Target: M7
Current Age: 25
Desired Age for MBA: 28-29
UG School: Top 100; GPA: 2.5; Triple Concentration degree in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing
Nationality Info: White, Male
GMAT:
No official takes, have been focused on career building; when I was studying I was practicing mid 700s; was also qualified to be a MENSA member if that matters at all and if there is any correlation
Work Experience:
2 years Analytics Consultant at BB Bank given responsibilities to run my own team (unofficially); Currently work at a Low-tier BB in Investment Banking
Extra-Curricular:
Member, Board of Directors; Non-profit supporting military families reentering civilian life, focus on financial savings, PTSD treatment, and supporting their mental health through specialized counselors
We have backing from both of the State Senators and the Governor to grow and are focusing future grants on building a ~$20 million facility for use. The other board members are Marines, Army, and an Executive Director of another non-profit; I am the youngest member by 30+ years.
Reasons for GPA: I have posted about this before but I essentially grew up in a drug house. My mother died via Heroin overdose and my stepfather holds the record for most DUIs in my state (Hurray...). I have 4 younger half-brothers, one with Down syndrome and leaving them in the care of just my aunt was not enough while I was in college. My uncle and nephew both took their own lives while caring for them all and my grandfather died of cancer as well. I am the first in my family to attend a University as well as the first to finish. I spent much time away in an attempt to care for them and make sure they made it through school/high school. One is now in the military and the other is looking to join upon HS graduation. I have recommendations from multiple professors who knew nothing of my situation and only of my abilities; they also elected me as head of the University’s case study team for international competition.
Desire for MBA: Right now, I’m completely unsure. I want to know if this is even possible before I start going down that path. I know I want to be in a strategic role outside of IB later on, possible corporate strategy or the executive for a big non-profit.
What are the possibilities I can mitigate my UG GPA via my experience(s) and what would I need on an official GMAT in order to give me a chance? I am already in IB so I don't believe leaving the track for an MBA would be worth it without it being at least top 10 but I am open to discussion.
Thanks All!
Not an expert but I can only imagine that the MBA business schools">M7 admits that bring down the admit GPA averages have a story similar to yours.
Sorry for all the hardships you've had to face through life. I'd imagine a counselor / MBA consultant would tell you to find a good way to frame your whole "why the low GPA" story without coming off as complaining (Obviously you're not, but I'm sure there are people that might take your low GPA explanation and twist it).
Context is king. You're context is tragic, but it does make your GPA more admissible.
What you need to do between now and when you apply:
When you apply make sure the schools know the context for your undergrad performance while you (and your recommenders) highlight your professional achievements in most of the application.
The point of all this is to show that your undergrad transcript doesn't represent either your intellectual ability or your ability to apply yourself in an academic environment and at the same time giving the schools a track record of achievement that will show them that you not only are extraordinarily resilient but have been a contributor in multiple arenas.
In a nutshell, I think you have a chance. Go for it.
Here are a few (free) resources that should help you.
Get Accepted to Top MBA Programs with Low Stats, an on-demand webinar
5 A's for your Low GPA, a podcast
* Prep for B-School: A 4-Year Guide for college Students & Recent Grads*, a download.
My contact info is below.
Best, Linda
Thank you for your response.
1) That would be the key. Would a 730 be sufficient for a chance at MBA business schools">M7 or would it need to be higher?
2) Would you recommend something like HBX Core?
3) That would be the plan. I was thinking of joining another board for a separate initiative but would worry that would look like I was resume stacking
4) Good advice, thank you
5) I actually studied abroad in Qingdao and Beijing working on product development and design with the Universities.
Thank you for the help!
Justphresh
You're welcome.
Good luck!
Such great advice. Thank you for the contributions you make to these discussions.
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