Low GPA @ Non-Target; BO To FO Promotion; What can I do to maximize M7 / T15 chances?
So I haven't yet decided if I'm going ahead with applying for MBAs (currently weighing if the total cost is worth it). In any case, I'd like to get an honest opinion on which schools I should be targeting if I do push through (and which schools I shouldn't bother looking at).
I worked in AM BO for 3 years right out of school and secured a FO rotational program at the same bank. Gained significant transaction experience. Now at a boutique which offers far more visibility and promotion potential. The goal after doing the MBA is most likely to stay in finance but move from AM to REIB or REPE (flexible on geography). Rationale being an MBA would help boost my network and pedigree while allowing me to "reset" GPA.
I worked part time at a family business during school (blue collar family) which also offers context to the low GPA. I'm also an URM.
GPA: 2.7 (on the low end, and I don't have a legitimate reason for it aside from not being focused - will have to figure how to spin this)
GMAT: Scored ~700 on practice tests, aiming for 750+
Work Experience: 5 years in AM at a Bulge Bracket + ~1-2 years Boutique (think Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, UBS...). Progression was 3 yrs BO > 2 yrs FO rotation > ~1/2 yrs FO boutique
Recommendations: Should be pretty solid. I have good relationships with managers and college professors who can go to bat for me.
ECs: Nothing special here - standard mentorship (iMentor / Minds Matter / SEO).
Was planning on only applying to a handful of schools (5-10): CBS, Columbia MSRED, Wharton, Cornell, Stern, MIT MSRED, Yale SOM, UNC, Haas, USC. Main question really is whether or not I even have a chance at these M7 / T15 / Top MSRE(D) programs given my low GPA and how I can improve my profile to maximize chances of acceptance? Should I continue working for another year and secure promotion to offset it?
How the hell did you get those positions with a 2.7 GPA? I know I'm going to get MS for this but FCK it, you're white right?
Plenty of hustle, networking, and getting really clear about what I wanted to do. Reading WSO for the better part of a decade helped as well
If we're being honest here, these days being white works against you when applying for work.
Bullshit lie
Damn dawg. At 2.7 GPA and 700 GMAT, and (as Sandy Kreisberg at Poets & Quants would say) silver work experience, I don't think you're getting into M7...
Being a URM should help. My advice is to get that GMAT up as much as possible and, if you have time, try to take some quant classes at your local college to build an alternate transcript.
Thanks for the feedback. Will definitely look into doing both of those. Agreed M7 is a long shot but just seems like anything else is a waste of time, you know?
I agree with you. Besides bringing up your GMAT and working on an alternate transcript, crafting your story will be key. If you craft it right, you could shoot for some M7 and have T15 schools as safety/targets.
Wish you the best of luck!
You can get into a T15 b-school with that GPA & your profile, my recommendations are:
1) Take the GMAT. Practice tests are nice, but you need a real score to move fwd and adjust your strategy.
2) Drop the schools focused on stats (Yale SOM, W), the safeties on your list (UNC, USC - may not be worth it to go there) and add a few higher ranked more holistic b-schools (Tuck).
Good luck!!!
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