tank wrote:
Hi Linda,
So, this is another profile requesting your evaluation and advice.
Undergrad: Physics major with a very low GPA of 2.6 (embarrassing!!)
Graduate degree: MA in Economics from JHU (part-time). GPA: 3.62
GMAT: 650 on 1st attempt. Took it again recently and in spite of being better prepared, I got a de-motivating 500-something. (didn't even look at the last 2 digits after staring at the 1st for a good minute.)
Work experience: 4+ years at a big international organization (dealing with Economics) which is in the media almost everyday. Have progressed my career at this organization from a ‘temp’ in the HR department, during the recession of 2001, to my current extremely analytical staff position as a Financial and Accounting Analyst in the Finance department. I work on projects that have an impact internationally and deal on a daily basis with central banks authorities of different countries, the FRBNY etc. I initially was one of two members of a team responsible for the daily operations involved in managing a portfolio of $60-70 billion and now that the other person is on maternity leave, I am the only one doing the everyday work on this portfolio.
Undergraduate experience: Was way too involved in college. Was the elected president of an international organization for 2 consecutive years, was elected to be on the Student Senate, part of Dean’s Advisory committee, co-founded a Cricket club and a Chess club and played rugby and soccer. These are just a few of the activities I was involved in.
Post-graduate extracurricular experience: nothing major as I was attending graduate school mostly. Did tutor math to a high school student for last year Summer (but that was paid)
Reason for pursuing MBA: Want to break into the private sector after having worked purely at a non-profit international organization. Interested in the derivatives market and after talking to people in my area of interest I have realized that MBA is the logical bridge required to land a job in that field.
Other factors pertaining to (the rather embarrassing) undergraduate academic record: While being extremely involved, I had to sponsor 50% of my tuition in the last 2 yrs of college. As a result I was working over 30 hours a week in different part-time jobs, which ranged from being a bar-tender at a popular local bar to being a research assistant for a Physics professor.
Targeted schools: Columbia, MIT, Wharton, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell and possibly Harvard, NYU and Duke.
So, my current dilemma is whether I should re-take the GMAT again to try and perk up my score, or should I continue my application for Round 1 (of MIT in November) and Round 2 of Cornell (in November as well)?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Cheers.
Considering your undergrad GPA, you really need to get your GMAT close to the targeted school's GMAT average if you want to have a serious chance. Yes, your grad GPA mitigates the GPA, but you can't apply to these schools seriously with an undergrad GPA and GMAT so far below their average and 20-80 percentiles on those two very important criteria.
I'm sorry to be so blunt and discouraging.
Good luck!