Joined: 20 May 2012
Posts: 82
Given Kudos: 0
Detail: MBA admissions help
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Strategy
Schools: Northwestern (Kellogg) - Class of 2000
GPA: 3.9
Re: Profile Evaluation - Bio major, tragic GPA
[#permalink]
21 May 2012, 11:10
Hey OjilEye,
I went to Kellogg and was on the adcom while I was there. When I look at your profile, I actually don't think the GPA is going to be your biggest concern. Sure, it could def be better, but I think Kellogg is the only top program that gives people with a low GPA a bit of a break (myself, i had a sub-3.0 GPA too). You took a tough major, and there's a recognition of that. I don't know where you went to school, but if it's a top tier univ. that helps your case too.
The GMAT score is good, but the quant part of it is a concern. Overall, my read on this data is that you're someone who might not be rock solid in the quant part of your background, but i don't think you'd be an academic risk and present challenges to your profs.
My bigger concern is that your career trajectory is (as you put it) in a support function, rather than a decision-making / business judgment function. You've got all the right companies listed out, but your role within them won't be directly relevant to classroom discussions, case study reviews, etc. For that reason, my suggestion would be to address the GPA lightly in your essays, and hammer hard the "WHYs" on going to Kellogg (or any other program). Be very specific about why you want to go, and be clear about how the degree will help to accomplish this. And importantly, cite specific examples of how when you set your mind to something, you're the kind of person who can make it happen. There were candds like you admitted every year, but they were very clear on goals (I work at McK in research..they love me and want me to come back as an associate, blah blah blah...). To me, this is a better use of your time than the hours you'd spend to improve your GMAT quant score. Believe me. If Kellogg wants you, you'll get a spot, and they have ways to accelerate your quant learning.
Hope this info helps,
-james