2.3 GPA, Start/Sold Company, Strong Work Ex - Can I get Top 20

Hi Everyone:

Thank you for reading this! I wanted to get your input on my chances at a Top 20 US MBA program.

Academics:

2.3 GPA from a Top 40 school. Dual degree in Chemical Engineering and Finance.

Work Ex (3 years): Started my own company in college, scaled it up, and eventually sold it to a PE firm.

Currently working at a brand name company, very well respected in its industry. Previously worked at a larger consultancy where I was quickly promoted.

Extra Curricular: - Board member of my chapter's alumni association. - Pro bono consulting for a gender equality initiative in Uganda through a nonprofit

GMAT: I haven't taken it. I worry that, because my GPA is so low, that even with a high GMAT I won't even have a chance at a Top 20 school.

Overall: I know my GPA is beyond low, and I worry that there is just no point of me even trying for the GMAT and applying because my grades will be a buzzkill. Assuming I can get a 720+, do you think I could get into schools like Emory, Vanderbilt, or WashU? Just Top 20 b schools in general?

2 Comments
 
Best Response

Hey dude, Well it depends a lot on what you have in your profile - meaning your startup and your current company. Like how big was it? How many people did you manage? Who did you sell it to? Etc.

As you know, schools look at profiles holistically, and if you have a totally awesome startup that you sold, then your profile could be very well more interesting than people with solid GPAs but who just went through the mill. But it depends on the detail, as well as the school you are applying it. I remember a statistic (From last year? or the year before?) I think HBS admitted only TWO people with a GPA below 3.0. You wanna be one of those two? Then your startup has gotta be "Angry birds" :)

But to answer your question briefly with the info I have: Yes, Top20 is surely possible.

It will help if: - Your GMAT is really high (to PROVE you are academically capable - You have a very very good reason for having such a poor GPA - Your Work experience is truly very very strong.

Feel free to post more detail here (or PM me) and I can try and elaborate,

Best, Jon

 

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