Demographics:
27, American white male

Education:
BS in Economics from Central Michigan University
GPA: 3.00

I transferred between two schools, but finished my last four semester with a gpa in the ballpark of 3.5.

Experience
My experience is quite different than many mba applicants. I began working for a quick service restaurant franchise immediately out of college with the intention of learning if I truly liked the concept. I worked my way to district manager and then left the organization to become a franchisee myself less than 2 years later. I took over a failing franchise and have a decent turn-around story to tell. The business is now quite profitable and nearly self-sustaining.

I do not have any great extracurricular experience to speak of.
GMAT:
700 48q 38v 6 awa

Target Schools:
Cornell, Michigan, and Virginia have caught my attention but I am still researching schools.

Goals:
I have an interest in Healthcare administration, but it has been a while since I have sat down to evaluate my career. I am not sure that I would like to step into the traditional career ladder-climbing business world. This will obviously be my final step to deciding on whether to pursue an mba.

I have just begun to consider an MBA as an option. I am still contemplating whether it will make sense for me. Much of my interest in an MBA comes from simply looking to enhance my abilities and knowledge. The other interest would be to open doors into new possibilities in areas of business that I do not currently have access.

I am more curious as to whether you think that my ‘untraditional’ background would be more of an asset or hindrance

First, thanks for your response and help.

As far as a bridge, I am not sure. Healthcare is just something that has peaked my interest and have begun to explore the career prospects. I have begun to educate myself in the field, but as i said, I am still evaluating myself and options.

I was more concerned about whether a background in small business and owning a franchise would be something special. Although you do not think that it would hinder me, would you expect top schools to have an interest or should I look to schools further down the line?

I have a fairly poor gpa, I did not graduate from a top undergrad program, can my business experience make up for these flaws and make me competitive at some top programs?