Chances for M7 or T15?
Thinking about doing round 2 applications. Studying for the GMAT right now - I won't move forward with applications if I get less than 720. Here are high-level stats:
Top LAC (Williams/Midd/Amherst), 3.0/4.0 GPA in Anthropology/Philosophy, was an athlete if that matters at all, 5 years of IB experience in a product group at a low-tier bulge bracket. I am an URM / first gen college student.
Main reason for MBA is to network TBH, feel like I don't have a strong enough network to move forward in my career. Goal would be to go back to IB for the medium-term.
The plan would be to only apply to a few schools: Columbia, Kellogg, NYU, Darden, MIT, and Yale SOM. Do I even have a shot?
I think you're being unreasonably hard on yourself. In my view all the schools you listed are on the table and very realistic. Some of the lower ranked ones (NYU, Darden), should be more as back-ups.
I think if you can manage to get a 700 or higher, you should be in good shape for at least a few of these programs. MIT seems tough because they are focused on the numbers, GPA, GMAT, etc, but it is still worth applying. As a URM from a great college, working at a very good company (and presumably doing well), I would think you'll be a pretty competitive applicant. Some of the schools you listed aren't that easy either, so a 3.0 (B average), while not great, isn't too bad, when they are curving to a B+.
That's good to hear. Although, I wasn't a double major. I only majored in one of those. Would admissions look down upon my goal to go back into banking? I want to go to school just to build my network and to have a break from IB for a bit, but if I can't guarantee I can get a job in IB again then I don't know if it's worth doing an MBA.
I would think if you get into one of these schools, moving back into IB won't be a challenge at all. I would speak with an admissions consultant regarding how schools will view you wanting to move back into banking as a goal, or if it makes sense to say something else. Obviously on the consulting side there are plenty of sponsored candidates moving back to the same firms (who get into good MBA programs), so in theory there shouldn't be an issue with it, but it's just less common to see in banking.
You have a shot. You are URM and have good work experience and will have a 720+ GMAT. Your having been an athlete is important context for the GPA. Was there an upward trend to it? MIT historically has been less forgiving about low GPAs. You may want to add Booth and skip MIT.
Please see https://blog.accepted.com/what-to-do-about-a-low-gpa/ for suggestions on how to address and minimize the impact of your undergrad GPA, but a 720+ GMAT will certainly help.
You may also want to consider applying when possible through CGSM. It will save you time, money and has a very strong networking aspect to it.
Best,
Linda
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