Pretty Low GPA; do I have a chance?
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12 May 2010, 09:22
Hi Alex
First I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your straight forward and no nonsense advice. However, im writing becasue I would like your professional opinion on my chances of admittance into a good MBA program.
About me:
Im 24 years old and am from a small under represented western european country. I have lived in 13 countries (mostly asia) and travelled to many more (35+). I speak French and English (Mother toungue).
Work Experience:
Currently two years, although I wouldnt be aiming for admission for another 2-3.
1 years 6 months: I was employed by (and cofounded) a startup which focused on providing VC, Executive management expertise and international marketing to small to mid-stage growth countries. We had a VC fund of $5million, which I founded and my work took me to Norway and Singapore regularly. I believe the partners are now winding up the business as they have been approached by other successful startups and offered senior positions (they are both VP level within the industry)
5 months: I worked for a senior figure within a multinational asset manager to create and develop new investment vehicles which focused upon the alternative energy industry.
Present: Work for another multinational asset manager in a global business development role. On a daily basis I am in contact with colleagues around the world, from Europe to Asia to the USA. My work primarily focuses on our flagship fund which has sales of $4bn in the one year its been launched.
Extracurriculars:
College: I played rugby for the school team, I also managed one of the intramural teams (Got the squad together, liased with other teams, secured sponsorship etc). I was also a member of the management society.
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. Ive also founded an alumni association for my old secondary school. I play rugby for a local team and also coach their U14 team. Participate in charites, most recently volunteered to build and orphanage in Vietnam.Continue to travel as opportunity allows, have also competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Singapore and Brazil.
Qualifications:
Im hoping to have CFA levels 1 and 2 (at least) finished by the time I apply.
I have a BA degree in business
Weaknesses:
My GPA is low...I dont know what it translates to in the American system but its extremely low and unfortunately downward trending....I had two average years at school followed by a disasterous final year which made up 75% of my degree.This can be attributed to both ill health (I spent some time in hospital) and immaturity. To be honest I dont want to get on my soapbox and harp on about it. I cant do anything to change it and have worked hard not to let it hold me back.
To combat this I have taken several college classes and got A's (UCLA extension, Calculus, Accounting, Statistics...im also hoping that the CFA will help show that im academically capable and that the GPA, which will be along time ago by the time I apply, doesnt reflect the person I am now.
Reason to do the MBA:
Well, Its always been an ambition of mine. I would also like to use it to project myself into alternative energy focused Venture capital with the long term aim of starting my own fund which focuses on emerging markets and aims to help those in developing countries.
GMAT: 720. I may be able to push this higher with dedicated study and practice. Looking to matriculate in 2 or 3 years.
Target Schools: Im interested in Duke, Darden, UNC, Texas @ Austin, Georgetown, Vanderbilt and will probably try yale.
I would really appreciate your input with regards to my chances of admission and is there anything I can do to improve my chances?
Thanks for any info/help you can provide alex