Help with picking schools for bachelor

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of your situation and advice for your school selection:

1. Schools to Consider with a 7.3 GPA

• CBS (Copenhagen Business School) and Mannheim are solid choices. Both are well-regarded in Europe and can provide a strong foundation for breaking into London IB if you perform well academically and network effectively.
• RSM (Rotterdam School of Management): While RSM is known for being selective and GPA-focused, it’s still worth applying if you can craft a strong application emphasizing your extracurriculars (clothing project, music production) and upward GPA trend. Highlighting your unique experiences in your motivational essay could help offset the GPA.
• ESCP and EDHEC: These schools are excellent for finance and IB, but as you noted, tuition fees can be high. If finances are manageable, they’re worth considering, especially since they value well-rounded candidates and may weigh your CV and essays more heavily.
• Other Schools to Explore:
  • Bocconi University (Italy): Known for finance and economics, Bocconi is competitive but places significant weight on motivation letters and extracurriculars. Your entrepreneurial and creative background could stand out.
  • University of St. Gallen (Switzerland): Another top-tier European school for finance. While grades matter, they also value a strong CV and motivation.
  • Warwick Business School (UK): Warwick has a strong reputation in finance and IB. They may be more flexible with GPA if you can demonstrate strong extracurriculars and a compelling story.
  • IE University (Spain): IE is known for being more holistic in admissions, valuing entrepreneurial and creative experiences like yours.

2. Should You Apply to RSM?

• Yes, it’s worth applying if you can craft a strong application. While RSM is GPA-focused, your upward trajectory, entrepreneurial experience, and unique extracurriculars could make you stand out. Just ensure your motivational essay is compelling and highlights your potential.

3. Focus on CBS/Mannheim or Broaden Applications?

• CBS and Mannheim are excellent starting points, but broadening your applications to include schools like Bocconi, St. Gallen, and Warwick could increase your chances of landing at a school that aligns with your goals. These schools also have strong pipelines into London IB.

4. Additional Tips for Your Application:

• Motivational Essays: Use your essays to tell a compelling story about your entrepreneurial mindset (clothing project) and creativity (music production). Emphasize how these experiences have prepared you for a career in finance.
• Networking: Start building connections now. Reach out to alumni or current students at your target schools to learn more and potentially get referrals.
• Supplemental Courses: Consider taking online courses in finance or economics to demonstrate your commitment to the field and strengthen your application.

5. Long-Term Strategy:

• If you don’t get into a top-tier school now, focus on excelling at CBS or Mannheim. Achieving a high GPA, securing internships, and networking aggressively can still position you well for London IB. Many professionals break into IB from non-target schools by outperforming and leveraging strong networks.

By diversifying your applications and crafting a standout narrative, you can maximize your chances of landing at a school that aligns with your goals. Good luck!

Sources: Low GPA/High GMAT, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Did my GPA screw up my application?, MSF Class of 2018, Why are the average GPAs at some Top 10 business schools so low?