jclaker wrote:
I am applying for the weekend program, specifically the Chicago Business Fellows program. I’ve been working for 3 months and plan on applying when I get a 700+ GMAT score.
Background:
I graduated from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business with a 3.086 gpa (awful, I know). My major was in finance. My gpa started around a 3.45 at the beginning of my sophomore year, and then slowly declined (3.2 at the beginning of senior year). This was largely due to job stress. I denied an offer from a great job due to being given an unofficial offer from another company that was closer to home. This offer never happened and left me in a nervous wreck the whole year. I also had bad habits. I was probably addicted to video games which I used as an escape from things in my life. In high school it started and I never broke the habit until I started working. Related to my birth-father going to prison my sophomore year of highschool, getting adopted my senior year by my stepdad and my last name changing as a result.
I have been in contact with someone from admissions at Booth. I explained my GPA and they said I’d be competitive with a 680 GMAT score. I’ve been getting around 680-710 on my practice tests.
Volunteer work:
I start volunteering at the YMCA next week to tutor kids up to 5th grade. I plan on Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity soon.
Work experience:
Built computers for people to make some extra cash sophomore year.
Intern at a health insurance company for junior year internship.
Currently a financial analyst at a large company in Northwest Indiana.
Questions and Concerns:
Is it even worth applying a year from now with a 700+ GMAT score? Was the admissions person I was in contact with dishonest? What steps should I take next? I have a great work ethic now, a complete 180 from college. Not afraid to work hard to get in. I just want to know if it’s even possible. I appreciate any feedback, thanks!
Posted from my mobile device
I'd say that if you really want to be at Booth, give it a try anyway.
As for the low gpa, the lowest (stated for their class of 2019) is 2.76 so a higher GMAT score might help there.
But, at the end of the day, it is your decision.