dor,
Get a better GMAT score. It will work wonders for you.
Your GPA is low. Your reason is extenuating, and hopefully the adcoms understand. The fact that you ended up on the dean's list in your final year should help.
We need some more information about the nature of your work experience, and some of the leadership stories that you may have at work. EC's are good.
Still, you may find it difficult at some of these programs - perhaps you will get interviews. Spread the net a bit wider, and get it done this year. Don't worry about R2 - R2 should be ok for you.
Regards,
Karthik
dor1209 wrote:
1) Brief description of your full-time work experience.
Project engineer at Global Fortune 500 company (located in Australia)
5 month international stint in Singapore
Total 42 months work exp as of now.
2) Your GMAT
First attempt: 700 Q48 V38 (low IR 25th percentile! - didn't study for IR but was in 80th percentile on practice tests)
Please advise if I should retake, I'm certain I can get ~730 with another 2 months of study and certainly can pick up the IR score.
3) College info:
Top university in Australia (usually ranked somewhere from 3rd-5th nation-wide)
Major: Engineering and Accounting (in Australia we are allowed to do a longer degree with two different majors)
Graduation: Nov 2011
GPA: converts to about 2.9/4.0. Failed two subjects. Did end up on deans list in my last year.
Extenuating circumstance: Long story short, I struggled with coming out and with the family and had to move out of home - which required me to work part-time to support myself. My work included two years at PwC Tax Team as an undergrad consultant.
4) Significant college and post-college extra-curricular activities or community service, especially leadership experience.
College :
2 years :Committee member on the board of Young Engineers Australia (sub-group of the national Engineers Australia professional body)
2 years : Committee member of the largest student organisation at my university.
Current
sub-committee member of the largest LGBTI Business Oraganisation in Melbourne
Mentor for LGBT College student (through an organisation that organises these mentor/mentee partnerships)
5) Important certifications
Started my Chartered Engineering (unlikely be completed before applications)
6) Your target programs.
Stern, Kellog, Booth, Columbia
Please recommend schools if these are completely out of reach with my GPA.
7) Application cycle:
Need advice on this.
I believe with my GPA I need all the advantage I can get. Therefore, I think I need to apply in R1.
R1 2015 (deadlines in Sept/Oct) - seems too rushed if I'm to retake my GMAT. Will R2 be a huge disadvantage? If so, I'm happy to wait one more year (as it also will distance myself from my GPA even more)
8) Your post-MBA goal.
Strategy Implementation
9)Personal:
Female; Asian-Australian; LGBT
I understand my GPA is very low. Please advise if I have a shot at these schools and whether I should retake my GMAT for a higher score to at least somewhat offset the GPA.
Thanks in advance!
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09 Jul 2015, 23:45
