Hi,
I'm actually a prospective MBA student, looking to apply in about 3-4 years time. I'm taking the GMAT in a little less than 60 days, and through practice exams I've been doing, my current expected grade is about 730-740 (hoping to increase that further in the next 2 months). For thye sake of a straight evaluation, assume a 730. My status as of now:
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Caucasian
GMAT: 730
Undergrad. GPA: 2.98 in Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada in 2012
reason for terrible GPA: Mostly the maturation process. I had an average start, but my 2nd and 3rd years were absolutely terrible (I managed to have 1 failing term and 2 other close to 2.0 GPA terms). This was mainly a result of juggling both a difficult degree and being an R.A in the residence where I lived. This in combination with not being inspired by the curriculum in school resulted in a harsh learning experience which I took to heart. After a couple of work terms which I found really interesting (an R&D project related to wind turbines), My grades significantly improved, which carried through to the end of my degree. My senior year GPA was 3.7.
Work experience: Although I know they don't technically count, I had 6 4 month work terms while in school. 2 were working on a wind turbine R&D project with the same company , 2 were working with power systems in the maintenance department of a paper mill and 2 others were working document control for an oil company.
My current job is as an EIT (Engineer in Training) with a major global mining company in a northern community in Canada. I work in the central engineering department and am on an EIT rotation program (essentially I get rotated through several roles over the next 2 years, including cost control and project management in multiple departments). I'm looking to keep this position for a while and I'm well liked by my coworkers and superiors, which will hopefully translate into good recommendations.
Extracurricular activities: Formerly a track and field athlete. I competed at several national competitions in high school and competed for a short while in college before I felt I needed to focus more time on my studies. I've been an avid salsa dancer for the last several years. Since moving north I missed it greatly, so I started a salsa dancing club and also teach classes for it. In addition, I plan social gatherings for salsa on a monthly basis. I'm a disaster volunteer with the Red Cross and recently applied to be a volunteer firefighter as well. At some point in the near future, it is likely that my company will send me to get my PMP certification (project management professional). I'm also currently learning Spanish.
Target programs: LBS, Said at Oxford, INSEAD, Cornell Johnson, Yale, Booth, Columbia, (huge reach) Wharton
Post-MBA goals: To work in international finance, although the exact specifics of which I'm still unsure about. I'll evolve this more as I research, network and gain experience.
I'm looking for an estimate of my chances to achieve any of the above schools on my current trajectory. Any advice for strengthening my profile over the next several years will be greatly appreciated. If you feel I can benefit from hiring Accepted as a consultant, I would appreciate this as well.
I realize my GPA is severely lacking, which is why I'm doing whatever I can in the rest of my application to strengthen my profile. I at least have time on my side, so I intend to make the most of it. Thank you so much in advance
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