Alternative Transcript - MSc Finance vs Courses

Hi All,

I was hoping to get some opinions with regards to building an alternative transcript. In a nutshell, I have a crappy GPA. Really crappy in fact. I dont know what it works out to in the US System ( I studied in the UK) but I've seen it translated as low as 2.0. I've read all the "What can I do about a low GPA" threads and the thing which comes up again and again is building an alternative transcript. Fine. I can do that.

So here are my options:

I've been accepted onto a part time MSc Finance program from a good university which I could do whilst continuing to work. Thing is, it doesnt really scratch the MBA itch that I have and would take 18 months to complete. If I were to do the MSc, I would be 30 by the time I finished (With 7 years work experience) and, assuming I applied to MBA programs right away and was accepted, would matriculate at 31.

My other option is to decline the MSc and the tuition costs it would incur, take UCLA pre-MBA courses in stats, calculus etc, and apply for MBA's matriculating in 2014. I would be 29 matriculation if I were accepted.

What would you guys do? Do the MSc and put off the MBA for a while knowing that doing well in the MSc will take care of the horrible GPA? Or say screw it, the MBA is what I want and these pre-MBA courses, alongside my profile and GMAT will be good enough.

I've included a more comprehensive overview of myself below. Really looking forward to hearing your views!

Thanks a million.

ABOUT ME

I’m 27 years old and am from Northern Ireland. Growing up I was fortunate to live in 13 countries (mostly Asia but with spells in S.America and Australia) and travelled to many more (35+).

Work Experience:

Currently just under 5 years. Would be 6 or 7 depending upon when I decide to matriculate.

1 years 6 months: After graduation I was employed by (and co- founded) a start-up which focused on providing VC, Executive management expertise and international marketing to small to mid-stage growth companies within the oil and gas sector. We had a VC fund of $5million, which I raised funds for, and my work took me to Norway and Singapore regularly. The partners have recently wound up the business as they have been offered senior positions with other start-ups (they are both VP level within the industry)

6 months: I worked for an executive level figure within a multinational asset manager to create, develop and market new investment vehicles. These focused upon the alternative energy space and were marketed to institutional investors in Europe alongside the larger Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds.

3 years Worked for another multinational asset manager, the investment arm of one of the world’s largest banks. Joined at the Analyst level and was promoted to Associate after 1 year and 3 months. Initially worked in global strategy but requested a move into institutional sales as I wanted to have a more direct and perhaps tangible effect upon the balance sheet, along with wanting to interact with fund managers, investment analysts etc more. Primarily worked on pitches and research for our emerging market focused products.

Present (4 Months): Business development manager, raising assets from institutional investors for an Asian based investment firm with responsibility for clients in the Uk, Netherlands and Ireland.


Extracurricular:

College: I played rugby for the college team; I also managed one of the intramural teams (Got the squad together, liased with other teams, secured sponsorship etc). Assisted with coaching of a local junior school rugby team in the area. Was a member of the university investment club.

After College: I sit on an alumni committee for my university which gets events going in and around the capital and which also seeks to increase alumni involvement with the university for mutual benefit. Participate in various charities and do volunteer work. I have climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity and have helped to build an orphanage in Vietnam. I continue to travel as opportunity allows, and hobbies include golf and rugby.

GMAT: 720. I may be able to push this higher with dedicated study and practice. I’m looking to matriculate in 3 years.

Target Schools

Stretch: NYU, Duke, Darden,Ross, Tepper

Sweet spot/Fall back: UNC, Emory, Georgetown, Texas @ Austin, Rice, Marshall