Einstein06 wrote:
Paul, I have gotten mixed messages from people I have shared this story with. I am applying this cycle, but am preparing to improve/re-apply if I get dinged from the programs that seem to fit. Is this a crazy strategy?
Age: 29
Ethnicity: African-American
GPA: 2.4 (Top Ivy)
GMAT: 660/6.0 (retaking)
Work Experience: 4 years. First 2 yrs at a Nasdaq 100 as an analyst. Last 2 years at a boutique research firm as a senior analyst.
Background: Essentially failed out first 2 years because of family health problems. Took 1.5 years off back home. Started an internet business and investment club while off. 3.3+ for last two years of college including 3.6+ in major.
Extras: Long volunteering/mentoring history (before, during, and after college). Currently the treasurer of a 501(c)(3) scholarship foundation in my 'spare' time.
Career Goal: Consulting/Entrepreneurship. My experience is most accurately described as client focused research. My final year in undergrad i worked in one of the university's business research centers full time. I would like to continue to do client based project work in strategy consulting.
Interested Schools: UMich, WashU St. Louis, Georgetown, Chicago GSB
-E
Einstein06,
Applying now with what you've got makes sense to me. You are 29 so there's no time to waste. You seem to have a good explanation for your GPA, and a good turnaround story. With your profile, your GMAT is fine for all the schools you mentioned -- you should be competitive at all of them. I would actually even encourage you to add a few top 10 schools to the mix. Your ethnicity is a big asset for you and you have several positives to highlight.
Good luck,
_________________
Paul Bodine /
Author, Great Applications for Business School and Perfect Phrases for Business School Acceptance
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