As a backup, I'm looking to apply to a few MBA programs but unsure of my potential candidacy.
I went to a top 20 US school with a double major Finance/International Relations but only with a 2.9GPA. 6 years of experience by the time of enrollment - 1.5 years at The World Bank, 2.5 years at a long-only investment fund in Asia and another 2 years at a family office (given my own PnL and portfolio management this year but applying for MBA if it doesn't work out). Also passed CFA Level 1 and scored 170/170 quant and 169/170 Verbal on GRe (didn't take my GMAT).
What programs should I be shooting for? I'm considering moving into strategy - that could be in consulting/tech, an LGBT advocacy group nonprofit etc. (part of the reason for an MBA is really a reset as truly I'm getting a bit tired of the hedge fund lifestyle).
Any suggestions on where I should be putting apps out (leaning towards US or UK but in favor of programs that have a strong international focus)? Thanks.
anyone?
Bump** Also just small edit, should be 166 Verbal not 169*
Programs I'm considering: Northwestern, Cornell Tech MBA, Oxford, Cambridge, IMD (1 year programs)
"Strong international focus" + considering the target programs you listed, I could only encourage to look into the LBS MBA + Insead MBA (1-y program). Both in Europe though. "Strong international focus" for both schools. It is, in fact, the strength of these schools.
For what it's worth, I have heard that adcoms tend to appreciate applicants who have had positions at public institutions like The World Bank, the IMF, etc.
Good luck with your apps!
District of Suburbia,
You are a tough one to predict with stellar test score and down-to-earth GPA. Diversity points as LGBT and sounds like some interesting work experience.
Was there any trend to your GPA? Do you feel you could have done better? What prevented you from doing so?
You may be interested in 5 A's for Your Low GPA.
Best, Linda
Poor background (white Caucasian male from Midwest area) /attended a top school and had to work during school as a waiter; took awhile to catch up but I think 3.2ish last two years? Also graduated with double major and minor (150 vs 120 credits, so took on a bit too much).
Yep - just checked 2.93 total/ 3.18 last two years. Had a 4.0 freshman year though because I went to a private liberal arts school (unranked and credits only transferred, not into my GPA). So basically, poor background, excelled in easy school, took time to adjust to a top school. Not a perfect story, but it is what it is. Trend: Year 1 4.0, 2: 2.46, 3: 3.00, 4: 3.27
District of Suburbia,
I agree with Starfall, especially about INSEAD. In addition, I suggest you apply to a range of programs. As I said earlier, you have somewhat of a split profile.
Kellogg is a stretch. Your chances are better at the other programs you mentioned. Also consider Michigan Ross, Darden, Duke, Haas, Cornell Johnson (in addition to Cornell Tech).
Your profile could be very interesting to admissions committees. Your outstanding GRE score will help to overcome some of the concerns that the 2.9 GPA might raise. However, the 2.9 will be a number that any US MBA program will have to swallow as a data point in their stats. Gulp.
The good news is that adcoms truly do evaluate applications holistically so you can overcome the softer GPA with a compelling narrative that connects your previous experience through each MBA program to your clearly stated post-MBA goals. Shoot for the starts at Yale and Tuck. With the focus on tech, you might consider Cornell, Duke, UCLA, and UW-Foster.
You will be well-served to go deep and really connect with each program so you understand what curriculum and extra curricular activities you might leverage to develop the knowledge, skills and relationships that you need to make the next move in your career.
Take a look at https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com/gpa-show-stopper/
Would waiting to apply to Round 1 next year to my top choices (Oxford SAID and Cornell Tech) make any difference?
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