Eval: Please tell me I stand a chance
[#permalink]
22 Jul 2014, 17:44
31, White male, US
-Eight years as a financial analyst (business operations and FP&A) for a top defense contractor. Steady promotions, increases in work scope and responsibility, bosses praise me. I’ve led special projects but as an individual contributor, I have no traditional management experience.
-I just began my GMAT prep, taking the test in a couple of months. Practice scores were high 600’s to 710 with barely any studying (q: 39, v: 45). I’m positive I can bring quant up with some refreshers/strategy.
-UCLA ‘06, Econ major, 3.1 GPA.
No excuses for GPA. Just got distracted by my new-found freedom. It took me a little while to develop my inner motivation. I know better now.
If I took some online quantitative classes, would it boost my case here?
-I have no significant extracurriculars or community service since high school. I get the distinct impression that this is a huge mark against me but I'm not sure anything can be done about it now.
-I'm working on getting my FP&A cert in early 2015 (somewhat equivalent to CPA but for different discipline).
-I’m aiming for the best school I can get into that offers an online option or part-time option in California (Indiana, MBA@UNC, Carnegie Mellon, AZ State, Santa Clara, etc.)
My dream is UCLA or Berkeley... If I somehow got a 760+ GMAT and submitted well-prepared essays/application, would these be possible?
-I’m typically a very strong essay writer so I think that could be a real positive for my application. My recommendations would be from former bosses (middle managers) who would have great things to say about me but aren't really influencers in the corporation.
-My goal is to get into financial analysis/business strategy at a major tech company (Google, Apple, etc.) since they seem to be enthusiastic recruiters of MBAs.
If I tell a cohesive story, put together a great application, score 710+ GMAT, maybe take a quant course or two before applying, do I stand a chance at making it into a good school?
Thanks for the help.