MBA chances - high GPA but no EC
Hi all,
I am thinking of applying to either US or UK MBA programs but have no clue which schools i can get in.
- 89% average from a top Canadian university (equivalent to 3.9 GPA according to Google)
- haven't sat for GMAT but got a 740 on the official mock exam
- 3 year buy-side equity research
- mediocre references
- can't think of any extra-curricular activity that shows leadership though. have a few hobbies but no major accomplishments to write home about. how much will this hurt me?
Dont think I can get into HSW but do i have a chance at other M7? what about LBS or Oxford?
Thanks so much guys & really appreciate your input
Not having extra-curricular activities isn't great, but rarely sinks an application. I would be more worried about the "mediocre references". Why is that? If people that know you don't recommend you highly, why would admissions staff think you're great?
Also, the firm name matters a lot on the buyside. Have your bosses attended one of the top MBA? That could help you a great deal if they give you a recommendation for their alma mater.
740 GMAT, high GPA from top Canadian, good recommendations, known buyside shop, and your profile is in line with M7/LBS, a stretch at HSW, and a shoo-in at Oxford, if you can prove they're not a backup school.
Thanks! very helpful points. I'm worried about my references since both will have to come from within the current firm and won't carry the most impressive titles.
glad to hear that I have a chance at these schools
References don't need to come from the CEO or people in key positions. It is far more important to pick people that can speak at length about you and your achievements. Most referees are asked in the reference to state how they know the applicant and what is their professional relationship (eg. direct supervisor, mentor).
That being said, it is always good to pick people that are more senior or have a connection to the school you are applying to. So, in your position (I assume you are an investment analyst), it would likely be a top analyst you work with a lot and a portfolio manager.
Thank you. Yes it will most likely analysts/portfolio managers that I work with.
Hi Random Guy from CA,
A couple of questions:
thanks Linda - leadership is def a very weak spot since I spend more time working/reading rather than volunteering/socializing. one of the reasons I want an MBA is to go back to school to work on this area . Would it be helpful if I try to explain this in my essay?
Thanks and I really appreciate your help.
random guy,
You're welcome.
I saw your comment about the references. The content of the letter makes a letter of rec strong or weak, not the title of the author.
Regarding the leadership. I don't mean to be harsh, but I don't think an adcom would find your explanation very effective. It basically means that neither at work nor outside of work you've made much of a difference or had an impact.
So I have two suggestions:
Mine your work experience for instances where as a result of your equity research and advocacy your firm avoided a really bad investment or made an excellent one. That's also leadership.
If you really want to have a chance at the programs you are aiming for, I'd encourage you to take on a task where you have responsibility and can have an impact. It can be through a professional organization, a sports interest, perhaps one of your hobbies. Again, think about a way you would like to make a difference -- perhaps in teaching financial literacy or investing through Junior Achievement or another organization, or taking some responsibility for an organization that reflects one of your hobbies.
I should tell you that I am a big reader. I love to read and am frequently in the middle of 2-3 books. So I don't mean to minimize your love of reading -- I get it. But if you want to attend a top program, you might need to put the book down more frequently. Your academics are competitive, the bullets on your resume will be competitive, you just need that leadership component and you can develop it in the next year. You might need to read a little less and do a little more in the time leading up to your MBA.
The former head of HBS admissions used to say "We want to develop leaders, not create them." You need to show that you have the quality that just needs developing, not creating.
If we can be of help, please let me know.
Best, Linda
Thanks so much Linda. Very, very helpful advice.
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