences due to the BD community in biotech being pretty small.

In regards to schools, I am looking at mostly entrepreneurial-focused schools: Haas, Anderson, GSB, HBS, Sloan. Do I have a shot?

[throughmba]

It's all relative. Not all 4.0 GPAs are equal. The value placed on GPA depends on what courses you've taken. In the name of diversity, it can pack a punch for sure.

You have a very good profile with very good GMAT score so you have addressed half of your GPA problems.

I am sure that its a perfect setting to show the adcom as a Work in Progress candidate. Its a perfectly plausible theme, asking the bschool in 'transforming' you. So the persona you should present in your application is someone who is both focused and accomplished, yet open to change and ready to be worked on.

Optional essays are there to take a stand and explain. There are obvious ways, one is taking responsibility and other is saying you were more interested in something very very unique. Show how this very very unique thing has led you to Bschool.

I hope it helps. You can mail me if you like.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Hmmmm It's very interesting stuff. Getting a 2.7 because you were too busy playing poker. I would say you have a decent shot. You're in the right function in an industry that B-schools love. You have the GMAT to back up that you have got the brains. And you have a very interesting "making my money through poker" story.

The question will be: how to play it in the essays? Do you want to go with a "folly of my youth" bed? or rather be proud of it? You can swing this story many ways.

Anyhow, you do have a good shot if you can get the right stories. If your intention is to absolutely cover yourself to go to a program, you may add a few more schools lower ranked to even out the odds. But if it suits you, you can also go with a slightly more risky "Top or Bust" strategy.

[gmat18]

Thanks Alex, Jon. I appreciate the feedback. I agree that I should apply to a few other schools to cover my bases - I would definitely say that I am a 'work in progress' type of applicant - one who's potential is beginning to get uncovered and that b-school will surely be transformational in my development.

[Lalit_P]

Hi, It's good to see another biotech person on here! From what I hear, the AdComs like diversity and you got an "in" with your Healthcare background. Even within that subgroup, you stand out at as a (professional?) poker player. I'd say it's looking pretty good for you. Are you in the SD area as well?

Also, at the risk of heightening my competition, have you thought of Wharton? They have a Healthcare Management MBA that you might be interested in.
https://hcmg.wharton.upenn.edu/programs/mba_program.cfm

[gmat18]

Lalit - yes not many biotechies around, where do you work? In regards to the poker, I played online, at the local indian casinos before I turned 21, and oceans, just grinding through maybe 50-60 hrs a week.

I'm indeed in the San Diego area - are you? I haven't looked too much at Wharton, was thinking the schools I'm already considering are enough of a stretch.

[Lalit_P]

I'm in the area as well, just sent you a personal message.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Oh! You guys maybe were virtual poker enemies .
Getting exciting here on BeattheGMAT!
Anyhow, biotech is a great industry. You get bonus points for just being in it.