Lekoben wrote:
Don't really think I have much of a chance with my GPA, but curious about how I could possibly fare in R2.
Black Male Canadian, 25
Undergrad GPA: 2.36 at top Canadian school in Economic Development (although all of the low grades were while I was a CS major for most of the time I was in uni)
GMAT: 750 (49Q, 44V)
Work experience: 3 years (4 at matriculation) in ERP Consulting. Worked at a smaller firm for a couple years before taking what was effectively a promotion in title at B4.
Extracurriculars: Actively involved with onboarding and recruitment at B4, president of a major cultural group in university that held events for 100s of attendees regularly, Big Brother, volunteered regularly at asylum seekers home.
Goals: Transition from ERP to strategy consulting with the long term goal of working on projects that align closely with my degree (i.e. international development projects in Africa). Long-term would want to either work at a firm like Dalberg specifically focused on development consulting or be a strategic lead at an organization focused on African development.
Good question. Because you're Canadian you are not eligible for MLT and the Consortium, and you don't technically fit the definition of U.S. URM. But the you are distinctive enough in your goals and background where you're going to have diversity points.
While that GPA is a serious obstacle, given that you are URM, have a high GMAT, strong work experience, and an interesting goal, and a "reason" for the low GPA, I'd apply widely at top programs, but not just H/S/W. You're looking for the top program that will overlook the GPA and prepare you for the career you intend to have. Don't just apply to 1-2. So yes give H/S a try, but also apply to Darden, Ross, NYU, Georgetown, Haas, and Duke .
For suggestions on mitigating and addressing your GPA, please see
5 A's for Your Low GPABest,
Linda
Thanks for the reply, and yes I agree, I'm submitting apps to 5 schools in the 10-16 range and a safety school in R1. I guess in R2 is where I will try to reach for a couple M7s since from what you're saying I have a chance.
Am I a URM though? I don't have US citizenship and I'm not eligible for MLT or Consortium.