manifest wrote:
Hello and thanks in advance for your advice!
Program: MBA(FT)
Area of interest in MBA : Finance
Short-term Goals: Investment Banking or Strategy Consulting
Long-term Goals: Emerging Markets/Development
GMAT: 720 (45V, 45Q)
Work experience(WE): 4 years after undergrad as a consultant in finance risk management/operations for a blue-chip firm. Promoted to Senior Associate 1 year early. Nominated for national awards and received regional/market awards.
Nationality: US
Ethnicity: East Indian
Age: 28 at matriculation
Gender: M
Extra-curriculars/community: College - President of Muslim Student Association, Co-Founder and VP of Pakistani Student Association, Social Chair of Indian Student Association; Post-grad - I teach economics to inner city high school students monthly through Junior Achievement, am a formal mentor for an at-risk youth through IMPACT, and am active in community service through Council of American Muslim Professionals (CAMP)
Schools I'm interested in: Harvard and Stanford (dream schools), Columbia, Kellogg, Booth, Haas, Stern, Anderson
Undergrad Degree: BS/Finance (Cum Laude)
GPA: 3.56* - This is my main question/concern. I have a pretty unique situation in that I was orphaned at a young age and after turning 18 was financially responsible for myself and my younger brother (2 years younger). Once 18, I worked as an Accounting Clerk (eventually promoted to Accounting Analyst) for 4.5 years and also had various side business ventures. During that time, I took night classes at a couple different community colleges on and off and given the demands of my work schedule, obviously did not make school a priority. After a total of 6 years (not continuously enrolled), my younger brother graduated college and could support himself financially. I quit my job and enrolled at a State School as a full-time, traditional day-time student for the first time and completed 2.5 years of coursework in 3 semesters. Since I transferred, my GPA reset and I graduated Cum Laude. This is my official GPA listed on my transcript, which includes the grades/units transferred but does not include htem in calculating my GPA. I kind of feel like reporting this GPA is dishonest, but if I include my community college grades, my total GPA is closer to 2.8.
A) How should I disclose my grades/GPA so that I am being honest yet still taken into consideration?
B) I plan on describing the above circumstances in the optional essays. Is this wise to disclose and if so, how do I do so without making excuses or sounding like I'm looking for pity?
C) Should I include my pre-degree work experience on my professional resume?
C) All things considered, what are my chances of getting into my target schools? Are there more realistic schools I should be looking at?
Sorry for such a detailed post. Thanks again!
You're welcome. To address your questions:
A) If the schools instructions aren't clear, then ask the school if you should just provide the GPA given on your transcript or if you have to calculate your GPA including your community college courses, which are not included in your college GPA.Then simply act according to their instructions.
B) yes, you should provide context for your college achievements and the time it took you to complete college. If you matter-of-factly describe what happened, as you did above, it will not come across as seeking pity at all.
C) Yes, but succinctly because your more recent work experience is more relevant.
D) You are a competitive applicant for your target programs. Obviously H/S are the least likely acceptances, but you certainly have a chance. I think you are applying appropriately, albeit without safety schools.
You might be interested in:
*
Low Stats*
Personal Statement Tip: Dealing with HardshipBest,
Linda Abraham
Best,
Linda