deciblast wrote:
Paul and Linda,
Thanks for taking the time to help out.
Demographics:
29, Asian Indian (born in the US), living in San Francisco
Education:
BS in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics, San Francisco State University
GPA: 2.86/4.0.
Major GPA: 3.5/4.0
3.65 the last 60 units (the toughest classes as well). SFSU doesn't replace grades and averages them. I retook several classes.
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer prior to starting at SFSU when I transferred and passed away in 2000. I was laid off in 2001 and decided to take a break from school which ended up being 3 years.
Started back in 2004 and finished in 2006 going strong pretty much getting all A's. I've taken: Macroeconomics, 3 semesters of Calculus, Probability & Statistics for Engineers, Linear Algebra.
I recently attended a summer program at Chicago GSB with introductory classes in Accounting, Competitive Strategy, Marketing, and Finance.
Experience
3 years Technical Support at Internet Service providers, dialup and colocation business customer support. Developed a strong sense of customer service because we dealt with a wide variety of users. We had to deal with irate customers often.
6 years total of experience at nonprofits. 2 as a System Administrator at place that trains disadvantaged youth and welfare mothers to work. They also owned for profit businesses and established a social incubator to fund businesses who placed our participants in jobs. I managed the technology/communications aspect of 4 office moves, trained participants, supported 50-75 users at 6 locations, and developed the website.
4 years from Technical Support to now managing the IT and Communications departments: budgets, long term planning, manage a small staff 3-5 people, consultants, support staff in 15 countries, leading projects and working in teams, interacting with the board, training staff, and support global network spanning 60 countries. The company's mission is to end religiously motivated violence and create cultures of peace and harmony. We have a plan to raise a $100 million foundation to fund the organization in the future and I've been interacting with that board often for the communication and technology plans.
Extracurriculars: I was in the ACM during school but as far as volunteer work I didn't have much time because I worked almost full time and went to school. I'm talking to YMCA or Boys & Girls Club about volunteering right now.
I have very solid recommendations at work. The executive director and cofounder are published authors, taught at the university level, and know me very well. At the GSB, the accounting professor which I absolutely adored pledged to give me a recommendation.
GMAT:
I'm currently studying for it and I hope to take it in October. Aiming for a 720.
Target Schools:
Chicago GSB, NYU, Northwestern, UCLA, Berkeley, Duke University, USC
Goals:
I'm tired of the IT and software engineering industry. Since I was younger I've always had an interest in business. Eventually I would like to manage a non profit and I think I may choose it as one of my specializations.
Thoughts? Suggestions on how I can make my application stronger? I know my extra curricular activities is weak and I hope to start volunteering soon. I just want something worthwhile to contribute my time to. Also do you think it would be bad if I switched jobs before I get into school? I may have an opportunity at a consulting firm soon.
Thanks!
deciblast,
Given your undergrad GPA, you will want to get as high a GMAT score as you can. With around a 700, only USC and Duke look like strong likelihoods to me. With a 740 plus and strong execution on your essays, reco letters, etc., you would be competitive at schools like Stern and UCLA and might be able to get Chicago or Haas to admit you. Without a strong community profile, I don't think Kellogg is likely, even with your social impact work experience. Being in IT certainly doesn't help you stand out, but your nonprofit work experience and social impact goals do pull you out of the crowd, so leaving for a consulting job before you apply could damage the focus of your application.
Good luck,