sdiazl wrote:
Accepted.com wrote:
sdiazl wrote:
Hello,
I was hoping you'd be able to give me some advice regarding MBA applications. Here is a bit about me:
- dual citizen (Canada and Colombia)
- B.A in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University, graduated in 2010. Unfortunately my GPA is dismal - not because I didn't get it but mostly because I didn't take it seriously. There are some signs of what I'm capable though, with some really high marks in tough courses. Another negative is that I never passed Calculus - I've been considering taking this as again I am not weak at math - I just did not take university seriously when I was there.
- I did manage to get into a post-graduate program at a college in Computer Programming, which I did very well in (top of class). Would this factor in at all?
- I'm currently working for a midsized marketing research company, but on the technology side, basically as a programmer - I've been here for over a year and was promoted within a year
- Scored a 670 on the GMAT (Q45,V37) and I am considering retaking it - any thoughts?
- Very little extracurricular activities - although looking to start a few.
- My goal is to study abroad - ideally in the United States or in Europe - but somewhere that is on the same level or better than the top programs in Canada. Is this realistic?
Thanks very much and looking forward to your response.
Exactly
how dismal is your GPA? Did you flunk calculus?
Regarding the
GMAT, what makes you think you can do better? Higher practice exam scores?
You might be interested in my webinar tomorrow:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/2 ... ?fl=events Best,
Linda
Well it's roughly a 2.2 out of 4 GPA. Although my last year of study is over 3.
In my post-grad I scored a GPA of 3.87.
Unfortunately I did flunk Calculus - would it be worthwhile retaking it?
And as for the GMAT - I feel I can do better because I did not really take verbal that seriously, thinking that as a native speaker, I would do well enough.
You didn't say which schools you would like to attend. If you want to attend top 25, here is what I suggest:
1. If you feel you can raise your GMAT, retake and raise it. It is an indication of raw ability as well as an important element, especially if you are asking them to overlook your GPA.
2. Your grad degree shows that you can apply yourself, at least in programming. Now take a few business classes and ace them. Yes do retake calculus, but only if you will do well.
3. Provide the adcom with context for your undergrad GPA -- immaturity, whatever. Don't make excuses, but point to all the other stuff mentioned in 1 &2 as evidence of what you are capable in an academic setting.
4. Excel professionally. then also point to your professional progression as evidence of your maturity and ability.
5. Demonstrate
leadershipso that there are positive reasons to admit you and not just reasons not to reject you.
The last point is actually an important one. Sometimes when overcoming weaknesses occupies ones attention, candidates forget that they have to give positive reasons to accept. Please see
https://www.accepted.com/chat/transcript ... erson.aspx for what one dean says on this point.
Best,
Linda
Hope this helps.
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16 May 2013, 09:37
