Profile Eval Request: 720 (V41, Q48), UMichigan 2.95 Econ

[rstalbot]

Hi Stacy and Lisa,

Wondering if you might be able to give me some perspective on my profile.

Here are the particulars:
27y.o. White male. US citizen.
GMAT: Jul2010 - 720 (V41 92%, Q48 80%, 94% overall)
Undergrad: University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Econ major, Philosophy minor. 2.95GPA
Worked 2 jobs to pay for undergrad: contributed to low GPA

Professional Experience:
36 mos (by matriculation) at WD-40 Company in San Diego. Operations Analyst. Strong quantitative and leadership responsibilities. Variety of other responsibilities as well.

Part-time self employment as a pro fashion photographer.

Founder and leader of The Shutter Project - group of 50+ visual arts pros who volunteer with non-profits. Soon to be a 501(c)(3).

Int'l Experience:
Lived in France during undergrad, studied French and traveled.
Moved to Shanghai after undergrad. LONG story (great for essays) but forced to leave b/c of visa issues. No official work experience there, but lots of stories of overcoming hardship.

Have visited 55 countries on 6 continents - travel is a huge part of who I am.

Strong writer and very strong interviewee.

MBA focus: Social Entrepreneurship - through travel, I have developed a passion for helping kids around the world and have some good illustrating stories.

School results so far:

London Business school: R1 - Rejected
Columbia: R1 - waiting
NYU: R1 waiting

Other considerations: McCombs R1, INSEAD, HEC, others?

So, given my profile, do you think I'm aiming at an appropriate program level? I'm having trouble sizing myself up against the competition given the high number of recent applicants. Should I be aiming higher because of my unique story or should I tone things down due to my GPA?

Thanks for the help. I look forward to your response.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear rstalbot,

It is hard to say based on the information in your post, as decisions are made on an evaluation of your total package relative to the school's applicant pool. Without reading your essays, resume and recommendations, I don't have the full picture that the admissions committees have when comparing you to other applicants. While your GPA is low, you have many other positive aspects to your profile that could mitigate it. Your initial 3 schools are highly selective, so if you have not considered some reasonable or safety options, then it is prudent to add 1-2 to your list. McCombs and HEC are possibilities, but you might want to broaden your list to schools outside the top 20 for a safety option.

Good luck,
Lisa