Intern
Joined: 14 Oct 2012
Posts: 7
Location: United States
Concentration: Strategy, Leadership
GPA: 3.9
What can I do in the next 2-4 years to help my chances? MBA
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14 Oct 2012, 20:11
Okay, so I have a spotted past that I feel will ultimately determine my chances at getting into an excellent MBA program.
The short story:
The short story is that I screwed up my initial undergrad with a mixture of rebellious rock band touring, health issues, caring for family members and awful financial issues. I then worked at a dumbed-down job (supervisory management position at Canadian Airport equivalent to TSA) for 2 years after hitting my lowest point. I then re-enrolled in a third-tier university BBA program (will be the quickest one to complete as I can do 4 year-program in 2.5 years). I now have a management internship position at a start-up national non-profit. I am easily getting 90s in the program while still working my job for pay and at the unpaid managerial position at the non-profit as well as taking part in business student case study competitions. I have also privately tutored under-priviledged high school students in Calculus, English, and the Sciences either pro-bono or on a sliding-scale for 8 years because I actually give a damn and don't usually mention this.
Anyway, I know I am easily capable of 710+ on the GMAT and my average will likely hover 4.0.
I want to
The long-story (if you want it):
Essentially, I began my undergrad in 2003 in the Life Sciences at the University of Toronto. I went into it with high expectations as I was a science fiend and had developed and led a research project at the Ontario Cancer Institute for a biotechnology challenge while in my senior year of high school.
I did not have success at undergrad for a slew of reasons, including caring for my sick parent, financial turmoil, and rebelling against the pressure to do this program by playing/touring in rock/metal bands.
I was at U of T on and off from 2003-2009, culminating in unaddressed personal health problems finally taking their toll.
I had terrible grades by my standards at U of T, with a 3.33 GPA (mostly boosted by 4.0s in Latin, Greek, and, for some odd reason, Pharmacology courses) since I would usually be able to do only two thirds of any coursework I was given. This does not include 2.5 years of part-time study that was withdrawal (dropping out due to health or band-touring purposes).
During my studies and up until 2010, I toured in metal and rock bands. They were successful in their genres, with one getting US and Canadian national magazine coverage before dying away due to internal conflicts. I did much of the PR,marketing and other logistics for these bands.
Then, in 2010, I had a life-changing experience and I came to my senses. I got back to work (promoted twice in 1.5 years to management) to get enough money to get the quickest BBA I could find. I knew I was interested in business and, since I knew U of T life sciences were immensely more challenging than business or commerce (I've seen and practiced with exams from my peers in Ivey or Rotman commerce programs), I have found smooth sailing in this program and a lot more engagement. I could get promoted to Operations Manager at my work, but I find that such a waste of my potential.
Anyways, I'm looking for some direction. My interests are hardly setfast, but likely include social impact and international positions in for-profits.
Consultancy in international development for a couple of years would also be a stepping stone goal as I love following advances in microfinance. I have no clue what I would even be on the radar for in terms of MBA programs.
Any help would be great, thanks!