shahski wrote:
Paul / Linda,
Having switched career paths, could you please evaluate my profile and answer the following questions:
1. Should I address my weak undergrad gpa in the optional essay? I essentially spent more time in the student orgs than in class.
2. Would another year of experience dramatically improve my application? If things don't work out for my current business, I plan to either take a corporate wine job or a position at an eship incubator.
3. Is there any other weak points in my application that I should address?
Profile:
Undergrad GPA- 3.0 from Carnegie Mellon Business
Graduate GPA - 3.8 from George Washington in MIS
Highest GMAT - 690 (49-M, 35-V, 6-AWA)
Married, 25 yrs old, Male
US citizen, but of Indian descent
Work Experience:
I interned at the World Bank for about 10 months on and off between undergrad and grad school doing mostly procurement and IT work. I then worked at Deloitte Consulting for just under 2 yrs and left leading small groups (2-3) people doing mostly strategy work. Joined a startup for about a month trying to import wine - company going under so I bailed. I joined a retail wine shop and took some certifications to learn more about the wine industry for a few months. Started my own company in the industry now with international exposure and 2 PT employees (3 months), but things look bleak.
Leadership:
-Founded and led two student orgs (w/ significant accomplishments) in undergrad that are still active today
- was an RA and TA for several semesters
-Been on the executive board for a south asian professional org locally and on the board of directors for the national (parent) org
-Led various office initiatives and community service events at Deloitte
Why bschool?
I want to take entrepreneurship to the next level. To do this I need to refine my basic business skills and learn from other enterprenueurs and innovators. Schools that have centers of eship have the network and educational programs that can support me in this goal.
In order of preference, I am shooting for: HBS, Dartmouth, Berkeley, Michigan, and UVA. Any others I should perhaps consider?
Thanks for all your help. It is greatly appreciated.
shahski,
To answer your questions:
1. Yes, you could address your GPA briefly in the optional essay or in an addendum if you have more positive material you want to discuss in the optional essay. The GPA is not really bad so keep it short and sweet and positive.
2. Another year could dramatically improve your chances if you can imagine something very strong occurring in that year, i.e., a breakthrough in your business or you move to a high-impact position with another organization, etc. If you envision the next year being similar to the preceding one then the additional year doesn't do much for you. You can always apply now and then if you are dinged you are still yoing enough to apply again next year.
3. You have a good chance at Darden, a decent chance at Michigan, and Haas and Tuck might come through for you if your entrepreneurship story is presented well. I don't think HBS looks realistic but you could apply as a longshot. Your weaknesses seem to be GMAT (slight weakness), a work record that has some ups and downs (one company goes under, current company not doing well), nothing else really powerful or distinctive (that you mentioned) to compensate.
Your wine industry experience, and even the World Bank experience, help you stand out, and the fact that you've done so much for someone who's only 25 makes you a competitive applicant at many of the top schools.
Hope this helps,