So I haven't yet decided if I'm going to push through applying for MBAs (still trying to figure out if all the expenses are 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'm from South East Asia and graduated with a business degree from one of the top universities in my country. Currently work in equity research at a bulge bracket. The goal after taking the MBA is most likely to stay in finance but move from ER to IB or HF (either in the US or back here in Asia).
GPA: 3.1 (on the low end, and I don't have a legitimate reason for it aside from slacking off - will have to figure how to spin this)
GMAT: 730 (can try and bump this up to a 750)
Work Experience: 4 years in Equity Research at a Bulge Bracket (think Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, UBS...). Two years as an associate, two years as a writing analyst.
Other qualifications: CFA Charterholder
Main question really is whether or not I even have a chance at the M7 given my low GPA. If not, then what schools are likely going to accept such a profile?
I'm not nearly qualified enough to comment on this BUT your GMAT is rock solid, paired with the fact you've got the charter. Also the work exp is top notch. If I were you I'd apply (seems there's a solid shot)
Charlie,
I have a few questions: Is a 3.1 a translation from a different grading system? Or was your school really on the U.S.-based 4.0 grading scale. Also was there any trend to your grades? Were your grades considered mediocre in your home country?
Best, Linda
Hi Linda, unfortunately yes we use the 4.0 grading system so the 3.1 is accurate. However, I think on average our grades are skewed a bit lower than that of the US (maybe by 0.2 or 0.3 points? M7 targets are Wharton, Booth, Sloan, & Columbia (probably all reaches tbh) and my T15 targets are Stern & Tuck.
I actually do think that if your school is well known and also known for rigor and little grade inflation, they will factor it in.
I think you can overcome the GPA, and have actually made an excellent start in doing so with The CFA and your GMAT. If your work also shows steady progression and increasing responsibility, that will be another plus.
For more on mitigating a low undergrad GPA, please click here. .
To answer your main question, yes, you have a chance in the M7, especially the parts of it with higher acceptance rates like Booth and Wharton, maybe Columbia. I am not optimistic about HBS and Stanford. Stern and Tuck are excellent options. You may also want to consider Yale, Cornell Johnson, and Duke.
If we can be a resource to you as you apply, please let me know.
Best, Linda
Hi Charlie,
It's definitely more difficult for international students to get jobs in the U.S. post-graduation. It's not impossible, but I don't have stats for you. I would say the job market also plays a role. In a tight job market, companies are more willing to sponsor than in a period of high unemployment.
Also if you attend a program that is STEM certified, then you have the option of OPT (Optional Professional Training).
Best, Linda
Hi Linda, revisiting this thread hoping I can ask one follow up question. Not sure how many of your past clients come from an Equity Research background but how do you typically advise them when it comes to outlining career progression & talking about leadership?
Unlike IB and Consulting where there is a clear upward trajectory (promotions every 2 years or so), ER is very flat and the only real promotion you can expect in 5 years is from associate to analyst. That being said, there are definitely some points in those five years where an increase in responsibility is clear (i.e. from assisting analysts to actually covering your own stocks) but since the added responsibility is not an actual change in your corporate title, I am not sure if this is something you can put in your resume (maybe in the essay part).
Leadership experience is another difficult part of the apps because ER analysts typically do not manage teams (at least not as much as in other roles). Was thinking I could focus on moments where I led initiatives to collaborate with other analysts across different teams/geographies even if these analysts are technically not my subordinates. Would that work?
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